2001 DODGE RAM control arm

OPERATION - POWER LOCK SYSTEM
All versions of the power lock system allow both
doors to be locked or unlocked electrically by operat-
ing the power lock switch on either front door trim
panel. On vehicles that are also equipped with the
optional Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, both
doors may also be locked or unlocked using a key in
either front door lock cylinder, or by using the RKE
transmitter. On vehicles with the RKE system, if cer-
tain features have been electronically enabled, the
locks may also be operated automatically by the
high-line or premium Central Timer Module (CTM)
based upon various other inputs. Those features and
their inputs are:
²Automatic Door Lock- If enabled, the high-
line/premium CTM will automatically lock the doors
when it receives a message from the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM) indicating that the vehicle speed
is about 24 kilometers-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour)
or greater. The CTM also monitors the door ajar
switches, and will not activate the automatic door
lock feature until both doors have been closed for at
least five seconds. If this feature is enabled and a
door is opened after the vehicle is moving, the CTM
will also lock the doors five seconds after both doors
are closed.
²Central Locking- Vehicles equipped with a
high-line/premium CTM also have a resistor-multi-
plexed door cylinder lock switch mounted to the back
of the door lock cylinder within each front door. The
CTM continually monitors the input from these
switches to provide the central locking/unlocking fea-
ture. The CTM will automatically lock or unlock both
front doors when either front door is locked or
unlocked using a key.
²Door Lock Inhibit- The high-line/premium
CTM receives inputs from the key-in ignition switch,
the headlamp switch, and the door ajar switches. The
logic within the CTM allows it to monitor these
inputs to provide a door lock inhibit feature. The
door lock inhibit feature prevents the power lock sys-
tem from being energized with a power lock switch
input if the driver door is open with the headlamps
on or the key still in the ignition switch. However,
the locks can still be operated with the manual door
lock button or with a key in the door lock cylinder,
and the power locks will still operate using the RKE
transmitter while the driver door is open with the
headlamps on or a key in the ignition.
²Enhanced Accident Response- If enabled,
the high-line/premium CTM provides an enhanced
accident response feature. This feature uses elec-
tronic message inputs received by the CTM from the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) to determine when an
airbag has been deployed. The CTM also monitors
the state of the power lock system and the vehiclespeed messages from the PCM in order to provide
this feature. If the airbag has been deployed and the
vehicle has stopped moving, the CTM will automati-
cally unlock the doors, prevent the doors from being
locked, and turn on the courtesy lamps inside the
vehicle. Of course, these responses are dependent
upon a functional battery and electrical circuitry fol-
lowing the impact.
All versions of the power lock system operate on
battery current received through a fused B(+) circuit
from a fuse in the Junction Block (JB) so that the
system remains functional, regardless of the ignition
switch position. Also, in both versions of the power
lock system, each power lock switch receives battery
current independent of the other. In vehicles with the
base version of the power lock system, the driver side
power lock switch receives ground through the body
wire harness. A single wire take out of the body wire
harness with an eyelet terminal connector is secured
by a ground screw to the lower left B-pillar (regular
cab, extended cab) or lower left quarter inner panel
(quad cab). The passenger side power lock switch
receives ground through the driver side power lock
switch in the base version of the power lock system.
The base version power lock switches direct the
appropriate battery current and ground feeds to the
power lock motors. In the power lock system for vehi-
cles with the RKE system, the power lock switches
direct a battery current Lock or Unlock request sig-
nal to the high-line or premium CTM, and the CTM
energizes internal relays to direct the appropriate
battery current and ground feeds to the power lock
motors.
OPERATION - REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, the power locks can be operated remotely
using the RKE transmitter. If the vehicle is so
equipped, the RKE transmitter also arms and dis-
arms the factory-installed Vehicle Theft Security Sys-
tem (VTSS). Three small, recessed buttons on the
outside of the transmitter case labelled Lock, Unlock,
and Panic allow the user to choose the function that
is desired. The RKE transmitter then sends the
appropriate Radio Frequency (RF) signal. An RF
receiver that is integral to the high-line or premium
version of the Central Timer Module (CTM) receives
the transmitted signal, then uses its internal elec-
tronic programming to determine whether the
received signal is valid and what function has been
requested. If the signal is valid, the CTM provides
the programmed features.
Besides operating the power lock system and arm-
ing or disarming the VTSS, the RKE system also
controls the following features:
BR/BEPOWER LOCKS 8N - 3
POWER LOCKS (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: 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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the
clockspring pigtail wire connectors from the speed
control switches and the remote radio switches
located within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(4) Remove the nut that secures the steering wheel
armature to the steering column upper shaft, which
is located within the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(5) Pull the steering wheel off of the steering col-
umn upper shaft spline using a steering wheel puller
(Special Tool C-3428-B).
(6) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(7) If the vehicle is so equipped, unscrew the lever
from the tilt steering column adjuster mechanism
located on the left side of the column just below the
multi-function switch control stalk. Turn the lever
counterclockwise to unscrew it from the adjuster.
(8) From below the steering column, remove the
two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to
the lower outer shroud (Fig. 9).
(9) Press carefully inward on each side of the outer
shrouds to release the snap features and remove the
upper outer shroud from the lower outer shroud.
(10) From below the steering column, remove the
one center screw that secures the lower outer shroud
to the steering column housing.
(11) Remove the lower outer shroud from the
steering column.
(12) From below the steering column, remove the
two screws that secure the lower inner shroud to the
steering column housing and the upper inner shroud.(13) Press carefully inward on the gearshift lever
side of the inner shrouds to release the snap features
and remove the lower inner shroud from the steering
column.
(14) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the clockspring from the lower clock-
spring connector receptacle.
(15) Disconnect the lower clockspring pigtail wire
connector from the instrument panel wire harness,
located on the instrument panel lower reinforcement
below the steering column.
(16) Carefully disengage the plastic latches of the
clockspring assembly from the steering column lock
housing and remove the clockspring from the column.
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
(17) If the removed clockspring is to be reused,
secure the clockspring rotor to the clockspring case to
maintain clockspring centering until it is reinstalled
on the steering column. If clockspring centering is
not maintained, the clockspring must be centered
again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING).
Fig. 9 Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install -
Typical
1 - NUT
2 - TILT LEVER
3 - UPPER SHROUD
4 - LOWER SHROUD
5 - SCREWS
6 - CLOCK SPRING
7 - STEERING WHEEL
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with a piece of tape cover-
ing the engaged clockspring auto-locking tabs. This
tape should not be removed until the clockspring has
been installed on the steering column. If the tape is
removed before the clockspring is installed on a
steering column, the clockspring centering procedure
must be performed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) Carefully slide the centered clockspring down
over the steering column upper shaft until the clock-
spring latches engage the steering column lock hous-
ing (Fig. 9).
(2) Reconnect the lower clockspring pigtail wire
connector to the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector located near the instrument panel lower rein-
forcement, below the steering column. Be certain that
the pigtail wire locator clips are properly seated on
the outside of the wiring trough and that the connec-
tor latches are fully engaged.
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the clockspring to the lower clockspring
connector receptacle.
(4) Position the lower inner shroud onto the steer-
ing column. Be certain to insert the gearshift lever
hider strip into the channel located on the inside sur-
face of the shroud.
(5) Align the locking tabs on the gearshift lever
side of the upper inner shroud with the receptacleson the lower inner shroud and apply hand pressure
to snap them together.
(6) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the lower inner
shroud to the steering column housing and the upper
inner shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in.
lbs.).
(7) Position the lower outer shroud onto the steer-
ing column. Be certain that the lower clockspring
pigtail wire is routed inside the shrouds.
(8) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the one center screw that secures the lower
outer shroud to the steering column housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(9) Align the locking tabs on the upper outer
shroud with the receptacles on the lower outer
shroud and apply hand pressure to snap them
together.
(10) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two outboard screws that secure the
lower outer shroud to the upper outer shroud.
Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(11) If the vehicle is so equipped, reinstall the
lever into the tilt steering column adjuster on the left
side of the column. Turn the lever clockwise to screw
it into the adjuster.
(12) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(13) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column upper shaft. Be certain to index the flats on
the hub of the steering wheel with the formations on
the inside of the clockspring hub. Pull the upper
clockspring pigtail wires through the upper and
lower holes between the steering wheel back trim
cover and the steering wheel armature.
(14) Install and tighten the steering wheel mount-
ing nut. Tighten the nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.). Be
certain not to pinch the pigtail wires between the
steering wheel and the nut.
(15) If the vehicle is so equipped, reconnect the
upper clockspring pigtail wire connectors to the
speed control switches and/or the remote radio
switches. Be certain that the upper clockspring pig-
tail wires are routed between the steering wheel back
trim cover and the steering wheel armature.
(16) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 13
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The driver airbag protective trim cover is the most
visible part of the driver airbag. The airbag used in
this model is a Next Generation-type that complies
with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with
less force than those used in some prior models. The
driver airbag is located in the center of the steering
wheel, where it is secured with two screws to the
steering wheel armature. Concealed beneath the
driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, the
folded airbag cushion, the airbag retainer or housing,
the airbag inflator, and the retainers that secure the
trim cover to the airbag housing. The resistive mem-
brane-type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to
the inside surface of the airbag trim cover, between
the trim cover and the folded airbag cushion. The air-
bag inflator is a conventional pyrotechnic-type unit
that is secured with nuts to four studs on the back of
the stamped metal airbag housing.
The driver airbag trim cover has locking blocks
molded into the back side of it that engage a lip
formed around the perimeter of the airbag housing.
Two stamped metal retainers then fit over the infla-
tor mounting studs on the back of the airbag housing
and tabs on the retainer are engaged in slots on the
inside of the trim cover, securely locking the cover
into place. One horn switch pigtail wire has an eyelet
terminal connector that is captured on the upper left
inflator mounting stud between the inflator and the
upper trim cover retainer. The connector insulator of
the other horn switch pigtail wire is routed between
the upper right inflator mounting stud and the infla-
tor, where it is captured by a small plastic that is
pushed onto the stud. The driver airbag cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any
way damaged. The driver airbag trim cover and horn
switch are available as a unit, and may be disassem-
bled from the driver airbag for service replacement.
OPERATION
The driver airbag is deployed by an electrical sig-
nal generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag line 1 and line 2 (or squib)
circuits. When the ACM sends the proper electrical
signal to the airbag inflator, the electrical energy
generates enough heat to initiate a small pyrotechnic
charge which, in turn, ignites chemical pellets within
the inflator. Once ignited, these chemical pellets burn
rapidly and produce a large quantity of nitrogen gas.
The inflator is sealed to the back of the airbag hous-
ing and a diffuser in the inflator directs all of the
nitrogen gas into the airbag cushion, causing the
cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the driver
airbag trim cover will split at predetermined break-out lines, then fold back out of the way along with
the horn switch. Following an airbag deployment, the
airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the nitro-
gen gas towards the instrument panel through the
porous fabric material used on the steering wheel
side of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the nitrogen
gas are considered hazardous in their solid state,
before they are burned, but they are securely sealed
within the airbag inflator. However, the nitrogen gas
that is produced when the chemicals are burned is
harmless. A small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noticed, rinse the affected area
with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing pas-
sages are irritated, move to another area where there
is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation
is not alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty
or damaged driver airbag. If the driver airbag has been
deployed, the clockspring and the steering column
assembly must also be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAU-
TIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,
wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the steering wheel armature (Fig. 10).
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSBR/BE

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

(1) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.
(2) Remove both windshield wiper arm/blade
assemblies. Refer to 8, Wiper and Washer Systems.
(3) Remove rubber weather-strip at front edge of
cowel grill (Fig. 21).
(4) Release cowel grill plastic anchor screws (Fig.
22).
(5) Lift cowel plenum cover/grille panel from vehi-
cle far enough to access vacuum reservoir.
(6) Disconnect vacuum supply line from vacuum
reservoir (Fig. 23).
(7) Remove 2 vacuum reservoir mounting screws.
(8) Remove vacuum reservoir from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
The vacuum reservoir is located under the plastic
cowel plenum cover at lower base of windshield. The
vacuum reservoir is not used if equipped with a die-
sel engine.
(1) Install vacuum reservoir and two mounting
screws. Tighten screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Connect vacuum supply hose to vacuum reser-
voir.
(3) Position cowel plenum cover/grille panel to
vehicle.
(4) Install and tighten cowel cover fasteners to
vehicle body.
(5) Install rubber weather-strip at front edge of
cowel grill.
(6) Install windshield wiper arms. Refer to 8,
Wiper and Washer Systems.
(7) Connect negative battery to cable.
Fig. 21 Cowel Grille Panel Weather-strip
1 - COWL GRILLE
2 - WEATHERSTRIP
Fig. 22 Plastic Anchor Screws Remove/Install
1 - PLASTIC SCREW ANCHOR
2 - COWL GRILLE
Fig. 23 Vacuum Reservoir Remove/Install
1 - COWL PLENUM
2 - VACUUM RESERVOIR
8P - 14 SPEED CONTROLBR/BE
VACUUM RESERVOIR (Continued)

VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION............................1
OPERATION.............................2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY SYSTEM........3VTSS INDICATOR
DESCRIPTION............................3
OPERATION.............................3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING..................3
VTSS INDICATOR.......................3
VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS) is an
available factory-installed option on this model when
it is also equipped with the high-line or premium
Central Timer Module (CTM). The VTSS is designed
to provide perimeter protection against unauthorized
use or tampering by monitoring the vehicle doors and
the ignition system. If unauthorized vehicle use or
tampering is detected, the system responds by puls-
ing the horn, flashing the headlamps, and preventing
the engine from operating.
The VTSS 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 and software that allow it to provide many
electronic functions and features not available with
base version of the CTM, including the VTSS. The
CTM provides all of the proper VTSS features and
outputs based upon the monitored inputs. The CTM
circuitry monitors hard wired switch inputs, as well
as message inputs received from other vehicle elec-
tronic modules over the Chrysler Collision Detection
(CCD) data bus network. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/BODY CON-
TROL/CENTRAL TIMER MODULE -
DESCRIPTION).
²Door Ajar Switch- A door ajar switch is
located on the hinge pillar of each front door in the
vehicle. These switches provide an input to the VTSS
indicating whether the door is opened or closed.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING -
INTERIOR/DOOR AJAR SWITCH - DESCRIPTION).
²Door Cylinder Lock Switch- A door cylinder
lock switch is located on the back of each front door
lock cylinder. This switch provides an input to theVTSS indicating whether the system should remain
armed or be disarmed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER LOCKS/DOOR CYLINDER LOCK SWITCH
- DESCRIPTION).
²Horn Relay- The horn relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment near the battery. The horn relay is nor-
mally activated by the horn switch to control the
sounding of the vehicle horn or horns. However, it
can also be activated by an output of the Central
Timer Module (CTM) to provide an audible indication
that unauthorized vehicle use or tampering has been
detected. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/HORN/HORN
RELAY - DESCRIPTION).
²Headlamp Relay- The headlamp relay (also
known as the security relay) is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compart-
ment near the battery. The headlamp relay is nor-
mally activated by the Central Timer Module (CTM)
based upon inputs from the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) panic mode feature. However, it can also be
activated by an output of the CTM to flash the head-
lamp low beams to provide a highly visible indication
that unauthorized vehicle use or tampering has been
detected. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR/HEADLAMP RELAY - DESCRIP-
TION).
²VTSS Indicator- A red Light Emitting Diode
(LED) located on the lower surface of the overhead
console near the windshield is illuminated by an out-
put of the Central Timer Module (CTM) to indicate
the status of the VTSS. This LED is integral to the
electronic circuit board for the Compass Mini-Trip
Computer (CMTC). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
OVERHEAD CONSOLE/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP
COMPUTER - DESCRIPTION).
The engine no-run feature of the VTSS relies upon
communication between the high-line or premium
CTM and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) over
the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus net-
work.
Hard wired circuitry connects many of the VTSS
components to each other through the electrical sys-
BR/BEVEHICLE THEFT SECURITY 8Q - 1