2001 DODGE RAM service

OPERATION
When the power lumbar switch paddle is actuated,
a battery feed and a ground path are applied through
the switch contacts to the power lumbar adjuster
motor. The motor operates to move the lumbar
adjuster through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is
moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the motor to run in the
opposite direction.
The power lumbar switch should not be held
applied in either direction after the adjuster has
reached its travel limit. The power lumbar adjuster
motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker to pro-
tect it from overload. However, consecutive or fre-
quent resetting of the circuit breaker must not be
allowed to continue, or the motor may be damaged.
REMOVAL
The power lumbar switch is integral with the other
power seat switches. Refer to the appropriate driver
or passenger power front seat switch removal and/or
installation procedure.
LUMBAR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The 8-way power seat option includes an electri-
cally operated lumbar support mechanism. The only
visible evidence of this option is the separate power
lumbar switch control paddle that is located on the
outboard seat cushion side shield, next to the other
power seat switch control knobs. The power lumbar
adjuster and motor are concealed beneath the seat
back trim cover and padding, where they are secured
to a molded plastic back panel and to the seat back
frame.
The power lumbar adjuster cannot be repaired, and
is serviced only as a unit with the seat back frame. If
the power lumbar adjuster or the seat back frame
are damaged or faulty, the entire seat back frame
unit must be replaced. Refer toBucket Seat Back
in Body for the seat back frame service procedures.
OPERATION
The power lumbar adjuster mechanism includes a
reversible electric motor that is secured to the
inboard side of the seat back panel and is connected
to a worm-drive gearbox. The motor and gearbox
operate the lumbar adjuster mechanism in the center
of the seat back by extending and retracting a cable
that actuates a lever. The action of this lever com-
presses or relaxes a grid of flexible slats. The morethis grid is compressed, the more the slats bow out-
ward against the center of the seat back padding,
providing additional lumbar support.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER LUMBAR
ADJUSTER
Actuate the power lumbar switch to move the
power lumbar adjuster in each direction. The power
lumbar adjuster should move in both directions. It
should be noted that the power lumber adjuster nor-
mally operates very quietly and exhibits little visible
movement. If the power lumbar adjuster fails to oper-
ate in only one direction, move the adjuster a short
distance in the opposite direction and test again to be
certain that the adjuster is not at its travel limit. If
the power lumbar adjuster still fails to operate in
only one direction, refer toPower Lumbar Switch
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. If
the power lumbar adjuster fails to operate in either
direction, perform the following tests. For complete
circuit diagrams, refer toPower Seatin Wiring Dia-
grams.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker in the
junction block. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty power seat circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker in the junction block. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
fuse in the Power Distribution Center as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power lumbar switch connector
receptacle. Check for battery voltage at the fused
B(+) circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness
connector for the power lumbar switch. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit
to the power seat circuit breaker in the junction
block as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power lumbar switch and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as
required.
(5) Test the power lumbar switch. Refer toPower
Lumbar Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing sec-
tion of this group. If the switch tests OK, test the cir-
cuits of the power seat wire harness between the
power lumbar adjuster motor and the power lumbar
switch for shorts or opens. If the circuits check OK,
replace the faulty seat back frame assembly. If the
circuits are not OK, repair the power seat wire har-
ness as required.
8N - 18 POWER SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
LUMBAR CONTROL SWITCH (Continued)

the motor and drive unit of the power seat recliner
mechanism is secured with two screws to the seat
cushion frame, and is concealed by the outboard seat
cushion side shield.
The power seat recliner cannot be repaired. If the
unit is faulty or damaged, it must be replaced. Refer
toBucket Seat Reclinerin Body for the service
procedure.
OPERATION
The power seat recliner includes a reversible elec-
tric motor that is secured to the lower hinge plate of
the recliner unit. The motor is connected to a gearbox
that moves the upper hinge plate of the power seat
recliner through a screw-type drive unit.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER SEAT
RECLINER
Following are tests that will help to diagnose the
hard wired components and circuits of the power seat
system. Actuate the power seat recliner switch to
move the power seat recliner adjuster in each direc-
tion. The power seat recliner adjuster should move in
both directions. If the power seat recliner adjuster
fails to operate in only one direction, move the
adjuster a short distance in the opposite direction
and test again to be certain that the adjuster is not
at its travel limit. If the power seat recliner adjuster
still fails to operate in only one direction, refer to
Power Seat Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. If the power recliner adjuster
fails to operate in either direction, perform the fol-
lowing tests. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to
Power Seatin Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker in the
junction block. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty power seat circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker in the junction block. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
fuse in the Power Distribution Center as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power seat switch connector recepta-
cle. Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+)
circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connec-
tor for the power seat switch. If OK, go to Step 4. If
not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
power seat circuit breaker in the junction block as
required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power seat switch and a good ground. There
should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK,
repair the open ground circuit to ground as required.(5) Test the power seat switch. Refer toPower
Seat Switchin the Diagnosis and Testing section of
this group. If the switch tests OK, test the circuits of
the power seat wire harness between the power seat
recliner adjuster motor and the power seat switch for
shorts or opens. If the circuits check OK, replace the
faulty power seat recliner unit. If the circuits are not
OK, repair the power seat wire harness as required.
POWER SEAT TRACK
DESCRIPTION
There are three reversible motors that operate the
power seat adjuster. The motors are connected to
worm-drive gearboxes that move the seat adjuster
through a combination of screw-type drive units.
The front and rear of a seat are operated by differ-
ent motors. They can be raised or lowered indepen-
dently of each other. When the center seat switch is
pushed in the Up or Down direction, both the front
and rear motors operate in unison. On standard cab
models the entire seat is moved up or down, on
extended cab models (club cab and quad cab) the seat
cushion moves independently of the seat back in the
up or down directions. The forward-rearward motor
is operated by pushing the center seat switch in the
Forward or Rearward direction, which moves the
entire seat in the selected direction on all models.
Each motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker
to protect it from overload. Consecutive or frequent
resetting of the circuit breakers must not be allowed
to continue, or the motors may be damaged. Make
the necessary repairs.
The power seat adjuster and motors cannot be
repaired, and are serviced only as a complete unit. If
any component in this unit is faulty or damaged, the
entire power seat adjuster and motors assembly must
be replaced.
OPERATION
When a power seat switch is actuated, a battery
feed and a ground path are applied through the
switch contacts to the motor(s). The motor(s) and
drive unit(s) operate to move the seat in the selected
direction until the switch is released, or until the
travel limit of the power seat adjuster is reached.
When the switch is moved in the opposite direction,
the battery feed and ground path to the motor(s) are
reversed through the switch contacts. This causes the
motor to run in the opposite direction.
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING - POWER SEAT TRACK
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Wir-
ing Diagrams.
BR/BEPOWER SEAT SYSTEM 8N - 21
RECLINER MOTOR (Continued)

POWER WINDOWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER WINDOWS
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................23
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................23
POWER WINDOWS.....................23
POWER WINDOW SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................24
OPERATION.............................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................24POWER WINDOW SWITCH...............24
REMOVAL..............................25
INSTALLATION...........................26
WINDOW MOTOR
DESCRIPTION...........................26
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................26
WINDOW MOTOR......................26
REMOVAL..............................26
POWER WINDOWS
DESCRIPTION
Power windows are available as factory-installed
optional equipment on this model. The power lock
system is included on vehicles equipped with the
power window option.
OPERATION
The power window system allows each of the front
door windows to be raised and lowered electrically by
actuating a switch on the trim panel of each respec-
tive door. Additionally, the master switch on the
driver side door trim panel allows the driver to raise
or lower the passenger side front door window. The
power window system receives battery feed through a
circuit breaker in the junction block, only when the
ignition switch is in the On position.
The power window system includes the power win-
dow switches on each front door trim panel, the cir-
cuit breaker in the junction block, and the power
window motors inside each front door. This group
covers diagnosis and service of only the electrical
components in the power window system. For service
of mechanical components, such as the regulator, lift
plate, window tracks, or glass refer to Group 23 -
Body.
Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the power window system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER
WINDOWS
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 informationand location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
ALL WINDOWS INOPERATIVE
(1) Check the circuit breaker in the junction block.
If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty cir-
cuit breaker.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power window and lock switch and
bezel unit from the driver side front door trim panel.
Unplug the wire harness connector from the switch
and bezel unit.
(3) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the switch and bezel unit wire harness
connector and a good ground. If OK, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER WINDOWS/POWER WIN-
DOW SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If not
OK, repair the circuit to ground as required.
ONE WINDOW INOPERATIVE
The window glass must be free to slide up and
down for the power window motor to function prop-
erly. If the glass is not free to move up and down, the
motor will overload and trip the integral circuit
breaker. To determine if the glass is free, disconnect
the regulator plate from the glass. Then slide the
window up and down by hand.
There is an alternate method to check if the glass
is free. Position the glass between the up and down
stops. Then, shake the glass in the door. Check that
the glass can be moved slightly from side to side,
front to rear, and up and down. Then check that the
glass is not bound tight in the tracks. If the glass is
free, proceed with the diagnosis that follows. If the
glass is not free, (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR -
FRONT/DOOR GLASS - REMOVAL).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power window and lock switch and
bezel unit from the door trim panel on the side of the
BR/BEPOWER WINDOWS 8N - 23

INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the power window switch to the har-
ness connector.
(2) Insert the rear of the switch and bezel unit into
the opening.
(3) Push down on the front of the switch until the
retaining tabs snap into place.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
WINDOW MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
A permanent magnet reversible motor moves the
window regulator through an integral gearbox mech-
anism. A positive and negative battery connection to
the two motor terminals will cause the motor to
rotate in one direction. Reversing the current
through these same two connections will cause the
motor to rotate in the opposite direction.
In addition, each power window motor is equipped
with an integral self-resetting circuit breaker to pro-
tect the motor from overloads. The power window
motor and gearbox assembly cannot be repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, the entire power window regu-
lator assembly must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WINDOW MOTOR
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. Before you proceed withthis diagnosis, confirm proper switch operation.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER WINDOWS/
POWER WINDOW SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the trim panel from the door with the
inoperative power window.
(2) Unplug the power window motor wire harness
connector. Apply 12 volts across the motor terminals
to check its operation in one direction. Reverse the
connections across the motor terminals to check the
operation in the other direction. Remember, if the
window is in the full up or full down position, the
motor will not operate in that direction by design. If
OK, repair the circuits from the power window motor
to the power window switch as required. If not OK,
replace the faulty motor.
(3) If the motor operates in both directions, check
the operation of the window glass and lift mechanism
through its complete up and down travel. There
should be no binding or sticking of the window glass
or lift mechanism through the entire travel range. If
not OK, (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WIN-
DOW REGULATOR - REMOVAL).
REMOVAL
The power window motor and mechanism is inte-
gral to the power window regulator unit. If the power
window motor or mechanism is faulty or damaged,
the entire power window regulator unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WIN-
DOW REGULATOR - REMOVAL) for the window
regulator service procedures.
8N - 26 POWER WINDOWSBR/BE
POWER WINDOW SWITCH (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

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)