2000 DODGE NEON Service Repair Manual

PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.............1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)..........1
CLOCKSPRING...........................2
DRIVER and PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE....2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AIRBAG SYSTEM.........................3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CLEAN UP PROCEDURE....................3HANDLING AIRBAG MODULES..............4
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION................4
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)..........4
CLOCKSPRING...........................5
DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE..................6
PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE..............7
STEERING WHEEL........................8
ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING PROCEDURE......9
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COM-
PLEX ELECTRO±MECHANICAL UNIT. DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE
BEFORE BEGINNING AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
NENT REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.
THIS WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAIL-
URE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR ONE MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
DO NOT PLACE AN INTACT UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
FACE DOWN ON A SOLID SURFACE, THE AIRBAG
WILL PROPEL INTO THE AIR IF ACCIDENTALLY
DEPLOYED AND COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY. WHEN CARRYING OR HANDLING AN UNDE-
PLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, THE TRIM SIDE OF THE
AIRBAG SHOULD BE POINTING AWAY FROM THE
BODY TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY IF ACCI-
DENTAL DEPLOYMENT OCCURS.
REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS WITH
MOPARTREPLACEMENT PARTS. SUBSTITUTE
PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT
INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFE-
RIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES, RUBBER GLOVES,
AND LONG SLEEVES CLOTHING WHEN CLEANING
POWDER RESIDUE FROM VEHICLE AFTER AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT. SODIUM HYDROXIDE POWDER
RESIDUE EMITTED FROM A DEPLOYED AIRBAG
CAN CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. FLUSH AFFECTEDAREA WITH COOL WATER IF IRRITATION IS EXPE-
RIENCED. IF NASAL OR THROAT IRRITATION IS
EXPERIENCED, EXIT THE VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR
UNTIL THE IRRITATION CEASES. IF IRRITATION
CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSICIAN.
DO NOT USE A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG THAT IS
NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, IMPROPER
DEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL INJURY CAN
RESULT.
THE FACTORY INSTALLED FASTENERS,
SCREWS AND BOLTS USED TO FASTEN AIRBAG
COMPONENTS HAVE A SPECIAL COATING AND
ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. DO NOT USE SUBSTITUTE FASTENERS,
USE ONLY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FASTENERS
LISTED IN THE PARTS CATALOG WHEN FASTENER
REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED.
NOTE: Airbags should be stored in a cool dry loca-
tion away from excessive heat and static electrical
activity with the fabric airbag facing UP, or a prema-
ture deployment can result.
If the Driver/Passenger Airbag Module is defective
and not deployed, refer to DaimlerChrysler Corpora-
tion current return list for proper handling proce-
dures.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) contains the
sensing element, safing sensor, and energy reserve
capacitor. The module is mounted on the tunnel/floor
pan between the gear shift lever and the park brake
PLPASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 1

lever (Fig. 1). The ACM monitors the system to deter-
mine the system readiness. The ACM contains
on-board diagnostics, and will illuminate the AIR-
BAG warning lamp in the cluster when a fault
occurs. The warning equipment is tested for six to
eight seconds every time the vehicle is started.
CLOCKSPRING
The clockspring is mounted to the steering column
behind the steering wheel (Fig. 2). The clockspring is
used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit
between the wiring harness and the:
²Driver's airbag module
²Speed control switches
²Horn switch
The clockspring consists of a flat, ribbon like, elec-
trically conductive tape which winds and unwinds
with the steering wheel rotation.
DRIVER and PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER OR
PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULES, THERE ARE NO
SERVICEABLE PARTS WITH IN THE MODULES.
The Driver Airbag Module located on the steering
wheel is the most visible part of the system (Fig. 3).
The airbag module contains a housing to which the
cushion, inflator and cover are attached to.
The driver side inflator assembly is mounted from
the back of the module housing. When supplied with
the proper electrical signal the inflator assembly will
produce a gas and discharge it directly into the cush-
ion. A protective cover is fitted to the front of the
Driver Airbag Module and forms a decorative cover
in the center of the steering wheel. The Driver Air-bag Module is mounted directly to the steering
wheel.
The Passenger Airbag Module is located beneath
the decorative cover of the instrument panel, facing
the passenger seat (Fig. 3).
The passenger inflator assembly is within the mod-
ule housing. The module is mounted to the instru-
ment panel retainer and support structure. When
supplied with the proper electrical signal the inflator
will produce a gas and discharge it directly into the
cushion. A protective cover is fitted over the airbag
module and forms a decorative cover.
Fig. 1 Airbag Control Module (ACM) Location -
Typical
1 ± AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
Fig. 2 Clockspring Location
1 ± STEERING COLUMN
2 ± CLOCKSPRING
3 ± CLOCKSPRING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
4 ± IGNITION SWITCH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Fig. 3 Driver/Passenger Airbag Modules
1 ± DRIVER AIRBAG
2 ± PASSENGER AIRBAG
8M - 2 PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMSPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AIRBAG SYSTEM
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 4).
(2) Connect the DRB llltscan tool to the Data
Link Connector (DLC), located at left side of the
steering column and at the lower edge of the lower
instrument panel (Fig. 5). Ensure that the latest ver-
sion is being used.
(3) Turn the ignition key to ON position. Exit vehi-
cle with the DRB llltscan tool.
(4) After checking that no one is inside the vehicle,
connect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRB llltscan tool, read and record
active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Read and record any stored DTC's.
(7) Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures
Manual if any DTC's are found in Step 5 or Step 6.
(8) Erase stored DTC's if there are no active
DTC's. If problems remain, DTC's will not erase.
Refer to the proper Body Diagnostic Procedures Man-
ual to diagnose the problem.If airbag warning
lamp either fails to light, or goes on and stays
on, there is a system malfunction. Refer to the
proper Body Diagnostic Procedures Manual to
diagnose the problem.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CLEAN UP PROCEDURE
Roll of fold the driver side airbag towards the
steering wheel and tape the airbag module cover over
deployed bag.
Roll or fold the passenger airbag towards the
instrument panel surface and close the door over the
folded bag. Then tape the door shut.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well. If
the heater or air conditioner was in RECIRC mode at
time of airbag deployment, operate blower motor on
low speed and vacuum powder residue expelled from
the heater and A/C outlets. Multiple vacuum cleaning
may to necessary to decontaminate the interior of the
vehicle.
NOTE: Dispose deployed airbag properly, contact
dealer or government agency for disposal recom-
mendations.
SERVICE OF DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE
DRIVER AIRBAG
After a Driver Airbag Module has been deployed
the following components must be replaced because
they cannot be reused. Other driver airbag system
components are replaced if damaged.
²Driver Airbag Module
Fig. 4 Battery Negative Cable Remove/Install
1 ± NEGATIVE CABLE
2 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
Fig. 5 Data Link Connector (DLC) Location
1 ± DATA LINK CONNECTOR (DLC)
2 ± BRAKE PEDAL
PLPASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 3

²Clockspring assembly
²Steering Column Assembly w/Lower Steering
Column Coupler
PASSENGER AIRBAG
After a Passenger Airbag Module has been
deployed, replace the following components because
they cannot be reused.
²Passenger Airbag Module
Inspect all the attaching hardware and instrument
panel for damage. If damage is evident, components
should be replaced.
HANDLING AIRBAG MODULES
DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE
The vehicle interior may contain a very small
amount of sodium hydroxide powder, a by-product of
airbag deployment. Sodium hydroxide powder can
irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Wear safety
glasses, rubber gloves, and long sleeved clothing
when cleaning any of the powder residue from the
vehicle.
If you find that the cleanup is irritating your skin,
run cool water over the affected area. Also, if you
experience nasal or throat irritation, exit the vehicle
for fresh air until the irritation ceases. If irritation
continues, see a physician.
UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE
The airbag modules must be stored in its original
special container until used for service. At no time
should a source of electricity be permitted near the
inflator on the back of an airbag module. When car-
rying or handling an undeployed airbag module, the
trim side of the airbag should be pointing away from
the body to minimize possibility of injury if acciden-
tal deployment occurs. Do not place undeployed air-
bag face down on a solid surface, the airbag will
propel into the air if accidentally deployment occurs.
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
(1) Check the airbag warning lamp for proper
operation as follows:
(a) Turn ignition switch to the ON position, the
airbag warning lamp should light. If not, test the
system using a DRB llltscan tool and the proper
Body Diagnostic Procedures Manual.
(b) The airbag warning lamp lights, but fails to
go out after eight seconds. Test the system using a
DRB llltscan tool and the proper Body Diagnostic
Procedures Manual.
(c) After correcting active malfunction erase
stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's).
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (ACM)
WARNING: THE ACM CONTAINS THE SENSING
ELEMENT AND A SAFING SENSOR WHICH
ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE AIR-
BAGS. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT,
NEVER CONNECT ACM ELECTRICALLY TO THE
SYSTEM WHILE VEHICLE BATTERY IS CON-
NECTED.
DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEG-
ATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE BEGINNING ANY
AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT REMOVAL OR
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS WILL DISABLE
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DISCONNECT
BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 4).
(2) Remove center console. Refer to Group 23 Body,
Floor Console Removal and Installation.
(3) Remove module mounting nuts and remove
module (Fig. 6).
(4) Disconnect ACM 23-way connector.
(5) Remove ACM from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect ACM connector and ensure that the
connector and all locking tabs are engaged.
CAUTION: USE SUPPLIED NUTS ONLY
(2) Position ACM (arrow pointing forward) in the
console floor bracket, attach the nuts and tighten to
9.6 to 14 N´m (85 to 125 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 6 Airbag Control Module (ACM) Remove/Install
8M - 4 PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMSPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(3) Install center console assembly. Refer to Group
23 Body, Floor Console Removal and Installation.
(4) Do not connect battery negative cable. Refer to
Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System Test for the
proper procedures.
CLOCKSPRING
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
REMOVAL
(1) Place the front road wheels in the straight
ahead position then:
²Rotate the steering wheel half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise).
²Lock column with ignition lock cylinder.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 4).
(3) Wait one minute for the reserve capacitor to
discharge before removing non-deployed module.
(4) Remove steering wheel. Refer to Steering
Wheel Removal and Installation in this section.
(5) Remove upper and lower steering column
shrouds to gain access to clockspring wiring. Refer to
Group 8E Instrument Panel Systems, Steering Col-
umn Shroud Removal and Installation.
(6) Remove multi-function switch. Refer to Group
8J-Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems, Multi-
Function Switch Removal and Installation.
(7) Disconnect the 7-way connector between the
clockspring and the instrument panel wiring harness
at the base of the clockspring.
(8) Remove clockspring by lifting the top latch tab
up slightly to guide it over the lock housing (Fig. 7).
The clockspring cannot be repaired, and must be
replaced if faulty.
(9) Rotate clockspring rotor a half turn (180
degrees) to the left (counter clockwise).
(10) Lock the clockspring rotor in the center posi-
tion as follows: Insert a paper clip wire through the
hole in the rotor at the 10 O'clock position and bend
to prevent it from falling out.
INSTALLATION
(1) Confirm that:²The steering wheel position is a half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise)
²The column is locked with the ignition cylinder
lock.
²Check that the turn signal stalk is in the neu-
tral position
²When reusing the clockspring, remove locking
wire and rotate clockspring rotor one half turn (180
degrees) to the right (clockwise). Locate the clock-
spring on the steering shaft and push down on the
rotor until the clockspring is fully seated on the
steering column.
²When installing a new clockspring, position the
front wheels straight a head. Remove grenade pin.
Rotate clockspring rotor one half turn (180 degrees)
to the right (clockwise).
(2) Connect the clockspring to the instrument
panel harness, ensure wiring is properly routed.
Then check that the connectors, locking tabs are
properly engaged and the halo lamp wire is in posi-
tion.
(3) Install steering column shrouds. Be sure all
wires are inside of shrouds.
(4) Install steering wheel ensuring the flats on hub
align with the clockspring. Pull the horn, airbag and
speed control leads through the larger slot. Ensure
leads do not get pinched under the steering wheel.
(5) Route speed control wires under and behind
the airbag module mounting tabs.
(6) Connect the horn lead wire and the airbag lead
wire to the airbag module.
(7) Install the airbag module and tighten bolts to
12 to 14 N´m (105 to 125 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect the speed control wires to the switches
and install switches. Tighten screws to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.) torque.
Fig. 7 Clockspring Latch Hooks
1 ± CLOCKSPRING
2 ± LATCH HOOKS
3 ± STEERING COLUMN
PLPASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) Do not connect the battery negative cable.
Refer to Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System
Test procedures.
DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
REMOVAL
When removing a deployed module, rubber gloves,
eye protection and long sleeved shirt should be worn,
as there may be deposits on the surface which could
irritate the skin and eyes.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 4).
(2) Remove speed control switches or covers from
steering wheel armature and disconnect the wires
(Fig. 8).
(3) Remove two bolts attaching Driver Airbag Mod-
ule from the sides of steering wheel.(4) Lift module and disconnect airbag squib wire
connector and horn wire.
(5) Remove Driver Airbag Module from vehicle.
NOTE: When replacing a deployed driver airbag
module, the clockspring must also be replaced.
Refer to Clockspring Removal and Installation in
this section.
INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures.
(1) Connect the squib wire to the module. Make
airbag connection by pressing straight in on the con-
nector. The connector should be fully seated. Feel for
positive snap to assure positive connection.
(2) Connect the horn wire.
(3) Install two bolts and tighten to 10 to 11 N´m
(90 to 100 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install covers to the steering wheel armature
or connect the wire connectors to the speed control
switches and install switches. Tighten fastener to 2
N´m (20 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Do not connect battery negative cable. Refer to
Diagnosis and Testing for Airbag System Test proce-
dures.
Fig. 8 Driver Airbag Module Remove/Install
8M - 6 PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE
WARNING: DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE BEFORE
BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENT
REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. THIS
WILL DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
DISCONNECT BATTERY COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
ALLOW SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
FOR 1 MINUTE BEFORE REMOVING ANY AIRBAG
COMPONENTS.
NON-DEPLOYED MODULE
REMOVAL
When removing a module for any reason other
than DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable (Fig. 4).
(2) Wait one minute for the reserve capacitor to
discharge before removing non-deployed module.
(3) Remove instrument panel top cover. Refer to
Group 8E Instrument Panel Systems, Instrument
Panel Top Cover Removal and Installation.
(4) Remove three screws to glove box door and
remove door from instrument panel.
(5) Remove three passenger airbag cover screws
attaching cover to top of instrument panel (Fig. 9).(6) Remove two passenger airbag cover screws
attaching cover to front lower instrument panel.
(7) Remove three module attaching nuts from the
support structure.
(8) Lift module up until the wire connector is visi-
ble and disconnect the 4-way wire connector from
module. Unlock the red locking tab and compress
lock to release the connector (Fig. 10).
Fig. 9 Passenger Airbag Module Remove/Install
Fig. 10 Airbag Module Connector
1 ± UNLOCK
2 ± LOCK
3 ± PRESS LOCK
4 ± RED LOCKING TAB
PLPASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)