2002 DODGE RAM warning

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

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

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

ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
REMOVAL) and (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN
- REMOVAL).
WARNING: DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DIS-
ABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSI-
BLE PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER
AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN
THE DRIVER AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER
AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER
MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM
COVERS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COL-
ORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE
MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER RESPONDS TO AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE
THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT
INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Assemble the driver airbag trim cover onto the
airbag housing. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - ASSEMBLY).
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire harness
connector to the airbag inflator connector receptacle
by pressing straight in on the connector (Fig. 10). You
can be certain that the connector is fully engaged by
listening carefully for a distinct, audible click as the
connector snaps into place.
(3) Reconnect the clockspring horn switch pigtail
wire harness connector to the horn switch feed pig-
tail wire connector, which is located on the back of
the driver airbag.
(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wires in the steering wheel hub area are not
pinched between the driver airbag and the steering
wheel.(5) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 10.2 N´m (90 in. lbs.).
(6) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE, AND
RETRACTORS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION, OR DAMAGE. REPLACE ANY BELT
THAT IS CUT, FRAYED, OR TORN. STRAIGHTEN
ANY BELT THAT IS TWISTED. TIGHTEN ANY
LOOSE FASTENERS. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT
HAS A DAMAGED OR INOPERATIVE BUCKLE OR
RETRACTOR. REPLACE ANY BELT THAT HAS A
BENT OR DAMAGED LATCH PLATE OR ANCHOR
PLATE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT BELT
COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR
FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS WITH THE COR-
RECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT PARTS
LISTED IN THE MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seats to their most forward
position for easiest access to the front shoulder belt
lower seat belt anchor plate, the retractor, and the
B-pillar.
(2) Remove the screw that secures the lower seat
belt anchor plate to the floor panel near the base of
the B-pillar.
(3) Unsnap and lift the front shoulder belt turning
loop cover to access the screw that secures the turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster (Fig. 15).
(4) Remove the screw that secures the shoulder
belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
(5) Remove the shoulder belt turning loop from the
height adjuster.
(6) Remove the trim from the B-pillar. (Refer to 23
- BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR TRIM - REMOVAL).
(7) Disengage the front seat shoulder belt turning
loop and lower seat belt anchor plate from the B-pil-
lar trim.
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

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

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

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.
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 UNIT 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.
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 21

INSTALLATION
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 UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PAS-
SENGER AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT PASSENGER
AIRBAG DOORS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL
COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH
THE MATERIAL OF THE AIRBAG DOOR RESPONDS
TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Carefully inspect the five receptacle slots
around the top and sides of the passenger airbag
door opening of the instrument panel top cover.
Remove any of the small metal airbag door snap
retainers that did not remain on the molded airbag
door tabs during the removal procedure.
(2) If the removed passenger airbag module is
being reinstalled, install the metal snap retainers
recovered in Step 1onto the proper airbag door tabs.
Each of the five molded airbag door tabs must have a
snap retainer on it before it is installed in the instru-ment panel. New replacement passenger airbags
come with new airbag door snap retainers installed.
(3) Carefully position the passenger airbag onto
the instrument panel.
(4) Align the five tabs and retainers on the upper
edge and sides of the passenger airbag door with the
receptacles in the instrument panel top cover.
(5) Using hand pressure, press firmly on the pas-
senger airbag door over each of the tab and retainer
locations until each of them is fully engaged in its
receptacle. Be certain that each of the metal snap
retainers is in position on the airbag door tabs.
(6) Install and tighten the five screws that secure
the passenger airbag front and rear mounting brack-
ets to the instrument panel (Fig. 18). Tighten the
screws to 9 N´m (80 in. lbs.).
(7) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the two plastic support brackets of the passenger air-
bag door panel outlet housing to the glove box open-
ing upper reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.2
N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail
wire connector to the instrument panel wire harness
connector (Fig. 17). Be certain that the passenger air-
bag pigtail wire connector is fully engaged with and
latched to the instrument panel wire harness connec-
tor.
(9) Reinstall the glove box opening upper trim onto
the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the glove box onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
GLOVE BOX - INSTALLATION).
(11) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
airbag system component. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE -
VERIFICATION TEST).
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The passenger airbag on-off switch is standard
equipment on this model when it is not equipped
with a full size rear seat. This switch is a single pole,
single throw switch with a single integral red Light-
Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key cylinder-
type actuator. The switch is located in the upper
right corner of instrument panel cluster bezel, near
the center of instrument panel to make the Off indi-
cator visible to all front seat occupants. When the
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 23
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)