2001 DODGE RAM service

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

(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the two wire harness con-
nectors at the back of the airbag.
(4) Disconnect the clockspring horn switch pigtail
wire connector from the horn switch feed pigtail wire
connector, which is located at the back of the driver
airbag.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wire to disengage the connector from the driver air-
bag inflator connector receptacle.
(5) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag inflator con-
nector receptacle, which is located at the back of the
driver airbag. Firmly grasp and pull or gently pry on
the clockspring driver airbag wire harness connector
to disconnect it from the airbag inflator connector
receptacle.
(6) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(7) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring and the steering column must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL) (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).DISASSEMBLY
The horn switch is integral to the driver airbag
trim cover. If either component is faulty or damaged,
the entire driver airbag trim cover and horn switch
unit must be replaced.
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Fig. 10 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - HORN SWITCH FEED PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR3 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
4 - SCREW (2)
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 15
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

WARNING: THE HORN SWITCH IS INTEGRAL TO
THE DRIVER AIRBAG UNIT. SERVICE OF THIS UNIT
SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY DAIMLER-
CHRYSLER-TRAINED AND AUTHORIZED DEALER
SERVICE TECHNICIANS. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS OR TO FOLLOW THE
PROPER PROCEDURES COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the plastic wire retainer that captures
the horn switch feed pigtail wire between the upper
left inflator stud and the inflator on the back of the
driver airbag housing (Fig. 11).
(4) Remove the four nuts that secure the upper
and lower trim cover retainers to the studs on the
back of the driver airbag housing
(5) Remove the upper and lower trim cover retain-
ers from the airbag housing studs (Fig. 12).
(6) Remove the horn switch ground pigtail wire
eyelet terminal from the upper right airbag housing
stud.
(7) Disengage the six trim cover locking blocks
from the lip around the outside edge of the driver
airbag housing and remove the housing from the
cover (Fig. 13).
Fig. 11 Driver Airbag Trim Cover Retainer Nuts
Remove/Install
1 - HORN SWITCH FEED PIGTAIL WIRE
2 - HORN SWITCH GROUND PIGTAIL WIRE
3 - NUTS
4 - WIRE RETAINER
Fig. 12 Driver Airbag Trim Cover Retainers
1 - UPPER RETAINER
2 - AIRBAG HOUSING
3 - TRIM COVER
4 - NUT (4)
5 - LOWER RETAINER
6 - INFLATOR
7 - STUDS
Fig. 13 Driver Airbag Trim Cover Remove/Install
1 - RETAINER SLOTS
2 - RETAINER SLOTS
3 - HORN SWITCH
4 - LOCKING BLOCKS
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

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

INSTALLATION
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 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
REMOVAL) and (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. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM
COVERS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COL-
ORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE
MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER RESPONDS TO AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT
INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Assemble the driver airbag trim cover onto the
airbag housing. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - ASSEMBLY).
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire harness
connector to the airbag inflator connector receptacle
by pressing straight in on the connector (Fig. 10). You
can be certain that the connector is fully engaged by
listening carefully for a distinct, audible click as the
connector snaps into place.
(3) Reconnect the clockspring horn switch pigtail
wire harness connector to the horn switch feed pig-
tail wire connector, which is located on the back of
the driver airbag.(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wires in the steering wheel hub area are not
pinched between the driver airbag and the steering
wheel.
(5) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 10.2 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seats to their most forward
position for easiest access to the front shoulder belt
lower seat belt anchor plate, the retractor, and the
B-pillar.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor plate to the floor panel near the base of
the B-pillar.
(3) Unsnap and lift the front shoulder belt turning
loop cover to access the screw that secures the turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster (Fig. 15).
(4) Remove the screw that secures the shoulder
belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
(5) Remove the shoulder belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.
(6) Remove the trim from the B-pillar. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL).
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(7) Disengage the front seat shoulder belt turning
loop and lower seat belt anchor plate from the B-pil-
lar trim.
(8) Remove the screw that secures the retractor to
the B-pillar.
(9) Remove the front shoulder belt and retractor
from the B-pillar.
REMOVAL - CLUB/QUAD CAB
The front seat shoulder belt and retractor are inte-
gral to the driver and passenger front seat backs on
club cab and quad cab models.
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Remove the trim cover from the front seat back
frame. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT BACK
COVER - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the screws that secure the retractor
cover to the seat back frame.(3) Remove the retractor cover from the seat back
frame.
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the seat
belt retractor to the seat back frame (Fig. 16).
(5) Remove the front shoulder belt and retractor
from the seat back frame.
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the retractor onto the B-pillar (Fig.
15).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
retractor to the B-pillar. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m
(29 ft. lbs.).
(3) Engage the front seat shoulder belt turning
loop and lower seat belt anchor plate with the B-pil-
lar trim.
Fig. 15 Front Shoulder Belt - Standard Cab
1 - TURNING LOOP COVER
2 - SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 16 Seat Belt Retractor
1 - RETRACTOR SCREWS
2 - SEAT BACK FRAME
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 19
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

(4) Reinstall the trim onto the B-pillar. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM - INSTAL-
LATION).
(5) Position the shoulder belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
shoulder belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
Tighten the screw to 30 N´m (22 ft. lbs.).
(7) Fold and snap the cover over the front shoulder
belt turning loop to conceal the screw that secures
the turning loop to the height adjuster.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower seat belt anchor plate to the floor panel near
the base of the B-pillar. Tighten the screw to 40 N´m
(29 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION - CLUB/QUAD CAB
The front seat shoulder belt and retractor are inte-
gral to the driver and passenger front seat backs on
club cab and quad cab models.
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front shoulder belt and retractor
onto the seat back frame.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the seat belt retractor to the seat back frame (Fig.
16). Tighten the screws to 16 N´m (12 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the retractor cover onto the seat back
frame.
(4) Install and tighten the screws that secure the
retractor cover to the seat back frame. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the trim cover onto the front seat
back frame. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT BACK
COVER - INSTALLATION).
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the front seat belt buckle
anchors.
(2) Tilt both front seat backs forward far enough to
access the seat belt buckle anchor screws.
(3) On the driver's side only, disconnect the body
wire harness connector for the seat belt switch from
the seat belt switch pigtail wire connector on the seat
belt buckle.
(4) Remove the screw that secures the seat belt
buckle to the anchor on the seat cushion frame.
(5) Remove the front seat belt buckle from the seat
cushion frame.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front seat belt buckle onto the seat
cushion frame.
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

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