2002 DODGE RAM tow

TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM
DESCRIPTION
The turn signal cancel cam is concealed within the
steering column below the steering wheel. The turn
signal cancel cam consists of two lobes that are inte-
gral to the lower surface of the clockspring rotor. The
clockspring mechanism provides turn signal cancella-
tion as well as a constant electrical connection
between the horn switch, driver airbag, speed control
switches, and remote radio switches on the steering
wheel and the instrument panel wire harness on the
steering column. The housing of the clockspring is
secured to the steering column and remains station-
ary. The rotor of the clockspring, including the turn
signal cancel cam lobes rotate with the steering
wheel.
The turn signal cancel cam is serviced as a unit
with the clockspring and cannot be repaired. If faulty
or damaged, the entire clockspring unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The turn signal cancel cam has two lobes molded
into the lower surface of the clockspring rotor. When
the turn signals are activated by moving the multi-
function switch control stalk to a detent position, a
turn signal cancel actuator is extended from the
inside surface of the multi-function switch housing
toward the center of the steering column and the
turn signal cancel cam. When the steering wheel is
rotated during a turning maneuver, one of the two
turn signal cancel cam lobes will contact the turn sig-
nal cancel actuator. The cancel actuator latches
against the cancel cam rotation in the direction oppo-
site that which is signaled. In other words, if the left
turn signal detent is selected, the lobes of the cancel
cam will ratchet past the cancel actuator when the
steering wheel is rotated to the left, but will unlatch
the cancel actuator as the steering wheel rotates to
the right and returns to center, which will cancel the
turn signal event and release the control stalk from
the detent so it returns to the neutral Off position.
UNDERHOOD LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a small flat blade in the access slot
between the lamp base and lamp lens.
(3) Pry the lamp lens upward and remove the
lamp lens (Fig. 31).
(4) Depress the bulb terminal inward (Fig. 32) to
release the bulb.
Fig. 30 Tail, Brake, Turn Signal and Back-up Lamp
Bulb
1 - TAIL LAMP
2 - SCREW
3 - LIGHTING HARNESS
4 - BULB
5 - RETAINING CLIP
6 - RETAINING STUDS
Fig. 31 Underhood Lamp Lens
1 - LAMP
2 - LAMP LENS
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR 8L - 31
TAIL LAMP UNIT (Continued)

(5) Reach through the glove box opening and
behind the glove box lamp and switch mounting
bracket to depress the retaining tabs on the top and
bottom of the glove box lamp and switch housing.
(6) While holding the retaining tabs depressed,
push the glove box lamp and switch unit out through
the hole in the mounting bracket on the instrument
panel glove box opening upper reinforcement.
(7) Remove the glove box lamp and switch unit
from the instrument panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Reach through the glove box opening and
behind the glove box lamp and switch mounting
bracket to feed the instrument panel wire harness
connectors out through the hole in the glove box
lamp and switch housing mounting bracket.
(2) Position the glove box lamp and switch unit to
the instrument panel.
(3) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector to the connector receptacle on the back of
the glove box lamp and switch unit.
(4) Push the glove box lamp and switch unit into
the hole in the mounting bracket on the instrument
panel glove box opening upper reinforcement.
(5) Install the glove box onto the instrument panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/GLOVE
BOX - INSTALLATION) for the procedures.
(6) Close the glove box.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
READING LAMP
DESCRIPTION
The overhead console in this vehicle is equipped
with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The
lamp lenses are the only visible components of these
lamps. The reading and courtesy lamp lenses are
mounted in the overhead console housing between
the garage door opener storage bin and the sun-
glasses storage bin. Each lamp has its own switch,
bulb, reflector and lens; but both lamps share a com-
mon lamp housing within the overhead console.
The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps
operate on battery current that is provided at all
times, regardless of the ignition switch position. The
ground feed for the lamps is switched through the
integral reading and courtesy lamp switches or
through the door jamb switches. Each lamp is
designed and aimed to provide illumination that will
be directed only to that side of the vehicle on which
the lamp is located.The reading and courtesy lamp lenses, bulbs and
the lamp housing and reflector unit are available for
service replacement. The reading and courtesy lamp
switches, bulb holders and wiring are only available
as part of the overhead console wire harness. If
either of the lamp switches or bulb holders is faulty
or damaged, the entire overhead console wire har-
ness assembly must be replaced.
For service of the reading and courtesy lamp bulbs,
refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wir-
ing 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.
OPERATION
All reading and courtesy lamps located in the over-
head console are activated by the door jamb switches.
When all of the doors are closed, these lamps can be
individually activated by depressing the correspond-
ing lens. When any door is open, depressing the lamp
lenses to activate the lamp switches will not turn the
lamps off.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the use and operation of the
overhead console reading and courtesy lamps.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Insert a long, narrow, flat-bladed tool between
the curved (outboard) edge of the reading and cour-
tesy lamp lens and the overhead console housing
(Fig. 5).
(3) Gently pry inward and downward against the
lens until the latch tab in the center of the outboard
edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens is disen-
gaged from the overhead console housing.
(4) Pull firmly on the lens toward the outboard
side of the vehicle to disengage the two pivot tabs on
the inboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp
lens are disengaged from the overhead console hous-
ing.
(5) Remove the reading and courtesy lamp lens
from the overhead console housing.
8L - 36 LAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIORBR/BE
GLOVE BOX LAMP AND SWITCH (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the reading and courtesy lamp lens
onto the overhead console housing.
(2) Align the two pivot tabs on the inboard edge of
the reading and courtesy lamp lens with the two
pivot holes in the overhead console housing.(3) Push firmly on the lens toward the inboard
side of the vehicle to insert the two pivot tabs on the
inboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens
into the two pivot holes in the overhead console hous-
ing.
(4) Pivot the lens back up into position and press
upward firmly until the latch tab in the center of the
outboard edge of the reading and courtesy lamp lens
snaps back into the overhead console housing.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
VANITY LAMP
REMOVAL
(1) Insert a flat blade into the slot at front of lens.
(2) Rotate blade until lens pops out of lamp.
(3) Remove lens from housing.
(4) Remove bulb from lamp terminals.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install bulb into lamp terminals.
(2) Place one side of lens into housing.
(3) Insure dim control is in place, and snap lens
into housing.
Fig. 5 Overhead Console Reading Lamp Bulb
Removal
1 - LENS
2 - FLAT BLADE
3 - CONSOLE
BR/BELAMPS/LIGHTING - INTERIOR 8L - 37
READING LAMP (Continued)

GARAGE DOOR OPENER STORAGE BIN
A compartment near the front of the overhead con-
sole is designed to hold most garage door opener
remote control transmitters. The transmitter is
mounted within the compartment with an adhesive-
backed hook and loop fastener patch and, when the
compartment is closed, a push button in the center of
the compartment door is depressed to actuate the
transmitter.
A transmitter mounting kit including the adhesive-
backed hook and loop fastener material is available
for service. The garage door opener storage bin door
and the push button with three assorted length
adapter pegs are also available for service replace-
ment.
The garage door opener storage compartment door
is opened by pressing the integral latch towards the
front of the vehicle. When the compartment door is
opened, the push button unit is removed from the
compartment by squeezing the latch tabs and pulling
the unit downward. With the push button removed,
the garage door opener can be installed in the com-
partment using the adhesive-backed hook and loop
fastener material provided.
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 andcourtesy 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 degrees
mode, 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
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 HOLDERS10 - SWITCHES
11 - 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)

AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Ambient air temperature is monitored by the com-
pass mini-trip computer module through the ambient
temperature sensor. The ambient temperature sensor
is a variable resistor mounted to a bracket that is
secured with a screw to the underside of the hood
panel near the hood latch striker in the engine com-
partment (Fig. 8).
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toOverhead
Consolein the Contents of Wiring Diagrams. The
ambient temperature sensor cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable
resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal
sent to it by the compass mini-trip computer module.
The resistance in the sensor changes as temperature
changes, changing the return circuit voltage to the
compass mini-trip computer module. Based upon the
resistance in the sensor, the compass mini-trip com-
puter module senses a specific voltage on the return
circuit, which it is programmed to correspond to a
specific temperature.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
The thermometer function is supported by the
ambient temperature sensor, a wiring circuit, and a
portion of the compass mini-trip computer module. If
any portion of the ambient temperature sensor cir-
cuit fails, the compass/thermometer display function
will self-diagnose the circuit. If 55É C (131É F)
appears in the display, the sensor is being exposed to
temperatures above 55É C (131É F), or the sensor cir-
cuit is shorted. If ±40É C (±40É F) appears in the dis-
play, the sensor is being exposed to temperatures
below ±40É C (±40É F), or the sensor circuit is open.
The ambient temperature sensor circuit can also be
diagnosed using the following Sensor Test, and Sen-
sor Circuit Test. If the temperature sensor and cir-
cuit are confirmed to be OK, but the temperature
display is inoperative or incorrect, refer toDiagnosis
and Testing the Compass Mini-Trip Computer.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring Dia-
grams.
SENSOR TEST
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire har-
ness connector.(2) Measure the resistance of the ambient temper-
ature sensor. At ±40É C (±40É F), the sensor resis-
tance is 336 kilohms. At 55É C (131É F), the sensor
resistance is 2.488 kilohms. The sensor resistance
should read between these two values. If OK, refer to
theSensor Circuit Test below. If not OK, replace
the faulty ambient temperature sensor.
SENSOR CIRCUIT TEST
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire har-
ness connector and the overhead console wire har-
ness connector.
(2) Connect a jumper wire between the two termi-
nals in the body half of the ambient temperature sen-
sor wire harness connector.
(3) Check for continuity between the sensor return
circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal
circuit cavities of the roof wire harness overhead con-
sole connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open sensor return
circuit or ambient temperature sensor signal circuit
to the ambient temperature sensor as required.
(4) Remove the jumper wire from the body half of
the ambient temperature sensor wire harness con-
nector. Check for continuity between the sensor
return circuit cavity of the roof wire harness over-
head console connector and a good ground. There
should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK, repair the shorted sensor return circuit as
required.
(5) Check for continuity between the ambient tem-
perature sensor signal circuit cavity of the roof wire
harness overhead console connector and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, refer to
Diagnosis and Testing the Compass Mini-Trip
Computerin this section. If not OK, repair the
shorted ambient temperature sensor signal circuit as
required.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Locate the ambient temperature sensor, on the
underside of the hood near the hood latch striker
(Fig. 8).
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector from the
ambient temperature sensor connector receptacle.
(4) Remove the one screw that secures the ambient
temperature sensor bracket to the inner hood rein-
forcement.
(5) Remove the ambient temperature sensor from
the inner hood reinforcement.
8M - 12 MESSAGE SYSTEMSBR/BE

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
the need for an airbag deployment by detecting
impact energy of a lesser magnitude than that of the
electronic impact sensor, and must be closed in order
for the airbags to deploy. The impact sensor and saf-
ing sensor are calibrated for the specific vehicle, and
are only serviced as a unit with the ACM.
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: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS. NEVER
STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE,
AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR
AFFECT ITS CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CON-
TROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DUR-
ING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED
AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed,wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.
(2) If the vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, remove the center floor console from the
floor panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
INTERIOR/CENTER CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, remove the two screws that secure the
trim cover to the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
mounting bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel and remove the trim cover (Fig. 5).
(4) Loosen the screw that secures each side of the
instrument panel center support bracket to the ACM
mounting bracket (Fig. 6). Do not remove these
screws.
(5) Remove the two nuts that secure the instru-
ment panel center support bracket to the studs on
the lower instrument panel structural support.
(6) Disengage the retainer on the instrument
panel wire harness take out to the ACM from the
retainer hole in the left side of the instrument panel
center support bracket.
(7) Pull the top of the instrument panel center
support bracket rearward and down from the instru-
ment panel studs. Fold it down over the top of the
ACM until it is laying flat on the floor panel trans-
mission tunnel.
(8) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the ACM from the ACM connector
receptacle. To disconnect this connector:
(a) Slide the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock on the top of the connector toward the
side of the vehicle.
Fig. 5 Airbag Control Module Trim Cover Remove/
Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL SUPPORT BRACKET
2 - ACM MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRIM COVER
4 - SCREW
BR/BERESTRAINTS 8O - 7
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

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 child tether anchor (standard cab)
or child tether (club/quad cab) onto the cab back
panel (Fig. 7).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
child tether anchor (standard cab) or child tether
(club/quad cab) onto the cab back panel. Tighten the
screw to 13.5 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the trim onto the inside of the cab
back panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR
CLOSURE PANEL TRIM - INSTALLATION).
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the steering column lock
housing near the top of the steering column, behind
the steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat,
round molded plastic case with a stubby tail that
hangs below the steering column and contains a con-
nector receptacle and a long pigtail wire with connec-
tor that face toward the instrument panel. Within
the plastic housing is a spool-like molded plastic
rotor with a large exposed hub. The upper surface of
the rotor hub has a large center hole, two large flats,
two auto-locking tabs, and three short pigtail wires
with connectors that face toward the steering wheel.
The lower surface of the rotor hub has two integral
turn signal cancelling cam lobes. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacle and pigtail wire that face the
instrument panel, while the inner end of the tape
terminates at the pigtail wires on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a piece of tape covering theengaged auto-locking tabs. The auto-locking tabs
secure the centered clockspring rotor to the clock-
spring case during shipment, but these tabs are auto-
matically disengaged once the clockspring is installed
on the steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CENTERING).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. On this model
the rotating electrical components include the driver
airbag, the horn switch, the speed control switches,
and the remote radio switches if the vehicle is so
equipped. The clockspring case is positioned and
secured to the upper steering column lock housing by
two integral plastic latches. The connector receptacle
on the tail of the fixed clockspring housing connect
the clockspring to the vehicle electrical system
through a take out with connector from the instru-
ment panel wire harness. The lower clockspring pig-
tail on the tail of the clockspring housing connect the
clockspring driver airbag circuits to a separate take
out and connector of the instrument panel wire har-
ness located near the lower instrument panel rein-
forcement, below the steering column. The
clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed to the hub
of the steering wheel by two large flats that are
molded into the rotor hub. The two lobes on the
lower surface of the clockspring rotor hub contact a
turn signal cancel actuator of the multi-function
switch to provide automatic turn signal cancellation.
The pigtail wires on the upper surface of the clock-
spring connect the clockspring to the horn switch, the
two speed control switches, and the remote radio
switches on vehicles that are so equipped.
Like the clockspring in a timepiece, the clockspring
tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being
wound too tightly during full stop-to-stop steering
wheel rotation. To prevent this from occurring, the
clockspring must be centered when it is installed on
the steering column. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring spool to the movable steering
components so that the tape can operate within its
designed travel limits. However, if the clockspring is
removed from the steering column or if the steering
shaft is disconnected from the steering gear, the
clockspring spool can change position relative to the
movable steering components and must be re-cen-
tered following completion of the service or the tape
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSBR/BE
CHILD TETHER (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