2002 DODGE RAM fuse

OPERATION
The ambient photocell sensor is located on the for-
ward-facing (windshield side) of the rear view mirror
housing, and detects the ambient light levels outside
of the vehicle. The headlamp photocell sensor is
located inside the rear view mirror housing behind
the mirror glass and faces rearward, to detect the
level of the light being received at the rear window
side of the mirror. When the circuitry of the auto-
matic day/night mirror detects that the difference
between the two light levels is too great (the light
level received at the rear of the mirror is much
higher than that at the front of the mirror), it begins
to darken the mirror.
The automatic day/night mirror circuitry also mon-
itors the transmission using an input from the
backup lamp circuit. The mirror circuitry is pro-
grammed to automatically disable its self-dimming
feature whenever it senses that the transmission
backup lamp circuit is energized.
The automatic day/night mirror is a completely
self-contained unit and cannot be repaired. If faulty
or damaged, the entire mirror assembly must be
replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
DAY/NIGHT MIRROR
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Check the fuse in the junction block. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or
component as required replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the junction
block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the ignition switch as required.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Unplug the wire harness connector from the auto-
matic day/night mirror (Fig. 1). Connect the battery
negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On
position. Check for battery voltage at the fused igni-
tion switch output (run/start) circuit cavity of the
automatic day/night mirror wire harness connector. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to
the junction block as required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the ground circuit cav-ity of the automatic day/night mirror wire harness
connector and a good ground. There should be conti-
nuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the cir-
cuit to ground as required.
(5) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Set the parking
brake. Place the transmission gear selector lever in
the Reverse position. Check for battery voltage at the
backup lamp switch output circuit cavity of the auto-
matic day/night mirror wire harness connector. If
OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit
as required.
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect the battery negative cable. Plug in the
automatic day/night mirror wire harness connector.
Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition
switch to the On position. Place the transmission
gear selector lever in the Neutral position. Place the
mirror switch in the On (LED in the mirror switch is
lighted) position. Cover the forward facing ambient
photocell sensor to keep out any ambient light.
NOTE: The ambient photocell sensor must be cov-
ered completely, so that no light reaches the sen-
sor. Use a finger pressed tightly against the sensor,
or cover the sensor completely with electrical tape.
(7) Shine a light into the rearward facing head-
lamp photocell sensor. The mirror glass should
darken. If OK, go to Step 8. If not OK, replace the
faulty automatic day/night mirror unit.
(8) With the mirror glass darkened, place the
transmission gear selector lever in the Reverse posi-
tion. The mirror should return to its normal reflec-
tance. If not OK, replace the faulty automatic day/
night mirror unit.
Fig. 1 Automatic Day/Night Mirror
8N - 12 POWER MIRRORSBR/BE
AUTOMATIC DAY / NIGHT MIRROR (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Insert the power mirror switch to the back of
the door trim panel.
(2) Connect the power mirror switch to the har-
ness connector.
(3) Install the trim panel to the inside of the
driver side door. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR -
FRONT/TRIM PANEL - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the nut that secures the power mirror
switch to the driver side front door.
(5) Push the control knob on to the power mirror
switch.
(6) Connect the battery negative cable.
SIDEVIEW MIRROR
DESCRIPTION
Each power mirror head contains two electric
motors, two drive mechanisms, and the mirror glass.
One motor and drive controls mirror up-and-down
movement, and the other controls right-and-left
movement.
OPERATION
The power mirrors in vehicles equipped with the
available heated mirror system option also include an
electric heating grid located behind the mirror glass.
This heating grid is energized by the heated mirror
relay in the heater and air conditioner control only
when the ignition switch is in the On position, and
the heated mirror system is turned on. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED MIRRORS - DESCRIP-
TION) for more information.
The power mirror assembly cannot be repaired. If
any component of the power mirror unit is faulty or
damaged, the entire assembly must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SIDEVIEW
MIRROR
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, details of wire harness
routing and retention, connector pin-out information
and location views for the various wire harness con-
nectors, splices and grounds.
(1) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC) and the junction block. If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse(s).(2) Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the
junction block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair
the open circuit to the PDC as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the driver side door trim panel and
unplug the wire harness connector from the power
mirror switch. Connect the battery negative cable.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity in the door wire harness half of the power mir-
ror switch wire harness connector. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the junction
block as required.
(4) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity in the door wire harness half of the power
mirror switch wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step
5. If not OK, repair the circuit to ground as required.
(5) Check the power mirror switch continuity as
shown in (Fig. 4). If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK,
replace the faulty switch.
Fig. 4 Power Mirror Switch Continuity
MIRROR SELECTOR KNOB IN9L9POSITION
MOVE LEVER CONTINUITY BETWEEN
UP Pins 3 and 8, 1 and 7, 4 and 7
RIGHT Pins 3 and 7, 2 and 8, 5 and 8
DOWN Pins 3 and 7, 1 and 8, 4 and 8
LEFT Pins 3 and 8, 2 and 7, 5 and 7
MIRROR SELECTOR KNOB IN(R(POSITION
MOVE LEVER CONTINUITY BETWEEN
UP Pins 6 and 8, 1 and 7, 4 and 7
RIGHT Pins 6 and 7, 2 and 8, 4 and 8
DOWN Pins 6 and 7, 1 and 8, 4 and 8
LEFT Pins 6 and 8, 2 and 7, 5 and 7
8N - 14 POWER MIRRORSBR/BE
POWER MIRROR SWITCH (Continued)

POWER SEAT SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
POWER SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SEAT
SYSTEM............................16
DRIVER POWER SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................17
OPERATION...........................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER POWER
SEAT SWITCH........................17
REMOVAL.............................18
INSTALLATION.........................18
LUMBAR CONTROL SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
LUMBAR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................19OPERATION...........................19
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LUMBAR MOTOR . 19
PASSENGER POWER SEAT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................20
OPERATION...........................20
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PASSENGER
POWER SEAT SWITCH.................20
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
POWER SEAT TRACK
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SEAT
TRACK.............................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................22
POWER SEAT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The power seat system option allows the driver (or
passenger on SLT Plus with power seats) to electri-
cally adjust the seat position for optimum control and
comfort using the power seat switches located on the
outboard seat cushion side shield. The power seat
system allows the seating position to be adjusted for-
ward, rearward, front up, front down, rear up, or
rear down. The power seat system receives battery
current through a fuse in the Power Distribution
Center and a circuit breaker in the junction block,
regardless of the ignition switch position.
The quad cab models equipped with the power seat
option also feature a power operated lumbar support
in the seat back. The power lumbar support allows
the user to inflate or deflate a bladder located in the
lower seat back to achieve optimum comfort and sup-
port in the lower lumbar region of the spinal column.
The power lumbar support shares the battery feed
circuit of the power seat system.
The power seat system includes the power seat
adjuster and motors unit, the power lumbar support
bladder and electric pump (quad cab only), the power
seat switch, and the circuit breaker. Following are
general descriptions of the major components in the
power seat system. Refer toHeated Seat Systemfor information on the individually controlled heated
front seats. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehi-
cle glove box for more information on the features,
use and operation of the power seat system.
OPERATION
The power seat system allows the driver and/or
front passenger seating positions to be adjusted elec-
trically and independently using the separate power
seat switches found on the outboard seat cushion
side shield of each front seat. See the owner's manual
in the vehicle glove box for more information on the
features, use and operation of the power seat system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SEAT
SYSTEM
Before any testing of the power seat system is
attempted, the battery should be fully-charged and
all wire harness connections and pins cleaned and
tightened to ensure proper continuity and grounds.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to Wiring
Diagrams.
With the dome lamp on, apply the power seat
switch in the direction of the failure. If the dome
lamp dims, the seat may be jamming. Check under
and behind the seat for binding or obstructions. If
the dome lamp does not dim, proceed with testing of
the individual components and circuits.
8N - 16 POWER SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE

OPERATION
When the power lumbar switch paddle is actuated,
a battery feed and a ground path are applied through
the switch contacts to the power lumbar adjuster
motor. The motor operates to move the lumbar
adjuster through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is
moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the motor to run in the
opposite direction.
The power lumbar switch should not be held
applied in either direction after the adjuster has
reached its travel limit. The power lumbar adjuster
motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker to pro-
tect it from overload. However, consecutive or fre-
quent resetting of the circuit breaker must not be
allowed to continue, or the motor may be damaged.
REMOVAL
The power lumbar switch is integral with the other
power seat switches. Refer to the appropriate driver
or passenger power front seat switch removal and/or
installation procedure.
LUMBAR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The power lumbar seat option includes an electri-
cally operated lumbar support mechanism. The only
visible evidence of this option is the separate power
lumbar switch control paddle that is located on the
outboard seat cushion side shield, next to the other
power seat switch control knobs. The power lumbar
adjuster and motor are concealed beneath the seat
back trim cover and padding, where they are secured
to a molded plastic back panel and to the seat back
frame.
The power lumbar adjuster cannot be repaired, and
is serviced only as a unit with the seat back frame. If
the power lumbar adjuster or the seat back frame
are damaged or faulty, the entire seat back frame
unit must be replaced (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT BACK - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The power lumbar adjuster mechanism includes a
reversible electric motor that is secured to the
inboard side of the seat back panel and is connected
to a worm-drive gearbox. The motor and gearbox
operate the lumbar adjuster mechanism in the center
of the seat back by extending and retracting a cable
that actuates a lever. The action of this lever com-
presses or relaxes a grid of flexible slats. The morethis grid is compressed, the more the slats bow out-
ward against the center of the seat back padding,
providing additional lumbar support.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LUMBAR MOTOR
Actuate the power lumbar switch to move the
power lumbar adjuster in each direction. The power
lumbar adjuster should move in both directions. It
should be noted that the power lumber adjuster nor-
mally operates very quietly and exhibits little visible
movement. If the power lumbar adjuster fails to oper-
ate in only one direction, move the adjuster a short
distance in the opposite direction and test again to be
certain that the adjuster is not at its travel limit. If
the power lumbar adjuster still fails to operate in
only one direction, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER SEATS/DRIVER SEAT SWITCH - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). If the power lumbar adjuster
fails to operate in either direction, perform the fol-
lowing tests. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to
Wiring Diagrams.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker in the
junction block. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty power seat circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker in the junction block. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit to the
fuse in the Power Distribution Center as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power lumbar switch connector
receptacle. Check for battery voltage at the fused
B(+) circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness
connector for the power lumbar switch. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit
to the power seat circuit breaker in the junction
block as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power lumbar switch and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as
required.
(5) Test the power lumbar switch. . If the switch
tests OK, test the circuits of the power seat wire har-
ness between the power lumbar adjuster motor and
the power lumbar switch for shorts or opens. If the
circuits check OK, replace the faulty seat back frame
assembly. If the circuits are not OK, repair the power
seat wire harness as required.
BR/BEPOWER SEAT SYSTEM 8N - 19
LUMBAR CONTROL SWITCH (Continued)

Each motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker
to protect it from overload. Consecutive or frequent
resetting of the circuit breakers must not be allowed
to continue, or the motors may be damaged.
The power seat adjuster and motors cannot be
repaired, and are serviced only as a complete unit. If
any component in this unit is faulty or damaged, the
entire power seat adjuster and motors assembly must
be replaced.
OPERATION
When a power seat switch is actuated, a battery
feed and a ground path are applied through the
power seat switch contacts to the appropriate motor
or motors. The motor and drive unit operate to move
the seat in the selected direction until the switch is
released, or until the travel limit of the power seat
track is reached. When the switch is moved in the
opposite direction, the battery feed and ground path
to the motor is reversed through the switch contacts.
This causes the motor to run in the opposite direc-
tion.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER SEAT
TRACK
For complete power seat circuit descriptions and
diagrams, refer to Wiring Diagrams.
Operate the power seat switch to move all three
seat motors in each direction. The seat should move
in each of the selected directions. If the power seat
track fails to operate in only one direction, move the
seat track a short distance in the opposite direction
and test again to be certain that the track is not at
its travel limit. If the power seat track still fails to
operate in only one direction, refer to Diagnosis and
Testing of the Power Seat Switch in this section. If
the power seat track fails to operate in more than
one direction, proceed as follows:
(1) Check the power seat fuse in the power distri-
bution center. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty fuse.
(2) Remove the power seat switch from the seat.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity of the power seat switch wire harness connec-
tor. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the power distribution center as required.(3) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat switch wire harness con-
nector and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to ground as required.
(4) Test the power seat switch as described in this
group. If the switch tests OK, check the wire harness
between the power seat switch and the motor for
shorts or opens. If the circuits check OK, replace the
faulty power seat track (adjuster) assembly. If the
circuits are not OK, repair the wire harness as
required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the seat, power seat track from the
vehicle as a unit (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT -
REMOVAL).
(3) Unplug the power seat wire harness connectors
at each of the three power seat motors.
(4) Release the power seat wire harness retainers
from the seat track.
(5) Remove the fasteners that secure the center
seat cushion section to the brackets on the power
seat track.
(6) Remove the screws that secure the power seat
track assembly to the seat cushion frame.
(7) Remove the power seat track assembly from
the seat cushion frame.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the power seat track assembly on the
seat cushion frame.
(2) Install the fasteners that secure the center seat
cushion section to the brackets on the power seat
adjuster.
(3) Install the screws that secure the power seat
track assembly to the seat cushion frame.
(4) Connect the power seat wire harness connec-
tors at each of the three power seat motors.
(5) Install the power seat wire harness retainers
on the seat track assembly.
(6) Install the seat, power seat track as a unit
(Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - INSTALLA-
TION).
(7) Connect the battery negative cable.
8N - 22 POWER SEAT SYSTEMBR/BE
POWER SEAT TRACK (Continued)

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power window and lock switch and
bezel unit from the door trim panel on the side of the
vehicle with the inoperative window. Unplug the wire
harness connector from the switch and bezel unit.
(2) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Check for battery
voltage at the fused ignition switch output (run) cir-
cuit cavity in the body half of the switch and bezel
unit wire harness connector. If OK, and the inopera-
tive power window is on the driver side, go to Step 4.
If OK, and the inoperative power window is on the
passenger side, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to the junction block as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Check for continuity between each of the two
master window switch right up/down control circuit
cavities in the body half of the passenger side switch
and bezel unit wire harness connector and a good
ground. In each case, there should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to
the driver side switch and bezel unit as required.
(4) Test the power window switch continuity.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER WINDOWS/
POWER WINDOW SWITCH - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, replace
the faulty power window and lock switch and bezel
unit.
(5) Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information 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 connectors, splices and grounds. Check
the continuity in each circuit between the inoperative
power window and lock switch and bezel unit wire
harness connector cavities and the corresponding
power window motor wire harness connector cavities.
If OK, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER WIN-
DOWS/WINDOW MOTOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TEST-
ING). If not OK, repair the open circuit(s) as
required.
NOTE: The passenger side power window switch
receives the ground feed for operating the passen-
ger side power window motor through the driver
side power window switch and wire harness con-
nector.
POWER WINDOW SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The power windows are controlled by two-way
switches integral to the power window and lock
switch and bezel unit on the trim panel of each frontdoor. A second power window switch in the driver
side switch and bezel unit allows the driver to control
the passenger side window. A Light-Emitting Diode
(LED) in the paddle of each switch is illuminated
whenever the ignition switch is in the On position.
OPERATION
The power window switch for the driver side front
door has an Auto label on it. This switch has a sec-
ond detent position beyond the normal Down position
that provides an automatic one-touch window down
feature. This feature is controlled by an electronic
circuit and a relay that are integral to the driver side
front door power window and lock switch unit.
The power window switches control the battery
and ground feeds to the power window motors. The
passenger side power window switch receives a
ground feed through the driver side power window
switch for operating the passenger side power win-
dow motor.
The power window and lock switch and bezel unit
cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire switch and bezel unit must be replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER WINDOW
SWITCH
The auto down feature of the driver side power
window switch is controlled by an electronic circuit
within the switch unit. The auto down circuitry is
activated when the driver side power window switch
is moved to the second detent in the Down direction.
The outputs from the auto down circuitry are carried
through the same switch pins that provide the nor-
mal down function. The auto down circuit cannot be
tested. If the driver side power window switch conti-
nuity tests are passed, but the auto down feature is
inoperative, replace the faulty driver side power win-
dow switch unit.
The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illumination
lamps for all of the power window and lock switch
and bezel unit switch paddles receive battery current
through the power window circuit breaker in the
junction block. If all of the LEDs are inoperative in
either or both power window and lock switch and
bezel units and the power windows are inoperative,
perform the diagnosis for Power Window System in
this group. If the power windows operate, but any or
all of the LEDs are inoperative, the power window
and lock switch and bezel unit with the inoperative
LED(s) is faulty and must be replaced. For circuit
descriptions and diagrams, refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location
8N - 24 POWER WINDOWSBR/BE
POWER WINDOWS (Continued)

fault or malfunction. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information to diagnose the problem.
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 stamped steel mounting
bracket located under the instrument panel center
support bracket on the floor panel transmission tun-
nel. The ACM contains an electronic microprocessor,
an electronic impact sensor, an electromechanical saf-
ing sensor, and an energy storage capacitor. TheACM is connected to the vehicle electrical system
through a take out and connector of the instrument
panel wire harness.
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 Instrument
Cluster (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.
Fig. 4 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
1 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
2 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
Puller C-3428-B
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
RESTRAINTS (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 retainer
that is pushed onto the stud. The driver airbag can-
not 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
disassembled 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 driverairbag 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 -
ELECTRICAL/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. 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: 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.
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSBR/BE