2001 DODGE RAM service indicator

MARKER LAMP
REMOVAL..............................22
INSTALLATION...........................23
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
DESCRIPTION...........................23
OPERATION.............................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.................25
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH...............25
REMOVAL..............................27
INSTALLATION...........................28
OUTBOARD IDENTIFICATION LAMP
REMOVAL..............................28
INSTALLATION...........................29
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................29
PARK/TURN SIGNAL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL..............................29INSTALLATION...........................29
TAIL LAMP
DESCRIPTION...........................29
OPERATION.............................29
REMOVAL..............................29
INSTALLATION...........................30
TAIL LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL..............................30
INSTALLATION...........................30
TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM
DESCRIPTION...........................30
OPERATION.............................31
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL..............................31
INSTALLATION...........................32
UNDERHOOD LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL..............................32
INSTALLATION...........................32
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
DESCRIPTION - TURN SIGNAL & HAZARD
WARNING SYSTEM
A turn signal and hazard warning system is stan-
dard factory-installed safety equipment on this
model. The turn signal and hazard warning system
includes the following major components, which are
described in further detail elsewhere in this service
information:
²Combination Flasher- The electronic combi-
nation flasher is installed in the Junction Block (JB),
which is located behind the fuse access panel on the
left outboard end of the instrument panel.
²Hazard Warning Switch- The hazard warning
switch is integral to the multi-function switch on the
left side of the steering column. The hazard warning
switch button protrudes from a dedicated opening in
the shroud on the top of the steering column, just
below the steering wheel.
²Turn Signal Cancel Cam- The turn signal
cancel cam is integral to the clockspring, which is
located beneath the steering column shrouds at the
top of the steering column, just below the steering
wheel.
²Turn Signal Indicators- The two turn signal
indicators, one right and one left, are integral to the
ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC)
located in the instrument panel.
²Turn Signal Lamps- The front turn signal
lamps are integral to the lower front outboard ends
of the headlamp modules, located just outboard of the
two sides of the radiator grille opening. The rear
turn signal lamps are integral to the taillamp mod-
ules located on either side of the vehicle. For pickup
models the taillamp modules are secured to the rear
of the quarter panels at each side of the tailgate
opening. For cab and chassis models the taillampmodules are secured by a stamped steel bracket on
the outboard side of each frame rail near the rear of
the vehicle.
²Turn Signal Switch- The turn signal switch is
integral to the multi-function switch on the left side
of the steering column. The multi-function switch
control stalk that actuates the turn signal switch
protrudes from a dedicated opening in the steering
column shrouds on the left side of the column, just
below the steering wheel.
Hard wired circuitry connects the turn signal and
hazard warning system components to each other
through the electrical system of the vehicle. These
hard wired circuits are integral to several wire har-
nesses, which are routed throughout the vehicle and
retained by many different methods. These circuits
may be connected to each other, to the vehicle elec-
trical system and to the turn signal and hazard
warning system components through the use of a
combination of soldered splices, splice block connec-
tors and many different types of wire harness termi-
nal connectors and insulators. 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.
OPERATION - TURN SIGNAL & HAZARD
WARNING SYSTEM
The turn signal system operates on battery current
received on a fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuit so that the turn signals will only operate with
the ignition switch in the On or Accessory positions.
The hazard warning system operates on non-
switched battery current received on a fused B(+) cir-
cuit so that the hazard warning remains operational
8L - 2 LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIORBR/BE

regardless of the ignition switch position. When the
turn signal (multi-function) switch control stalk is
moved up (right turn) or down (left turn), the turn
signal system is activated. When the turn signal sys-
tem is activated, the circuitry of the turn signal
switch and the combination flasher will cause the
selected (right or left) turn signal indicator, front
park/turn signal lamp, and rear tail/stop/turn signal
lamp to flash on and off. With the hazard warning
(multi-function) switch in the On position, the hazard
warning system is activated. When the hazard warn-
ing system is activated, the circuitry of the hazard
warning switch and the combination flasher will
cause both the right side and the left side turn signal
indicators, front park/turn signal lamps, and rear
tail/stop/turn signal lamps to flash on and off.
Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
operation of the turn signal and hazard warning sys-
tem.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TURN SIGNAL &
HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM
When diagnosing the turn signal and hazard warn-
ing circuits, remember that high generator output
can burn out bulbs rapidly and repeatedly. If this is a
problem on the vehicle being diagnosed, be certain to
diagnose and repair the charging system as required.
If the problem being diagnosed is related to a failure
of the turn signals to automatically cancel following
completion of a turn, inspect the multi-function
switch for a faulty or damaged cancel actuator and
inspect the turn signal cancel cam on the clockspring
for damaged lobes or improper installation. Refer to
the appropriate wiring information. The wiring infor-
mation includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and
connector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, 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.(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Actuate the turn signal switch or the hazard warning
switch. Observe the turn signal indicator lamp(s) in
the instrument cluster. If the flash rate is very high,
check for a turn signal bulb that is not lit or is very
dimly lit. Repair the circuits to that lamp or replace
the faulty bulb, as required. If the turn signal indi-
cator(s) fail to light, go to Step 2.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Check the fused ignition switch output (run-acc) fuse
(Fuse 10 - 10 ampere) in the Junction Block (JB) and
the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse4-20ampere) in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component
as required and replace the faulty fuse(s).
(3) Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) fuse
(Fuse4-20ampere) in the PDC. If OK, go to Step 4.
If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit between
the PDC and the battery as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-acc) fuse (Fuse 10 - 10 ampere) in the
JB. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open
fused ignition switch output (run-acc) circuit between
the JB and the ignition switch as required.
(5) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the combination flasher from the JB and
replace it with a known good unit. Reconnect the bat-
tery negative cable. Test the operation of the turn
signal and hazard warning systems. If OK, discard
the faulty combination flasher. If not OK, remove the
test flasher and go to Step 6.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused ignition switch
output (run-acc) circuit cavity in the JB receptacle
for the combination flasher. If OK, go to Step 7. If
not OK, repair the open fused ignition switch output
(run-acc) circuit between the combination flasher and
the fused ignition switch output (run-acc) fuse (Fuse
10 - 10 ampere) in the JB as required.
(7) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity of the JB receptacle for the combination
flasher. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, repair the
open fused B(+) circuit between the combination
flasher and the fused B(+) fuse (Fuse4-20ampere)
in the PDC as required.
(8) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the JB receptacle for the combination
flasher and a good ground. There should be continu-
ity. If OK, go to Step 9. If not OK, repair the open
ground circuit to ground (G201) as required.
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 3
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR (Continued)

Additional fog lamp diagnostic procedures listed are for vehicles equipped with quad headlamps and the DRL
option.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
FOG LAMPS ARE INOPERATIVE
AND FOG LAMP INDICATOR
S TAY S A LWAY S O N .1 Fog lamp/DRL* feed shorted to
ground.1. Check wiring circuit from fog
lamp/DRL* fuse to fog lamp.Trace
short circuit in wiring and repair.
FOG LAMP INDICATOR COMES
ON WITH OUT ILLUMINATING THE
FOG LAMPS1. Fog lamp/DRL* fuse defective. 1. Trace short circuit and replace
fuse.
FOG LAMPS INOPERATIVE WITH
INGNITION OFF.Open circuit from fog lamp fuse to
fog lamp.1. Check wiring circuit from fog
lamp/DRL* fuse to fog lamp. Trace
open circuit in wiring and repair.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disengage fog lamp harness connector.
(3) Rotate bulb assembly counterclockwise and
pull from lamp to separate (Fig. 9).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not touch the bulb glass with fingers
or other oily surfaces. Reduced bulb life will result.
(1) Position bulb assembly in lamp and rotate
clockwise.
(2) Connect fog lamp harness connector.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
FOG LAMP UNIT
REMOVAL
SLT
The fog lamps are serviced from the rearward side
of the front bumper.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disengage fog lamp harness connector.
(3) Remove fog lamp to bumper attaching nuts
(Fig. 10).
(4) Separate fog lamp from bumper.
Fig. 9 Fog Lamp
1 - NUT
2 - FOG LAMP ASSEMBLY
3 - UP/DOWN ADJUSTER
4 - BULB
5 - BUMPER
Fig. 10 Fog Lamp
1 - FOG LAMP
2 - BEAM ADJUSTER
3 - BUMPER
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 11
FOG LAMP (Continued)

With the transmitter mounted in the storage bin,
adapter pegs located on the garage door opener push
button unit are selected and mounted on one of two
posts on the back side of the push button. The com-
bination of the adapter peg length and the push but-
ton post location must be suitable to depress the
button of the transmitter when the push button in
the center of the garage door opener storage bin door
is depressed. When the proper combination has been
selected, the push button is reinstalled in the com-
partment and the compartment door is closed.
SUNGLASS STORAGE BIN
A sunglasses storage bin is included in the over-
head console. The storage bin is located near the rear
of the overhead console and is held in the closed posi-
tion by a latch that is integral to the storage bin
door. The interior of the bin is lined with a foam rub-
ber padding material to protect the sunglasses from
being scratched. Dampening springs that are located
on the back of the overhead console reading and
courtesy lamp housing contact the hinges of the sun-
glasses storage bin for a smooth opening action.
The sunglasses storage bin and door unit is avail-
able for service replacement. The hinge dampening
springs are serviced as a unit with the overhead con-
sole reading and courtesy lamp housing.
The sunglasses storage bin is opened by pressing
the latch on the rear edge of the door towards the
front of the vehicle, then pulling the bin downward to
the open position. The integral latch on the sun-
glasses bin door will automatically engage when the
bin is closed. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the use and oper-
ation of the sunglasses storage bin.
COMPASS
While in the compass/temperature mode, the com-
pass will display the direction in which the vehicle is
pointed using the eight major compass headings
(Examples: north is N, northeast is NE), along with
the outside ambient temperature. When the compass
unit is placed in the compass/compass in degreesmode, the compass will display the direction the
vehicle is heading using the eight major compass
headings and in degrees (0 to 359 degrees). North is
0 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 degrees
and West is 270 degrees. It will not display the head-
ings in minutes or seconds.
The self-calibrating compass unit requires no
adjusting in normal use. The compass unit will com-
pensate for magnetism the body of the vehicle may
acquire during normal use. However, avoid placing
anything magnetic directly on the roof of the vehicle.
Magnetic mounts for an antenna, a repair order hat,
or a funeral procession flag can exceed the compen
sating ability of the compass unit if placed on the
roof panel. If the vehicle roof should become magne-
tized, the demagnetizing and calibration procedures
found in this group may be required to restore proper
compass operation.
THERMOMETER
The thermometer displays the outside ambient
temperature in whole degrees. The temperature dis-
play can be changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius
using the U.S./Metric push button. The displayed
temperature is not an instant reading of conditions,
but an average temperature. It may take the ther-
mometer display several minutes to respond to a
major temperature change, such as driving out of a
heated garage into winter temperatures.
When the ignition switch is turned to the Off posi-
tion, the last displayed temperature reading stays in
the thermometer unit memory. When the ignition
switch is turned to the On position again, the ther-
mometer will display the memory temperature if the
engine coolant temperature is above about 43É C
(109É F). If the engine coolant temperature is below
about 43É C (109É F), the thermometer will display
the actual temperature sensed by the ambient tem-
perature sensor. The thermometer temperature dis-
play update interval varies with the vehicle speed;
therefore, if the temperature reading seems inaccu-
rate, drive the vehicle for at least three minutes
1 - SUNGLASSES STORAGE BIN
2 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER STORAGE BIN DOOR
3 - COMPUTER LENS OR COVER PLUG
4 - HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER
5 - SECURITY INDICATOR LAMP
6 - COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER MODULE
7 - SCREW (3)
8 - SCREW (4)
9 - BULB HOLDERS
10 - SWITCHES11 - WIRE HARNESS
12 - SPRINGS (2)
13 - READING AND COURTESY LAMP HOUSING
14 - REFLECTORS
15 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE HOUSING
16 - LENSES
17 - BUMPER
18 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER PUSH BUTTON
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 3
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

Compass mini-trip computer units for vehicles
equipped with the VTSS include a red Light-Emit-
ting Diode (LED) on their electronic circuit board.
This LED protrudes through the bottom of the lens
on the front of the overhead console unit, and serves
as the security indicator lamp. Refer toSecurity
Indicator Lampin Vehicle Theft/Security Systems
for more information on this feature.
The compass mini-trip computer module contains a
central processing unit and interfaces with other
electronic modules in the vehicle on the Chrysler Col-
lision Detection (CCD) data bus network. The CCD
data bus network allows the sharing of sensor infor-
mation. This helps to reduce wire harness complexity,
reduce internal controller hardware, and reduce com-
ponent sensor current loads. At the same time, this
system provides increased reliability, enhanced diag-
nostics, and allows the addition of many new feature
capabilities.
The compass mini-trip computer provides several
electronic functions and features. Some of the func-
tions and features that the compass mini-trip com-
puter module supports and/or controls, include the
following display options:
²Compass and temperature- provides the out-
side temperature and one of eight compass readings
to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing.
²Compass and compass in degrees- provides
one of eight compass readings to indicate the direc-
tion the vehicle is facing and provides the compass
direction in degrees.
²Trip odometer (ODO)- shows the distance
travelled since the last trip computer reset.
²Average fuel economy (AVG ECO)- shows
the average fuel economy since the last trip computer
reset.
²Instant fuel economy (ECO)- shows the
present fuel economy based upon the current vehicle
distance and fuel used information.
²Distance to empty (DTE)- shows the esti-
mated distance that can be travelled with the fuel
remaining in the fuel tank. This estimated distance
is computed using the average miles-per-gallon from
the last 30 gallons of fuel used.
²Elapsed time (ET)- shows the accumulated
ignition-on time since the last trip computer reset.
²Blank screen- the compass mini-trip VFD is
turned off.
The ambient temperature sensor is hard wired to
the compass mini-trip computer module. Data input
for all other compass mini-trip computer functions,
including VFD dimming level, is received through
CCD data bus messages. The compass mini-trip com-
puter uses its internal programming and all of these
inputs to calculate and display the requested data. If
the data displayed is incorrect, perform the self-diag-nostic tests as described in this group. If these tests
prove inconclusive, the use of a DRBIIItscan tool
and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are
recommended for further testing of the compass
mini-trip computer module and the CCD data bus.
The compass mini-trip computer module cannot be
repaired, and is available for service only as a unit. If
faulty or damaged, the complete module must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The compass mini-trip computer only operates with
the ignition switch in the On position. When the igni-
tion switch is turned to the On position, all of the
segments in the compass mini-trip computer VFD
will be turned on for one second, then the display
will return to the last function being displayed before
the ignition was turned to the Off position. With the
ignition switch in the On position, momentarily
depressing and releasing the Step push button switch
will cause the compass-mini-trip computer to change
its mode of operation, and momentarily depressing
and releasing the U.S./Metric push button will cause
the unit to toggle between U.S. and Metric measure-
ments. While in either compass mode, depressing the
U.S./Metric push button for more than ten seconds
will toggle the display between the compass/temper-
ature and the compass/compass in degrees modes.
This compass mini-trip computer features several
functions that can be reset. If both the Step and U.S./
Metric push buttons are depressed at the same time
with the ignition switch in the On position, the trip
computer information that can be reset is reset.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric
push buttons at the same time for more than 100
milliseconds, but not more than one second while in
any display mode (except the compass/temperature
mode) will cause a local reset. A local reset affects
only the function currently displayed. See the Reset
Chart below for more information on this feature.
Performing a local reset while in the compass/tem-
perature mode enters the module into the compass
variance setting mode.
Depressing and releasing the Step and U.S./Metric
push buttons at the same time for more than two
seconds while in any display mode (except the com-
pass/temperature mode) will cause a global reset. A
global reset changes all of the trip computer func-
tions that can be reset.
For more information on the features and control
functions of the compass mini-trip computer, see the
owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
BR/BEMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 9
COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER (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)

(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)