
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)

(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should light for six to eight seconds, and
then go out. This indicates that the airbag system is
functioning normally and that the repairs are com-
plete. If the airbag indicator fails to light, or lights
and stays on, there is still an active airbag system
fault or malfunction. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information to diagnose the problem.
SPECIAL TOOLS
SPECIAL TOOLS - AIRBAG SYSTEM
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is concealed
underneath the plastic ACM trim cover (automatic
transmission) or center console (manual transmis-
sion), directly below the instrument panel in the pas-
senger compartment of the vehicle. The ACM is
secured with screws to a mounting bracket located
under the instrument panel center support bracket
on the floor panel transmission tunnel. The ACM
contains an electronic microprocessor, an electronic
impact sensor, an electromechanical safing sensor,
and an energy storage capacitor. The ACM is con-
nected to the vehicle electrical system through a take
out and connector of the instrument panel wire har-
ness.
The ACM cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if
damaged or faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the ACM contains the airbag
system logic circuits, and it monitors and controls all
of the airbag system components. The ACM also uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as with the DRBIIItscan tool using the Chrysler
Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network. This
method of communication is used for control of the
airbag indicator in the ElectroMechanical InstrumentCluster (EMIC) and for airbag system diagnosis and
testing through the 16-way data link connector
located on the lower left edge of the instrument
panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
CONTROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - OPER-
ATION). The ACM microprocessor continuously mon-
itors all of the airbag system electrical circuits to
determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects
a monitored system fault, it sets an active Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) and sends messages to the
EMIC over the CCD data bus to turn on the airbag
indicator. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER/AIRBAG INDICATOR - OPERATION). If
the airbag system fault is still present when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the Off position, the DTC is
stored in memory by the ACM. However, if a fault
does not recur for a number of ignition cycles, the
ACM will automatically erase the stored DTC.
The ACM receives battery current through two cir-
cuits, on a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
through a fuse in the Junction Block (JB), and on a
fused ignition switch output (start-run) circuit
through a second fuse in the JB. The ACM is
grounded through a ground circuit and take out of
the instrument panel wire harness. This take out has
a single eyelet terminal connector secured by a nut to
a ground stud located on the forward extension of the
left front fender wheel housing in the engine com-
partment. Therefore, the ACM is operational when-
ever the ignition switch is in the Start or On
positions. The ACM also contains an energy-storage
capacitor. When the ignition switch is in the Start or
On positions, this capacitor is continually being
charged with enough electrical energy to deploy the
airbags for up to one second following a battery dis-
connect or failure. The purpose of the capacitor is to
provide backup airbag system protection in case
there is a loss of battery current supply to the ACM
during an impact. The capacitor is only serviced as a
unit with the ACM.
Two sensors are contained within the ACM, an
electronic impact sensor and a safing sensor. The
electronic impact sensor is an accelerometer that
senses the rate of vehicle deceleration, which pro-
vides verification of the direction and severity of an
impact. A pre-programmed decision algorithm in the
ACM microprocessor determines when the decelera-
tion rate as signaled by the impact sensor indicates
an impact that is severe enough to require airbag
system protection. When the programmed conditions
are met, the ACM sends an electrical signal to deploy
the airbags. The safing sensor is an electromechani-
cal sensor within the ACM that is connected in series
between the ACM microprocessor airbag deployment
circuit and the airbags. The safing sensor is a nor-
mally open switch that is used to verify or confirm
Puller C-3428-B
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

FRAME & BUMPERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BUMPERS
DESCRIPTION............................1
FRONT AIR DAM
REMOVAL...............................1
INSTALLATION............................2
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL...............................2
INSTALLATION............................2
ADJUSTMENT............................2
FRONT LOWER FASCIA
REMOVAL...............................3
INSTALLATION............................3
FRONT FASCIAÐSPORT
REMOVAL...............................3
INSTALLATION............................3
FRONT BUMPER
REMOVAL...............................3
INSTALLATION............................4
FRONT BUMPERÐSPORT
REMOVAL...............................4
INSTALLATION............................4REAR BUMPER
REMOVAL...............................5
INSTALLATION............................5
FRAME
DESCRIPTION............................6
SPECIFICATIONS.........................7
CAB CHASSIS ADAPTER BRACKET
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION............................9
FRONT TOW HOOK
REMOVAL...............................9
INSTALLATION...........................10
SPARE TIRE WINCH
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................10
TRAILER HITCH
REMOVAL..............................10
INSTALLATION...........................10
TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATE
REMOVAL..............................11
INSTALLATION...........................11
BUMPERS
DESCRIPTION
Bumpers are used at the front and rear of the
vehicle. Bumpers may be chrome or painted.
Bumpers are designed to protect the exterior sheet-
metal in low impact situations. The bumpers are
attached to the frame and provide mounting points
for some optional accessories such as fog lights and
tow hooks.
FRONT AIR DAM
REMOVAL
(1) Remove Pin-type fasteners attaching air dam
to bottom of front bumper (Fig. 1).
(2) Remove screws attaching air dam to bottom of
front bumper.
(3) Separate air dam from bumper.
BR/BEFRAME & BUMPERS 13 - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING ± WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing,
improper body component alignment, body seam
porosity, missing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Cen-
trifugal and gravitational force can cause water to
drip from a location away from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing
points should be water tight in normal wet-driving
conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of
the vehicle should not enter the passenger or luggage
compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not
always seal water tight under all conditions. At
times, side glass or door seals will allow water to
enter the passenger compartment during high pres-
sure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi-
tions. Overcompensating on door or glass
adjustments to stop a water leak that occurs under
severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and
excessive closing or latching effort. After completing
a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear, and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal-
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
When the conditions causing a water leak have
been determined, simulate the conditions as closely
as possible.
²If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-
ended garden hose.
²If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds
in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the
spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.
²If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an
incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simu-
late this condition. This method can be used when
the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or
turns. If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the
front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking,
hoist the back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left
turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak
occurs on right turns, hoist the right side of the vehi-
cle. For hoisting recommendations refer to Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance, General Information
section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove inte-
rior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the
leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned without
being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak
appears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that the leak has
stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking
into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The
trapped water may splash or run from the cavity,
often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on an incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited-access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can
be detected without water testing. Position the vehi-
cle in a brightly lit area. From inside the darkened
luggage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the luggage
compartment. If light is visible through a normally
sealed location, water could enter through the open-
ing.
PRESSURIZED LEAK TEST METHOD
When a water leak into the passenger compart-
ment cannot be detected by water testing, pressurize
the passenger compartment and soap test exterior of
the vehicle. To pressurize the passenger compart-
ment, close all doors and windows, start engine, and
set heater control to high blower in HEAT position. If
engine can not be started, connect a charger to the
battery to ensure adequate voltage to the blower.
With interior pressurized, apply dish detergent solu-
tion to suspected leak area on the exterior of the
vehicle. Apply detergent solution with spray device or
soft bristle brush. If soap bubbles occur at a body
seam, joint, seal or gasket, the leak entry point could
be at that location.
23 - 2 BODYBR/BE
BODY (Continued)

INSPECTION - BATTERY
When battery is easily accessible, check the test
indicator (green dot), terminal tightness and felt
(grease) washer on battery posts. Recharge battery as
required to assure that the green dot is visible.
When battery is not easily accessible check battery
condition with a voltmeter at the jump start loca-
tions, or check the voltmeter on the instrument panel
(Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12). The reading should be at least
12.4 volts. Recharge battery as required.
NOTE: Refer to service information for proper bat-
tery charging rates and times.
INSPECTION - WIRING
The assembly plant has shipped all vehicles with
the interior lights and most electronic memories non-
functional by way of an Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse
removed. The purpose is to reduce the possibility of
battery run-down during shipping and storage.
Vehicles stored after prep should have the IOD
fuse that activates the accessories pulled to prevent
battery drain.
NOTE: Ensure that the IOD fuse is removed to pre-
vent battery drain and possible damage. Vehicles
stored for extended periods after prep should be
washed frequently, to prevent environmental dam-age, and reinspected for storage-related problems
before delivery.
(1) Install the IOD fuse as equipped. (ON vehicles
being delivered, remember to reset radio, clock, com-
pass, etc., as required.)
(2) Check routing and connections of all underhood
wiring-reroute and connect as required.
(3) Make sure the starter, generator and air condi-
tioning clutch wiring are correctly installed, routed,
and in the clips where provided.
(4) For predelivery storage, always pull the IOD
fuse that activates accessories.
Fig. 10 TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND
RADIATOR HOSE
1 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES
2 - RADIATOR LOWER HOSE
Fig. 11 BATTERY VOLTAGE GAUGE DIESEL ENGINE
Fig. 12 BATTERY VOLTAGE GAUGE GAS ENGINE
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 7
UNDER HOOD (Continued)

BODY INTERIOR
INSPECTION - COMPASS
NOTE: Set variance after calibration.
(1) Calibrate and set compass variance (Fig. 26), if
so equipped (use appropriate procedures in service
information).
(2) Remove protective film from overhead console,
if equipped.
INSPECTION - FIT AND FINISH
(1) Remove any interior covers.
(2) Inspect the instrument panel, glove box door
(Fig. 27) and interior moldings for even gaps and
alignments.
(3) Check that the door panel material is clean,
free from wrinkles and installed correctly.
(4) Check that the seat material is clean, secure
and free of wrinkles.
(5) Check that the carpet is clean, secure and free
of wrinkles.
(6) Check that the headliner is clean, free of lint
and dirt smudges.
INSPECTION - LIGHTS AND SWITCHES
(1) Remove protective film from all switch bezels.
(2) Operate and visually inspect all interior lights
and switches, including:
²Dome/map lamps
²Vanity mirror lamps
²Glove box light²Ashtray light
²Cigar lighter light
²All gauge lights
²Radio display
²Door-mounted lights, if equipped
²Illuminated entry system, if equipped
(3) Visually inspect and operate all exterior lights
and their switches, including:
NOTE: Headlamp aim is preset during vehicle
assembly.
²Headlights, including high beam, optical horn
(ªflash to passº) and daylight running lamps (DRL's)
(Fig. 28)
²Tail/stop lamps (including center high-mounted
stop lamp)
²Parking lights Turn signals Brake lights (includ-
ing center high mounted stop lamp)
²Emergency flashers (Fig. 29)
²Fog/driving lights, if equipped
²Off-road or other lights, if equipped
²Cargo bed lights, if equipped
(4) Check ignition switch for proper operation in
all positions (accessory, lock, on, start and off).
INSPECTION - SEAT BELTS, SHOULDER
BELTS, RETRACTORS AND HEAD RESTRAINTS
(1) Inspect all seat belts and harnesses to ensure
that they connect and hold properly.
(2) Inspect the condition of the belts and anchors.
(3) Inspect for proper seat belt retraction.
Fig. 26 COMPASS OPERATION
Fig. 27 GLOVE BOX DOOR
30 - 12 NEW VEHICLE PREPARATIONBR/BE

ROAD TEST
DESCRIPTION - ROAD TEST INSPECTION
The following items must be inspected during the
road test portion of the new vehicle inspection.
²Check neutral safety switch operation
²Check operation of shift/clutch interlock system
²Check operation of gauges and warning lights
²Check horn operation
²Check operation of turn signals and emergency
flashers
²Check all mirror adjustments, including day/
night function
²Check windshield wipers for proper wipe pattern
and intermittent mode (if equipped)
²Check washer spray pattern
²Check heater, defroster and air conditioning for
proper operation
²Check that the fan operates quietly
²Check the rear window defroster (if equipped)
²Leave air selection lever in the fresh air position
²Check the rear heater and air conditioning for
proper operation
²Check the rear air register locations
²Check that the indicator lamps operate properly
²Check the operation of the radio, cassette and/or
compact disc player, and that sound quality is good
²Ensure that the clock displays the correct time
²Check that the trip computer/maintenance
reminder operates in all modes
²Check all speed control functions
²Check the service brakes to ensure that they
stop the vehicle in a straight line, without noise,
shudder or vibration
²Check the brake warning light
²Check the parking brake operation
²Check the engine's performance
²Check the transmission's performance for
smooth, quiet operation. If the vehicle is a 4x4, check
that the transfer case shifts easily among all ranges
²Check Autostick function (if equipped)
²Check the vehicle's steering and handling
²The steering wheel should be centered when
traveling in a straight line
²The vehicle should not pull or vibrate
²Check for squeaks, rattles and wind noise
²Check any other vehicle aspects you believe are
important, but that may not be included on the New
Vehicle Preparation Form
²Fill fuel tank with specified grade of fuel
INSPECTION - FUEL
Fill fuel tank with specified grade of gasoline (reg-
ular, midgrade or premium).
INSPECTION - OTHER
As part of DaimlerChrysler's Customer One philos-
ophy, the ªOtherº blank is provided on the New Vehi-
cle Preparation Form. This is designed to encourage
you to check any aspects of vehicle operation that
you believe are important to your customers, but that
do not appear elsewhere on the form.
INSPECTION - SQUEAKS, RATTLES AND WIND
NOISE
(1) Make sure that the instrument panel, glove
box, seats, steering wheel and column are free from
squeaks and rattles. Tighten any obvious loose fas-
teners.
(2) Check that the windows and doors are free
from squeaks, rattles and wind noise.
(3) Check that the vehicle exterior is free from
squeaks, rattles and noise, front and rear.
(4) Make sure that all interior panels are free from
squeaks and rattles.
INSPECTION - STEERING AND HANDLING
(1) Check that the power assist works properly (if
equipped). Steering should not require excessive
effort.
(2) Make sure the steering wheel does not vibrate
at idle or road speed.
(3) Ensure that the steering wheel is centered
when traveling straight ahead.
(4) Check that the vehicle does not drift to one
side.
(5) Make sure that the vehicle does not vibrate/
shake.
INSPECTION - TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER
CASE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(1) Make sure that the park lock holds the vehicle
With the vehicle on a grade, put automatic trans-
mission in PARK and slowly release the service
brake to see if park lock holds. If it does not hold, the
transmission requires further service.
(2) Make sure shift lever operates easily/ smoothly
(Fig. 36).
Check for smooth shifting. Check for proper
upshifting and downshifting.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(1) Check that the shifter operates easily (Fig. 38).
(2) Make sure that the clutch operates smoothly
(Fig. 37).
(3) Look for proper synchronization.
The gears should not grind.
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 15

INSPECTION - MIRROR
(1) Check operation of rearview mirror's day/night
function (if equipped).
(2) Check ease of adjustment for all mirrors (power
or manual) (Fig. 46) and (Fig. 47).
INSPECTION - TURN AND EMERGENCY
SIGNALS
(1) Ensure that the turn signals work properly
(including canceling after completing a turn).
(2) Ensure that the emergency flashers work prop-
erly.
INSPECTION - HORN
Ensure that the horn works properly.
INSPECTION - GAUGES/WARNING LIGHTS
(1) Ensure that all gauges, instrument indicator
lights, warning lights and instrument panel lights
are functioning properly.
(2) Inspect operation of message center (if
equipped).
INSPECTION - SHIFT/CLUTCH INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
(1) On vehicles with a manual transmission or
transaxle, be sure engine starts only when clutch is
depressed.
(2) Some vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission also have a brake interlock system. On
these vehicles, be sure that you cannot shift out of
PARK without pressing the brake pedal.
INSPECTION - NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
(1) On vehicles with an automatic transmission or
transaxle, check shift indicator alignment in all
ranges.
(2) Be sure the engine starts in both PARK and
NEUTRAL.
(3) Verify that the engine does not start in any
REVERSE/DRIVE positions.
PRE DELIVERY STORAGE
DESCRIPTION
Pre Delivery Storage information is provided to
recommend practices to use when storing new vehi-
cles prior to delivery to the customer.
If you have prepared a vehicle that will not be
immediately delivered to the customer, store the
vehicle according to guidelines outlined in (Refer to
30 - NEW VEHICLE PREP/PREDELIVERY STOR-
AGE - STANDARD PROCEDURE) to prevent unnec-
essary wear and tear on the vehicles electrical
systems, paint and finish and damage due to pilfer-
age and vandalism.
Fig. 46 INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
Fig. 47 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
BR/BENEW VEHICLE PREPARATION 30 - 19
ROAD TEST (Continued)