2001 DODGE RAM ABS

STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
The clockspring is designed to wind and unwind
when the steering wheel is rotated, but is only
designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with the auto-locking tabs
engaged (raised). These auto-locking tabs should not
be disengaged until the clockspring has been
installed on the steering column. If the auto-locking
tabs are disengaged before the clockspring is
installed on a steering column, the clockspring cen-
tering procedure must be performed.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).(3) Depress the two plastic clockspring auto-lock-
ing tabs (Fig. 8).
(4) Keeping the auto-locking tabs depressed, rotate
the clockspring rotor clockwise to the end of its
travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise,
then release the auto-locking tabs. The clockspring
pigtail wire for the horn switch should end up at the
top, and the pigtail wires for the airbag, optional
speed control switches, and optional remote radio
switches at the bottom. The clockspring is now cen-
tered.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
Fig. 8 Clockspring Auto-Locking Tabs
1 - AIRBAG MODULE WIRE
2 - SPEED CONTROL WIRING
3 - HORN WIRE
4 - CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY
5 - AUTO-LOCKING TABS
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 11
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with a piece of tape cover-
ing the engaged clockspring auto-locking tabs. This
tape should not be removed until the clockspring has
been installed on the steering column. If the tape is
removed before the clockspring is installed on a
steering column, the clockspring centering procedure
must be performed.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) Carefully slide the centered clockspring down
over the steering column upper shaft until the clock-
spring latches engage the steering column lock hous-
ing (Fig. 9).
(2) Reconnect the lower clockspring pigtail wire
connector to the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector located near the instrument panel lower rein-
forcement, below the steering column. Be certain that
the pigtail wire locator clips are properly seated on
the outside of the wiring trough and that the connec-
tor latches are fully engaged.
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the clockspring to the lower clockspring
connector receptacle.
(4) Position the lower inner shroud onto the steer-
ing column. Be certain to insert the gearshift lever
hider strip into the channel located on the inside sur-
face of the shroud.
(5) Align the locking tabs on the gearshift lever
side of the upper inner shroud with the receptacleson the lower inner shroud and apply hand pressure
to snap them together.
(6) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the lower inner
shroud to the steering column housing and the upper
inner shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in.
lbs.).
(7) Position the lower outer shroud onto the steer-
ing column. Be certain that the lower clockspring
pigtail wire is routed inside the shrouds.
(8) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the one center screw that secures the lower
outer shroud to the steering column housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(9) Align the locking tabs on the upper outer
shroud with the receptacles on the lower outer
shroud and apply hand pressure to snap them
together.
(10) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two outboard screws that secure the
lower outer shroud to the upper outer shroud.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(11) If the vehicle is so equipped, reinstall the
lever into the tilt steering column adjuster on the left
side of the column. Turn the lever clockwise to screw
it into the adjuster.
(12) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(13) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column upper shaft. Be certain to index the flats on
the hub of the steering wheel with the formations on
the inside of the clockspring hub. Pull the upper
clockspring pigtail wires through the upper and
lower holes between the steering wheel back trim
cover and the steering wheel armature.
(14) Install and tighten the steering wheel mount-
ing nut. Tighten the nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.). Be
certain not to pinch the pigtail wires between the
steering wheel and the nut.
(15) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
upper clockspring pigtail wire connectors to the
speed control switches and/or the remote radio
switches. Be certain that the upper clockspring pig-
tail wires are routed between the steering wheel back
trim cover and the steering wheel armature.
(16) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 13
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The driver airbag protective trim cover is the most
visible part of the driver airbag. The airbag used in
this model is a Next Generation-type that complies
with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with
less force than those used in some prior models. The
driver airbag is located in the center of the steering
wheel, where it is secured with two screws to the
steering wheel armature. Concealed beneath the
driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, the
folded airbag cushion, the airbag retainer or housing,
the airbag inflator, and the retainers that secure the
trim cover to the airbag housing. The resistive mem-
brane-type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to
the inside surface of the airbag trim cover, between
the trim cover and the folded airbag cushion. The air-
bag inflator is a conventional pyrotechnic-type unit
that is secured with nuts to four studs on the back of
the stamped metal airbag housing.
The driver airbag trim cover has locking blocks
molded into the back side of it that engage a lip
formed around the perimeter of the airbag housing.
Two stamped metal retainers then fit over the infla-
tor mounting studs on the back of the airbag housing
and tabs on the retainer are engaged in slots on the
inside of the trim cover, securely locking the cover
into place. One horn switch pigtail wire has an eyelet
terminal connector that is captured on the upper left
inflator mounting stud between the inflator and the
upper trim cover retainer. The connector insulator of
the other horn switch pigtail wire is routed between
the upper right inflator mounting stud and the infla-
tor, where it is captured by a small plastic that is
pushed onto the stud. The driver airbag cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any
way damaged. The driver airbag trim cover and horn
switch are available as a unit, and may be disassem-
bled from the driver airbag for service replacement.
OPERATION
The driver airbag is deployed by an electrical sig-
nal generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag line 1 and line 2 (or squib)
circuits. When the ACM sends the proper electrical
signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy
generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic
charge which, in turn, ignites chemical pellets within
the inflator. Once ignited, these chemical pellets burn
rapidly and produce a large quantity of nitrogen gas.
The inflator is sealed to the back of the airbag hous-
ing and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the
nitrogen gas into the airbag cushion, causing the
cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the driver
airbag trim cover will split at predetermined break-out lines, then fold back out of the way along with
the horn switch. Following an airbag deployment, the
airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the nitro-
gen gas towards the instrument panel through the
porous fabric material used on the steering wheel
side of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the nitrogen
gas are considered hazardous in their solid state,
before they are burned, but they are securely sealed
within the airbag inflator. However, the nitrogen gas
that is produced when the chemicals are burned is
harmless. A small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noticed, rinse the affected area
with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing pas-
sages are irritated, move to another area where there
is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation
is not alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty
or damaged driver airbag. If the driver airbag has been
deployed, the clockspring and the steering column
assembly must also be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAU-
TIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 10).
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSBR/BE

ASSEMBLY
The horn switch is integral to the driver airbag
trim cover. If either component is faulty or damaged,
the entire driver airbag trim cover and horn switch
unit must be replaced.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE HORN SWITCH IS INTEGRAL TO
THE DRIVER AIRBAG UNIT. SERVICE OF THIS UNIT
SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY DAIMLER-
CHRYSLER-TRAINED AND AUTHORIZED DEALER
SERVICE TECHNICIANS. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS OR TO FOLLOW THE
PROPER PROCEDURES COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM
COVERS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COL-
ORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE
MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER RESPONDS TO AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT
INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Carefully position the driver airbag in the trim
cover. Be certain that the horn switch feed and
ground pigtail wires are not pinched between the air-
bag housing and the trim cover locking blocks.
(2) Engage the upper and lower trim cover locking
blocks with the lip of the driver airbag housing, thenengage the locking blocks on each side of the trim
cover with the lip of the housing. Be certain that
each of the locking blocks is fully engaged on the lip
of the airbag housing (Fig. 14).
(3) Reinstall the horn switch ground pigtail wire
eyelet terminal over the left upper airbag housing
stud.
(4) Reinstall the upper and lower airbag trim cover
retainers over the airbag housing studs. Be certain
that the tabs on the retainers are engaged in the
retainer slots of the trim cover locking blocks (Fig.
13).
(5) Install and tighten the nuts that secure the
trim cover retainers to the airbag housing studs.
Tighten the nuts to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) Route the horn switch feed pigtail wire
between the inflator housing and the right upper air-
bag housing stud.
(7) Reinstall the plastic wire retainer onto the
right upper airbag housing stud to capture horn
switch feed pigtail wire.
(8) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 14 Driver Airbag Trim Cover Locking Blocks
Engaged
1 - LIP
2 - TRIM COVER
3 - HORN SWITCH
4 - AIRBAG HOUSING
5 - LOCKING BLOCK
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 17
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(2) On the driver's side only, reconnect the body
wire harness connector for the seat belt switch to the
seat belt switch pigtail wire connector on the seat
belt buckle.
(3) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
seat belt buckle to the anchor on the seat cushion
frame. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the passenger air-
bag door above the glove box is the most visible part
of the passenger airbag. The airbag used in this
model is a Next Generation-type that complies with
revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less
force than those used in some prior models. The pas-
senger airbag is located in the instrument panel in
front of the front seat passenger seating position,
where it is secured to the instrument panel. Con-
cealed beneath the passenger airbag door are the
folded airbag cushion, the airbag retainer or housing,
and the airbag inflator. The airbag inflator is a
hybrid-type unit that is secured to and sealed within
the stamped steel airbag housing along with the
folded airbag cushion. The airbag housing stamping
also includes the two mounting brackets, one front
and one rear. The front bracket is secured beneath
the instrument panel top cover with screws to the
instrument panel structural support. The rear
bracket is secured with screws to the upper glove box
opening reinforcement. A yellow connector on the end
of a short, two-wire pigtail harness connects the pas-
senger airbag inflator to the vehicle electrical system.
The molded plastic passenger airbag door has pre-
determined breakout lines concealed beneath its dec-
orative cover. The lower edge of the passenger airbag
door is secured to the airbag housing, and includes
the two passenger side panel outlets. The sides and
upper edges are secured to the instrument panel top
cover with five molded tabs that are each fit with a
small metal retainer. The five retainers are snapped
into five slotted receptacles located around the sides
and top of the airbag door opening in the instrument
panel top cover. Following a passenger airbag deploy-
ment, the passenger airbag and airbag door unit
must be replaced. The passenger airbag cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if faulty or in any
way damaged. The passenger airbag door is serviced
only as a unit with the passenger airbag, and
includes the two passenger side heating and air con-
ditioning panel outlet housings and barrels.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical
signal generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the passenger airbag line 1 and line 2
(or squib) circuits. The hybrid-type inflator assembly
includes a small canister of highly compressed argon
gas. When the ACM sends the proper electrical signal
to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy generates
enough heat to ignite chemical pellets within the
inflator. Once ignited, these chemical pellets burn
rapidly and produce the pressure necessary to rup-
ture a containment disk in the argon gas canister.
The inflator and argon gas canister are sealed to the
airbag cushion so that all of the released argon gas is
directed into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion
to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the passenger air-
bag door will split at the breakout lines and the door
will pivot out of the way. Following an airbag deploy-
ment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting
the argon gas through the porous fabric material
used on each end panel of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the pressure
to burst the argon gas containment disk are consid-
ered hazardous in their solid state, before they are
burned, but they are securely sealed within the air-
bag inflator. However, the gas that is produced when
the chemicals are burned is harmless. A small
amount of residue from the burned chemicals may
cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the
skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin or eye irri-
tation is noticed, rinse the affected area with plenty
of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are irri-
tated, move to another area where there is plenty of
clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not alle-
viated by these actions, contact a physician immedi-
ately.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 21
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)

WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) Remove the glove box from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the glove box opening upper trim from
the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the four screws that secure the two
plastic support brackets for the passenger airbag
door panel outlet housing to the glove box opening
upper reinforcement.
(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and disconnect the passenger airbag pigtail
wire connector from the instrument panel wire har-
ness (Fig. 17).
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag front bracket to the instrument panel
structural support (Fig. 18).
(7) Remove the three screws that secure the pas-
senger airbag rear bracket to the glove box opening
upper reinforcement.
(8)
Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-
bladed tool and starting at the lower left edge, gently
pry the passenger airbag door away from the instru-
ment panel far enough to disengage the five molded
tabs and snap retainers securing it to the receptacles
in the instrument panel top cover (Fig. 19).
(9) Remove the passenger airbag, the airbag door,
and the panel outlet housing and barrel assemblies
from the instrument panel as a unit.
Fig. 17 Passenger Airbag Connector
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
2 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - GLOVE BOX OPENING
Fig. 18 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG REAR BRACKET
2 - GLOVE BOX LATCH STRIKER
3 - FRONT BRACKET
4 - SCREWS
Fig. 19 Passenger Airbag Door Disengage
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER
2 - PRY HERE
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

INSTALLATION
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PAS-
SENGER AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT PASSENGER
AIRBAG DOORS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL
COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH
THE MATERIAL OF THE AIRBAG DOOR RESPONDS
TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Carefully inspect the five receptacle slots
around the top and sides of the passenger airbag
door opening of the instrument panel top cover.
Remove any of the small metal airbag door snap
retainers that did not remain on the molded airbag
door tabs during the removal procedure.
(2) If the removed passenger airbag module is
being reinstalled, install the metal snap retainers
recovered in Step 1onto the proper airbag door tabs.
Each of the five molded airbag door tabs must have a
snap retainer on it before it is installed in the instru-ment panel. New replacement passenger airbags
come with new airbag door snap retainers installed.
(3) Carefully position the passenger airbag onto
the instrument panel.
(4) Align the five tabs and retainers on the upper
edge and sides of the passenger airbag door with the
receptacles in the instrument panel top cover.
(5) Using hand pressure, press firmly on the pas-
senger airbag door over each of the tab and retainer
locations until each of them is fully engaged in its
receptacle. Be certain that each of the metal snap
retainers is in position on the airbag door tabs.
(6) Install and tighten the five screws that secure
the passenger airbag front and rear mounting brack-
ets to the instrument panel (Fig. 18). Tighten the
screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(7) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the two plastic support brackets of the passenger air-
bag door panel outlet housing to the glove box open-
ing upper reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail
wire connector to the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Fig. 17). Be certain that the passenger air-
bag pigtail wire connector is fully engaged with and
latched to the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor.
(9) Reinstall the glove box opening upper trim onto
the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the glove box onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The passenger airbag on-off switch is standard
equipment on this model when it is not equipped
with a full size rear seat. This switch is a single pole,
single throw switch with a single integral red Light-
Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key cylinder-
type actuator. The switch is located in the upper
right corner of instrument panel cluster bezel, near
the center of instrument panel to make the Off indi-
cator visible to all front seat occupants. When the
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 23
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

switch is in its installed position, the only compo-
nents visible through the dedicated opening of the
cluster bezel are the switch face plate and nomencla-
ture, the key cylinder actuator, and a small round
lens with the text9Off9imprinted on it. The ªOnº
position of the switch is designated by text imprinted
upon the face plate of the switch, but is not illumi-
nated. The remainder of the switch is concealed
behind the switch face plate and the instrument
panel cluster bezel.
The passenger airbag on-off switch housing is con-
structed of molded plastic and has three integral
mounting tabs. These mounting tabs are used to
secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic
switch face plate with three small screws. The
molded plastic face plate also has three integral
mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and
face plate unit to the instrument panel carrier with
three additional screws. Two short pigtail wires with
molded plastic connector insulators exit the back of
the switch housing and connect the switch to the
vehicle electrical system through two dedicated take
outs of the instrument panel wire harness. The har-
ness take outs are equipped with molded plastic con-
nector insulators that are keyed and latched to
ensure proper and secure switch electrical connec-
tions. The passenger airbag on/off switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag on-off switch allows the cus-
tomer to turn the passenger airbag function On or
Off to accommodate certain uses of the right front
seating position where airbag protection may not be
desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for specific recommendations on when to enable
or disable the passenger airbag. The Off indicator of
the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is
turned to the Off position. The ignition key is the
only key or object that should ever be inserted into
the switch. The on-off switch requires only a partial
key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded locking
plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger prevents
the user from leaving the key in the switch. The key
will be automatically ejected when force is not
applied. To actuate the passenger side airbag on/off
switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key
actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger and
rotate to the desired switch position. When the
switch key actuator is rotated to its clockwise stop
(the key actuator slot will be aligned with the Off
indicator lamp), the Off indicator is illuminated and
the passenger airbag is disabled. When the switch is
rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key actuator
slot will be in a vertical position), the Off indicatorwill be extinguished and the passenger airbag is
enabled.
The passenger airbag switch is connected in series
between the Airbag Control Module (ACM) and the
passenger airbag inflator unit. When the switch is in
the On position, the switch connects the ACM
directly to the passenger airbag inflator. When the
switch is in the Off position it interrupts the inflator
circuits, but replaces the normal resistance in these
circuits with an internal resistor. Thus, the ACM is
unable to distinguish the mode of the switch and still
sends an electrical signal as though it were deploying
the passenger airbag when it detects a sufficient
impact. However, the switch position should not be
changed while the ignition switch is in the On posi-
tion, as the ACM may detect a fault, record a Diag-
nostic Trouble Code (DTC), and illuminate the Airbag
indicator in response to a momentary open it senses
in the passenger airbag inflator circuits as the on/off
switch changes states.
REMOVAL
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the glove box from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - REMOVAL).
(4) Reach through the glove box opening to access
and disconnect the two passenger airbag on/off
switch pigtail wire harness connectors from the
instrument panel wire harness connectors. These
connectors are retained on a bracket located on the
inboard glove box opening reinforcement (Fig. 20).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the pas-
senger airbag on/off switch face plate to the instru-
ment panel (Fig. 21).
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)