2001 DODGE RAM Heat

LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR
SPECIFICATIONS........................33
DOME LAMP
REMOVAL..............................33
INSTALLATION...........................33
DOOR AJAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................34
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................34
DOOR AJAR SWITCH....................34
REMOVAL..............................35
INSTALLATION...........................35GLOVE BOX LAMP AND SWITCH
REMOVAL..............................35
INSTALLATION...........................35
READING LAMP
DESCRIPTION...........................36
OPERATION.............................36
REMOVAL..............................36
INSTALLATION...........................36
VANITY LAMP
REMOVAL..............................37
INSTALLATION...........................37
LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR
SPECIFICATIONS
INTERIOR LAMPS
LAMP BULB
A/C HEATER CONTROL 158
ASH RECEIVER 161
CIGAR LIGHTER 161
HEADLAMP SWITCH 158
HEATER CONTROL 158
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PC194
RADIO ASC
AIRBAG HIGH LINE PC194
AIRBAG LOW LINE PC74
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE PC74
BATTERY VOLTAGE PC194
BRAKE WARNING PC194
CHECK ENGINE PC74
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE PC74
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE PC194
HIGH BEAM PC194
LOW FUEL PC194
LOW WASHER FLUID PC74
MAINTENANCE
REQUIREDPC74
MESSAGE CENTER PC194
SEAT BELT PC74
LAMP BULB
TURN SIGNAL PC194
UPSHIFT PC74
DOME 1004
GLOVE COMPARTMENT 1891
VANITY MIRROR LAMP P/N 6501966
DOME LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Using a small flat blade, pry the left side (driv-
er's side) of the dome lamp lens downward from
dome lamp.
(2) Allow the lens to hang down (Fig. 1) , this will
disengage the right side of the lamp (passenger's
side) from the headliner.
(3) Pull the right side of the lamp down and slide
the lamp to the right (Fig. 2) .
(4) Separate the lamp from the headliner.
(5) Disengage dome lamp wire connector from body
wire harness.
(6) Separate dome lamp from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position dome lamp at headliner.
(2) Connect dome lamp wire connector to body
wire harness.
(3) Position the left side of the lamp in the head-
liner opening and slide lamp to the left.
(4) Push the right side of the lamp in the head-
liner opening and push the lamp lens up into the
lamp to secure.
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR 8L - 33

With the transmitter mounted in the storage bin,
adapter pegs located on the garage door opener push
button unit are selected and mounted on one of two
posts on the back side of the push button. The com-
bination of the adapter peg length and the push but-
ton post location must be suitable to depress the
button of the transmitter when the push button in
the center of the garage door opener storage bin door
is depressed. When the proper combination has been
selected, the push button is reinstalled in the com-
partment and the compartment door is closed.
SUNGLASS STORAGE BIN
A sunglasses storage bin is included in the over-
head console. The storage bin is located near the rear
of the overhead console and is held in the closed posi-
tion by a latch that is integral to the storage bin
door. The interior of the bin is lined with a foam rub-
ber padding material to protect the sunglasses from
being scratched. Dampening springs that are located
on the back of the overhead console reading and
courtesy lamp housing contact the hinges of the sun-
glasses storage bin for a smooth opening action.
The sunglasses storage bin and door unit is avail-
able for service replacement. The hinge dampening
springs are serviced as a unit with the overhead con-
sole reading and courtesy lamp housing.
The sunglasses storage bin is opened by pressing
the latch on the rear edge of the door towards the
front of the vehicle, then pulling the bin downward to
the open position. The integral latch on the sun-
glasses bin door will automatically engage when the
bin is closed. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the use and oper-
ation of the sunglasses storage bin.
COMPASS
While in the compass/temperature mode, the com-
pass will display the direction in which the vehicle is
pointed using the eight major compass headings
(Examples: north is N, northeast is NE), along with
the outside ambient temperature. When the compass
unit is placed in the compass/compass in degreesmode, the compass will display the direction the
vehicle is heading using the eight major compass
headings and in degrees (0 to 359 degrees). North is
0 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 degrees
and West is 270 degrees. It will not display the head-
ings in minutes or seconds.
The self-calibrating compass unit requires no
adjusting in normal use. The compass unit will com-
pensate for magnetism the body of the vehicle may
acquire during normal use. However, avoid placing
anything magnetic directly on the roof of the vehicle.
Magnetic mounts for an antenna, a repair order hat,
or a funeral procession flag can exceed the compen
sating ability of the compass unit if placed on the
roof panel. If the vehicle roof should become magne-
tized, the demagnetizing and calibration procedures
found in this group may be required to restore proper
compass operation.
THERMOMETER
The thermometer displays the outside ambient
temperature in whole degrees. The temperature dis-
play can be changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius
using the U.S./Metric push button. The displayed
temperature is not an instant reading of conditions,
but an average temperature. It may take the ther-
mometer display several minutes to respond to a
major temperature change, such as driving out of a
heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, the last displayed temperature reading stays in
the thermometer unit memory. When the ignition
switch is turned to the On position again, the ther-
mometer will display the memory temperature if the
engine coolant temperature is above about 43É C
(109É F). If the engine coolant temperature is below
about 43É C (109É F), the thermometer will display
the actual temperature sensed by the ambient tem-
perature sensor. The thermometer temperature dis-
play update interval varies with the vehicle speed;
therefore, if the temperature reading seems inaccu-
rate, drive the vehicle for at least three minutes
1 - SUNGLASSES STORAGE BIN
2 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER STORAGE BIN DOOR
3 - COMPUTER LENS OR COVER PLUG
4 - HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER
5 - SECURITY INDICATOR LAMP
6 - COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER MODULE
7 - SCREW (3)
8 - SCREW (4)
9 - BULB HOLDERS
10 - SWITCHES11 - WIRE HARNESS
12 - SPRINGS (2)
13 - READING AND COURTESY LAMP HOUSING
14 - REFLECTORS
15 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE HOUSING
16 - LENSES
17 - BUMPER
18 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER PUSH BUTTON
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 3
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

POWER MIRRORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................10
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................11
AUTOMATIC DAY/NIGHT MIRROR..........11
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................12
POWER MIRROR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................12OPERATION.............................12
REMOVAL..............................12
INSTALLATION...........................13
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
DESCRIPTION...........................13
OPERATION.............................13
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................13
SIDEVIEW MIRROR.....................13
REMOVAL..............................14
POWER MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR
The automatic day/night mirror system is able to
automatically change the reflectance of the inside
rear view mirror in order to reduce the glare of head-
lamps approaching the vehicle from the rear. The
automatic day/night rear view mirror receives bat-
tery current through a fuse in the junction block only
when the ignition switch is in the On position.
OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
The heated mirror option includes an electric heat-
ing grid behind the mirror glass in each outside mir-
ror, which can clear the mirror glass of ice, snow, or
fog. The heating grid receives fused battery current
through the heated mirror relay in the heater and air
conditioner control only when the ignition switch is
in the On position, and the heated mirror system is
turned on. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HEATED
MIRRORS - DESCRIPTION) for more information.
Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the power mirror system.
OPERATION
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR
A switch located on the bottom of the automatic
day/night mirror housing allows the vehicle operator
to select whether the automatic dimming feature is
operational. When the automatic day/night mirror isturned on, the mirror switch is lighted by an integral
Light-Emitting Diode (LED). The mirror will auto-
matically disable its self-dimming feature whenever
the vehicle is being driven in reverse.
Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the automatic day/night mirror system.
OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
The heated mirror option includes an electric heat-
ing grid behind the mirror glass in each outside mir-
ror, which can clear the mirror glass of ice, snow, or
fog. The heating grid receives fused battery current
through the heated mirror relay in the heater and air
conditioner control only when the ignition switch is
in the On position, and the heated mirror system is
turned on. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HEATED
MIRRORS - OPERATION) for more information.
Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the power mirror system.
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT
MIRROR
DESCRIPTION
The automatic day/night mirror uses a thin layer
of electrochromic material between two pieces of con-
ductive glass to make up the face of the mirror.
When the mirror switch is in the On position, two
photocell sensors are used by the mirror circuitry to
monitor external light levels and adjust the reflec-
tance of the mirror.
8N - 10 POWER MIRRORSBR/BE

(3) Remove the nut that secures the power mirror
switch to the driver side front door trim panel.
(4) Remove the trim panel from the inside of the
driver side front door. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR -
FRONT/TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL) for the proce-
dures.
(5) Pull the trim panel away from the inner door
far enough to access the power mirror switch wire
harness connector.
(6) Unplug the power mirror switch wire harness
connector.
(7) Remove the power mirror switch from the back
of the door trim panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the power mirror switch to the back of
the door trim panel.
(2) Connect the power mirror switch to the har-
ness connector.
(3) Install the trim panel to the inside of the
driver side door. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR -
FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the nut that secures the power mirror
switch to the driver side front door.
(5) Push the control knob on to the power mirror
switch.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
DESCRIPTION
Each power mirror head contains two electric
motors, two drive mechanisms, and the mirror glass.
One motor and drive controls mirror up-and-down
movement, and the other controls right-and-left
movement.
OPERATION
The power mirrors in vehicles equipped with the
available heated mirror system option also include an
electric heating grid located behind the mirror glass.
This heating grid is energized by the heated mirror
relay in the heater and air conditioner control only
when the ignition switch is in the On position, and
the heated mirror system is turned on. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS - DESCRIP-
TION) for more information.
The power mirror assembly cannot be repaired. If
any component of the power mirror unit is faulty or
damaged, the entire assembly must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SIDEVIEW
MIRROR
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) and the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse(s).
(2) Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the
junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair
the open circuit to the PDC as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the driver side door trim panel and
unplug the wire harness connector from the power
mirror switch. Connect the battery negative cable.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity in the door wire harness half of the power mir-
ror switch wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the junction
block as required.
BR/BEPOWER MIRRORS 8N - 13
POWER MIRROR SWITCH (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the airbag system
components, the PCI data bus, the data bus message
inputs to and outputs from the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC) or the Airbag Control
Module (ACM), as well as the retrieval or erasure of
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) from the ACM
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, 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 PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAGS
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of a non-de-
ployed airbag. When carrying a non-deployed airbag,
the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit
should be pointed away from the body to minimize
injury in the event of an accidental deployment. If
the airbag unit is placed on a bench or any other sur-
face, the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit
should be face up to minimize movement in the event
of an accidental deployment. In addition, the airbag
system should be disarmed whenever any steering
wheel, steering column, or instrument panel compo-
nents require diagnosis or service. Failure to observe
this warning could result in accidental airbag deploy-
ment and possible personal injury.
All damaged or faulty and non-deployed driver or
passenger airbags which are replaced on vehicles are
to be returned. If an airbag unit is faulty or damaged
and non-deployed, refer to the parts return list in the
current DaimlerChrysler Corporation Warranty Poli-
cies and Procedures manual for the proper handling
and disposal procedures.
AIRBAG STORAGE
An airbag must be stored in its original, special
container until it is used for service. Also, it must be
stored in a clean, dry environment; away from
sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electricalenergy. Always place or store any airbag on a surface
with its trim cover or airbag cushion side facing up,
to minimize movement in case of an accidental
deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use follow-
ing an airbag deployment, must have both airbags,
the driver airbag trim cover, the clockspring, and the
steering column assembly replaced. These compo-
nents are not intended for reuse and will be damaged
or weakened as a result of an airbag deployment,
which may or may not be obvious during a visual
inspection. Other vehicle components should be
closely inspected, but are to be replaced only as
required by the extent of the visible damage
incurred.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following an airbag deployment, the vehicle inte-
rior will contain a powdery residue. This residue con-
sists primarily of harmless particulate by-products of
the small pyrotechnic charge used to initiate the pro-
pellant used to deploy the airbags. However, this res-
idue may also contain traces of sodium hydroxide
powder, a chemical by-product of the propellant
material that is used to generate the nitrogen gas
that inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide pow-
der can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be
sure to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a
long-sleeved shirt during cleanup (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
Typical
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION
DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE
AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE
IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE
VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION
CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSI-
CIAN.
Begin the cleanup by removing both airbags from
the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service removal
procedures. Place the deployed airbags in your vehic-
ular scrap pile.
Next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual
powder from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside
the vehicle and work your way inside, so that you
avoid kneeling or sitting on a non-cleaned area. Be
certain to vacuum the heater and air conditioning
outlets as well (Fig. 3). Run the heater and air con-
ditioner blower on the lowest speed setting and vac-
uum any powder expelled from the outlets. You may
need to vacuum the interior of the vehicle a second
time to recover all of the powder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST
The following procedure should be performed using
a DRBIIItscan tool to verify proper airbag system
operation following the service or replacement of any
airbag system component.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, 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 AIRBAGSYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAU-
TIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) During the following test, the battery negative
cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was
during the airbag component removal and installa-
tion procedures.
(2) Be certain that the DRBIIItscan tool contains
the latest version of the proper DRBIIItsoftware.
Connect the DRBIIItto the 16-way Data Link Con-
nector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the
steering column (Fig. 4).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
exit the vehicle with the DRBIIIt.
(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the DRBIIItto read and record any
stored (historical) DTC data.
(7) If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) Use the DRBIIItto erase the stored DTC data.
If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not
erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase.
If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
Fig. 3 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical
Fig. 4 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
1 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
2 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 5
RESTRAINTS (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

(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)