2001 DODGE RAM steering

ary. The rotor of the clockspring, including the turn
signal cancel cam lobes rotate with the steering
wheel.
The turn signal cancel cam is serviced as a unit
with the clockspring and cannot be repaired. If faulty
or damaged, the entire clockspring unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The turn signal cancel cam has two lobes molded
into the lower surface of the clockspring rotor. When
the turn signals are activated by moving the multi-
function switch control stalk to a detent position, a
turn signal cancel actuator is extended from the
inside surface of the multi-function switch housing
toward the center of the steering column and theturn signal cancel cam. When the steering wheel is
rotated during a turning maneuver, one of the two
turn signal cancel cam lobes will contact the turn sig-
nal cancel actuator. The cancel actuator latches
against the cancel cam rotation in the direction oppo-
site that which is signaled. In other words, if the left
turn signal detent is selected, the lobes of the cancel
cam will ratchet past the cancel actuator when the
steering wheel is rotated to the left, but will unlatch
the cancel actuator as the steering wheel rotates to
the right and returns to center, which will cancel the
turn signal event and release the control stalk from
the detent so it returns to the neutral Off position.
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a small flat blade in the access slot
between the lamp base and lamp lens.
(3) Pry the lamp lens upward and remove the
lamp lens (Fig. 31).
(4) Depress the bulb terminal inward (Fig. 32) to
release the bulb.
Fig. 30 Tail, Brake, Turn Signal and Back-up Lamp
Bulb
1 - TAIL LAMP
2 - SCREW
3 - LIGHTING HARNESS
4 - BULB
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - RETAINING STUDS
Fig. 31 Underhood Lamp Lens
1 - LAMP
2 - LAMP LENS
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 31
TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM (Continued)

DOOR AJAR SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The door ajar switches are mounted to the door
hinge pillars. The switches close a path to ground for
the Central Timer Module (CTM) when a door is
opened, and open the ground path when a door is
closed.
The door ajar switches cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DOOR AJAR
SWITCH
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.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Rotate the headlamp switch knob counterclock-
wise to ensure that the dome lamps are not switched
off. Open the driver door and note whether the inte-
rior lamps light. They should light. If OK, (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). If not OK, go to Step 2.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Unplug the driver door ajar switch from its
wire harness connector. Check for continuity between
the ground circuit cavity of the driver door ajar
switch wire harness connector and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, repair the circuit to ground as required.
(3) Check for continuity between the door ajar
switch ground circuit terminal and each of the other
two terminals of the driver door ajar switch. There
should be continuity with the switch plunger
released, and no continuity with the switch plunger
depressed. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace the
faulty switch.
(4) Remove the Central Timer Module (CTM) from
its mounting bracket to access the CTM wire harness
connectors (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/BODY CONTROL/CENTRAL
TIMER MODUL - REMOVAL). Unplug the 14-way
CTM wire harness connector. Check for continuity
between the driver door switch sense circuit cavity of
the 14-way CTM wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 5. If not OK, repair the short circuit as
required.
(5) Check for continuity between the driver door
switch sense circuit cavities of the 14-way CTM wire
harness connector and the driver door ajar switch
wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If
OK, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
EXTERIOR/HEADLAMP SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) If not OK, repair the open circuit as
required.
Fig. 1 Dome Lamp Lens
1 - HEADLINER
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - DOME LAMP
4 - LENS
5 - BULB
Fig. 2 Dome Lamp
1 - SLIDE LAMP
8L - 34 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORBR/BE
DOME LAMP (Continued)

On those models equipped with the optional RKE
system, the power lock system also includes the fol-
lowing components, which are described in further
detail elsewhere in this service manual:
²Central Timer Module- The high-line or pre-
mium Central Timer Module (CTM) is located under
the driver side end of the instrument panel, inboard
of the instrument panel steering column opening.
The high-line or premium CTM contains a micropro-
cessor and software that allow it to provide the many
electronic functions and features not available with
base version of the power lock system.
²Door Cylinder Lock Switches- A resistor-
multiplexed switch located on the back of each front
door lock cylinder allows the power door lock system
to be operated using a key inserted in either the
driver or passenger front door lock cylinder.
Some of the additional features of the power lock
system found in vehicles with the RKE system option
include:
²Automatic Door Lock- The high-line/premium
CTM provides an optional automatic door lock fea-
ture (also known as rolling door locks). This is a pro-
grammable feature.
²Central Locking- The high-line/premium CTM
provides an optional central locking/unlocking fea-
ture.
²Door Lock Inhibit- The high-line/premium
CTM provides a door lock inhibit feature.
²Enhanced Accident Response- The high-line/
premium CTM provides an optional enhanced acci-
dent response feature. This is a programmable
feature.
Hard wired circuitry connects the power lock sys-
tem components to the electrical system of the vehi-
cle. These hard wired circuits are integral to several
wire harnesses, which are routed throughout the
vehicle and retained by many different methods.
These circuits may be connected to each other, to the
vehicle electrical system and to the power lock sys-
tem components through the use of a combination of
soldered splices, splice block connectors, and many
different types of wire harness terminal connectors
and insulators. Refer to the appropriate wiring infor-
mation. The wiring information includes wiring dia-
grams, proper wire and connector repair procedures,
further details on wire harness routing and reten-
tion, as well as pin-out and location views for the
various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
Many of the electronic features in the vehicle con-
trolled or supported by the high-line or premium ver-
sions of the CTM are programmable using the
DRBIIItscan tool. In addition, the high-line/pre-
mium CTM software is Flash compatible, which
means it can be reprogrammed using Flash repro-
gramming procedures. However, if any of the CTMhardware components are damaged or faulty, the
entire CTM unit must be replaced. The power lock
system components and the hard wired inputs or out-
puts of the CTM can be diagnosed using conventional
diagnostic tools and methods; however, for diagnosis
of the high-line or premium versions of the CTM or
the CCD data bus, the use of a DRBIIItscan tool is
required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
DESCRIPTION - REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
SYSTEM
A Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system is an avail-
able option on this model. The Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) system is a Radio Frequency (RF) system that
allows the remote operation of the power lock system
and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the Vehicle Theft
Security System (VTSS). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY - DESCRIPTION).
The RKE system includes the following major compo-
nents, which are described in further detail else-
where in this service manual:
²Central Timer Module- The high-line or pre-
mium Central Timer Module (CTM) is located under
the driver side end of the instrument panel, inboard
of the instrument panel steering column opening.
The high-line or premium CTM contains a micropro-
cessor, an RF receiver, and the software that allow it
to provide the many electronic functions and features
of the RKE system.
²Keyless Entry Transmitter- The keyless
entry transmitter is a small, battery-powered, RF
transmitter that is contained within a molded plastic
case that is designed to also serve as a convenient
key fob.
Some additional features of the RKE system
include:
²Horn Chirp- This feature provides a short,
sharp chirp of the vehicle horn to give an audible
confirmation that a valid Lock signal has been
received from the RKE transmitter. This feature can
be enabled or disabled and, if enabled, one of two
optional horn chirp durations (twenty or forty milli-
seconds) can also be selected.
²Illuminated Entry- This feature turns on the
courtesy lamps in the vehicle for a timed interval
(about thirty seconds) each time a valid Unlock sig-
nal has been received from the RKE transmitter.
²Panic Mode- This feature allows the vehicle
operator to cause the vehicle horn to pulse, the head-
lights to flash, and the courtesy lamps to illuminate
for about three minutes by depressing a Panic button
on the RKE transmitter. Pressing the Panic button a
second time will cancel the Panic mode. A vehicle
speed of about 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-
hour) will also cancel the panic mode.
8N - 2 POWER LOCKSBR/BE
POWER LOCKS (Continued)

RESTRAINTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................2
WARNING...............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................4
AIRBAG SYSTEM........................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE...................4
HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAGS.......4
SERVICE AFTER AN AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT..........................4
VERIFICATION TEST.....................5
SPECIAL TOOLS..........................6
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION............................6
OPERATION.............................6
REMOVAL...............................7
INSTALLATION............................8
CHILD TETHER
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION...........................10
OPERATION.............................10
STANDARD PROCEDURE..................11
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING..............11
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................13
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION...........................14
OPERATION.............................14
REMOVAL..............................14
DISASSEMBLY...........................15
ASSEMBLY.............................17
INSTALLATION...........................18FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL..............................18
INSTALLATION...........................19
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL..............................20
INSTALLATION...........................20
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION...........................21
OPERATION.............................21
REMOVAL..............................21
INSTALLATION...........................23
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................24
REMOVAL..............................24
INSTALLATION...........................25
REAR SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL..............................26
INSTALLATION...........................26
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL..............................27
INSTALLATION...........................27
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................28
OPERATION.............................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................28
SEAT BELT SWITCH....................28
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP ADJUSTER
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
TURNING LOOP HEIGHT ADJUSTER KNOB
REMOVAL..............................30
INSTALLATION...........................30
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION
A dual front airbag system is standard factory-in-
stalled safety equipment on this model. The airbag
system is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) and vehicles with this equip-
ment can be readily identified by the ªSRS - AIR-
BAGº logo molded into the driver airbag trim cover
in the center of the steering wheel and also into the
passenger airbag door on the instrument panel above
the glove box (Fig. 1). Vehicles with the airbag sys-
tem can also be identified by the airbag indicator,which will illuminate in the instrument cluster for
about seven seconds as a bulb test each time the
ignition switch is turned to the On position.
The dual front airbag system consists of the follow-
ing major components, which are described in further
detail elsewhere in this service manual:
²Airbag Control Module- The Airbag Control
Module (ACM) is located on a mount on the floor
panel transmission tunnel, below the center of the
instrument panel.
²Airbag Indicator- The airbag indicator is inte-
gral to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster
(EMIC), which is located on the instrument panel in
front of the driver.
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 1

²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover.
²Driver Knee Blocker- The driver knee blocker
is a molded plastic structural unit secured to the
back side of and integral to the instrument panel
steering column opening cover.
²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the passen-
ger airbag door on the instrument panel above the
glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle.
²Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch- The pas-
senger airbag on/off switch is located in a dedicated
opening in the upper right corner of the instrument
panel cluster bezel, to the right of the center panel
outlets of the climate control system.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door.
The ACM and the EMIC each contain a central
processing unit and programming that allow them to
communicate with each other using the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus network. This
method of communication is used for control of the
airbag indicator on all models. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/
COMMUNICATION - DESCRIPTION).
Hard wired circuitry connects the airbag system
components to each other through the electrical sys-
tem of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are
integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed
throughout the vehicle and retained by many differ-
ent methods. These circuits may be connected to each
other, to the vehicle electrical system, and to the air-
bag system components through the use of a combi-
nation of soldered splices, splice block connectors,and many different types of wire harness terminal
connectors and insulators. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, further details on wire harness routing
and retention, as well as pin-out and location views
for the various wire harness connectors, splices and
grounds.
OPERATION
The airbag system is referred to as a supplemental
restraint system because it was designed and is
intended to enhance the protection for the front seat
occupants of the vehicleonlywhen used in conjunc-
tion with the seat belts. It is referred to as a passive
system because the vehicle occupants are not
required to do anything to make it work. The pri-
mary passenger restraints in this or any other vehi-
cle are the standard equipment factory-installed seat
belts. Seat belts are referred to as an active restraint
because the vehicle occupants are required to physi-
cally fasten and properly adjust these restraints in
order to benefit from them. The vehicle occupants
must be wearing their seat belts in order to obtain
the maximum safety benefit from the factory-in-
stalled airbag system.
The airbag system electrical circuits are continu-
ously monitored and controlled by a microprocessor
and software contained within the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). An airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) lights for about
seven seconds as a bulb test each time the ignition
switch is turned to the On or Start positions. Follow-
ing the bulb test, the airbag indicator is turned on or
off by the ACM to indicate the status of the airbag
system. If the airbag indicator comes on at any time
other than during the bulb test, it indicates that
there is a problem in the airbag system electrical cir-
cuits. Such a problem may cause the airbags not to
deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required.
The clockspring on the top of the steering column
allows a continuous electrical circuit to be main-
tained between the stationary steering column and
the driver airbag inflator, which rotates with the
steering wheel. The passenger airbag on/off switch
allows the passenger side airbag to be disabled when
circumstances necessitate that a child, or an adult
with certain medical conditions be placed in the front
passenger seating position. Refer to the owner's man-
ual in the vehicle glove box for specific recommenda-
tions concerning the specific circumstances where the
passenger airbag on/off switch should be used to dis-
able the passenger airbag.
Fig. 1 SRS Logo
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

Deployment of the airbags depends upon the angle
and severity of the impact. The airbag system is
designed to deploy upon a frontal impact within a
thirty degree angle from either side of the vehicle
center line. Deployment is not based upon vehicle
speed; rather, deployment is based upon the rate of
deceleration as measured by the forces of gravity (G
force) upon the airbag system impact sensor, which is
integral to the ACM. When a frontal impact is severe
enough, the microprocessor in the ACM signals the
inflator units of both airbag modules to deploy the
airbags. During a frontal vehicle impact, the knee
blockers work in concert with properly fastened and
adjusted seat belts to restrain both the driver and
the front seat passenger in the proper position for an
airbag deployment. The knee blockers also absorb
and distribute the crash energy from the driver and
the front seat passenger to the structure of the
instrument panel.
Typically, the driver and front seat passenger recall
more about the events preceding and following a col-
lision than they have of the airbag deployment itself.
This is because the airbag deployment and deflation
occur so rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour
(30 mile-per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment
of impact until both airbags are fully inflated takes
about 40 milliseconds. Within one to two seconds
from the moment of impact, both airbags are almost
entirely deflated. The times cited for these events are
approximations, which apply only to a barrier impact
at the given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.
When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
airbag system circuits or components, it stores a
fault code or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its
memory circuit and sends an electronic message to
the EMIC to turn on the airbag indicator. Proper
testing of the airbag system components, the
Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus, the
data bus message inputs to and outputs from the
EMIC or the ACM, as well as the retrieval or erasure
of a DTC from the ACM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passenger restraints,
including the airbag system.
WARNING
WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE,
COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR SERVICE ANY AIR-
BAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL,STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT
AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND)
CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FUR-
THER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR UNIT
CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM
NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS
AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH
ACID, WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE
HARMFUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM
HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF
MOISTURE) OR COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. THE
PASSENGER AIRBAG UNIT CONTAINS ARGON GAS
PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG UNIT OR
TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE,
INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 93É C (200É F).
WARNING: REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
NENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGE-
ABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT
IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR-
BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED
WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A NEW FAS-
TENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITH THE COR-
RECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE
PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE DAIMLER-
CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG UNIT ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE COL-
UMN ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG UNIT
FACE DOWN.
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 3
RESTRAINTS (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)