(4) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connector for the horn switch from the horn switch
feed pigtail wire connector, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wires or pry on the connector insulator to disen-
gage the connector from the driver airbag inflator
connector receptacle. Improper removal of these
pigtail wires and their connector insulators can
result in damage to the airbag circuits or connector
insulators.
(5) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nectors are secured by integral latches to the airbag
inflator connector receptacles, which are located on
the back of the driver airbag housing. Depress the
latches on each side of each connector insulator and
pull the insulators straight out from the airbag infla-
tor to disconnect them from the connector recepta-
cles.
(6) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(7) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged driver airbag. If the driver airbag
has been deployed, the clockspring must also be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
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 AIR-
BAGS ARE SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COLORS.
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) Position the driver airbag close enough to the
steering wheel to reconnect all three electrical con-
nections on the back of the airbag housing.
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the two clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connec-
tors to the airbag inflator connector receptacles by
pressing straight in on the connectors (Fig. 16). Be
certain to engage each keyed and color-coded connec-
tor to the matching connector receptacle. You can be
certain that each connector is fully engaged in its
receptacle by listening carefully for a distinct, audi-
ble click as the connector latches snap into place.
(3) Reconnect the steering wheel wire harness con-
nector for the horn switch to the horn switch feed
pigtail wire connector, which is located at the back of
the driver airbag housing.
(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wires and steering wheel wire harness in the
steering wheel hub area are not pinched between the
driver airbag and the steering wheel armature.
(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 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
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSKJ
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Two front impact sensors are used on this model,
one each for the left and right sides of the vehicle
(Fig. 17). These sensors are mounted remotely from
the impact sensor that is internal to the Airbag Con-
trol Module (ACM). Each front sensor is secured with
two screws to the backs of the right and left vertical
members of the radiator support within the engine
compartment. The sensor housing has an integral
connector receptacle and two integral mounting
points each with a metal sleeve to provide crush pro-
tection.
The right and left front impact sensors are identi-
cal in construction and calibration with two excep-
tions:
²On models equipped with an optional 2.4L gaso-
line engine, the left front impact sensor includes a
shim that moves the sensor three millimeters toward
the rear of the vehicle on the left vertical member of
the radiator support for additional clearance that is
required for that application.
²On models equipped with an optional diesel
engine, the left front impact sensor includes a
stamped metal mounting bracket that rotates theconnector receptacle end of the sensor toward the
outboard side of the vehicle for additional clearance
that is required for that application.
A cavity in the center of the molded black plastic
impact sensor housing contains the electronic cir-
cuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic com-
munication chip and an electronic impact sensor.
Potting material fills the cavity to seal and protect
the internal electronic circuitry and components. The
front impact sensors are each connected to the vehi-
cle electrical system through a dedicated take out
and connector of the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness.
The impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted
and, if damaged or faulty, they must be replaced. The
mounting bracket for the left front impact sensor on
models with a diesel engine is serviced as a unit with
that sensor.
OPERATION
The front impact sensors are electronic accelerom-
eters that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration,
which provides verification of the direction and sever-
ity of an impact. Each sensor also contains an elec-
tronic communication chip that allows the unit to
communicate the sensor status as well as sensor
fault information to the microprocessor in the Airbag
Control Module (ACM). The ACM microprocessor con-
tinuously monitors all of the front passive restraint
system electrical circuits to determine the system
readiness. If the ACM detects a monitored system
fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and
controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The impact sensors each receive battery current and
ground through dedicated left and right sensor plus and
minus circuits from the ACM. The impact sensors and
the ACM communicate by modulating the voltage in the
sensor plus circuit. The hard wired circuits between the
front impact sensors and the ACM may be diagnosed
and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and pro-
cedures. However, conventional diagnostic methods will
not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the ACM or the
impact sensors. The most reliable, efficient, and accu-
rate means to diagnose the impact sensors, the ACM,
and the electronic message communication between the
sensors and the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion.
Fig. 17 Front Impact Sensor
1 - SENSOR
2 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 21
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE
THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRA-
TION. IF AN IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE SENSOR MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the two screws that secure the right or
left front impact sensor, left impact sensor and shim
(2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor and bracket
unit (diesel engine only) to the back of the right or
left radiator support vertical member (Fig. 18).
(3) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connector for the front impact sensor from the
sensor connector receptacle.
(4) Remove the right or left front impact sensor,
left impact sensor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left
impact sensor and bracket unit (diesel engine only)
from the engine compartment.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, AS IT CAN DAMAGE
THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALIBRA-
TION. IF AN IMPACT SENSOR IS ACCIDENTALLY
DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE SENSOR MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL, INCOMPLETE, OR
IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT INJU-
RIES.
(1) Position the right or left front impact sensor,
left impact sensor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left
Fig. 18 Front Impact Sensor Remove/Install
1 - RADIATOR SUPPORT
2 - IMPACT SENSOR OR LEFT IMPACT SENSOR & SHIM (2.4L
ENGINE ONLY)
3 - SCREW (4)
4 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
5 - LEFT IMPACT SENSOR & BRACKET (DIESEL ENGINE ONLY)
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSKJ
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)
impact sensor and bracket unit (diesel engine only)
into the engine compartment (Fig. 18).
(2) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
connector for the front impact sensor to the sensor
connector receptacle.
(3) Position the right or left front impact sensor,
left impact sensor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left
impact sensor and bracket unit (diesel engine only)
onto the back of the right or left radiator support
vertical member.
(4) Loosely install the upper screw that secures
the right or left front impact sensor, left impact sen-
sor and shim (2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor
and bracket unit (diesel engine only) to the back of
the right or left radiator support vertical member.
(5)
Install and tighten the lower screw that secures
the right or left front impact sensor, left impact sensor
and shim (2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor and
bracket unit (diesel engine only) to the back of the right
or left radiator support vertical member. Tighten the
screw to 7 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
(6) Tighten the upper screw that secures the right
or left front impact sensor, left impact sensor and
shim (2.4L engine only), or left impact sensor and
bracket unit (diesel engine only) to the back of the
right or left radiator support vertical member.
Tighten the screw to 7 N´m (65 in. lbs.).
(7) 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
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER
AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, FRONT IMPACT
SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DIS-
CONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
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) Adjust the front seat to its most forward posi-
tion for easiest access to the front seat belt lower
anchor and the B-pillar trim.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the plug that covers the
front seat belt lower anchor screw to remove it from
the rear of the outboard seat side shield (Fig. 19).
Fig. 19 Front Seat Belt Lower Anchor Remove/
Install
1 - FRONT SEAT
2 - LOWER ANCHOR
3 - SCREW
4 - PLUG
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 23
FRONT IMPACT SENSOR (Continued)
(4) Remove the screw that secures the lower
anchor to the bracket on the outboard side of the
front seat cushion frame.
(5) Unsnap and lift the trim cover to access the
nut that secures the front seat belt turning loop to
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar (Fig. 20).
(6) Remove the nut that secures the seat belt turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster stud on the upper
B-pillar.
(7) Remove the seat belt turning loop from the
height adjuster stud.
(8) Remove the upper and lower trim from the
inside of the B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM - REMOVAL) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - REMOVAL).
(9) On the driver side only, disconnect the seat belt
tensioner pigtail wire connector from the body wire
harness connector.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the lower
retractor bracket to the lower B-pillar.
(11) Disengage the engagement tab on the upper
retractor bracket/seat belt web guide from the
engagement slot in the lower B-pillar.
(12) Remove the front seat belt and retractor from
the B-pillar as a unit.INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
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 and retractor to the
B-pillar as a unit (Fig. 20). Be certain to engage the
engagement tab on the upper retractor bracket/seat
belt web guide into the engagement slot in the lower
B-pillar.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower retractor bracket to the lower B-pillar. Tighten
the screw to 43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(3) On the driver side only, reconnect the seat belt
tensioner pigtail wire connector to the body wire har-
ness connector.
(4) Reinstall the upper and lower trim onto the
inside of the B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/B-PILLAR UPPER TRIM - INSTALLATION) and
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR LOWER
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(5) Position the seat belt turning loop onto the
height adjuster stud on the upper B-pillar.
Fig. 20 Front Seat Belt Retractor Remove/Install
1 - ADJUSTER
2 - B-PILLAR
3 - RETRACTOR
4 - B-PILLAR TRIM
5 - CONNECTOR (DRIVER SIDE ONLY)
6 - LOWER ANCHOR
7 - NUT
8 - TURNING LOOP
9 - COVER
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSKJ
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)
(6) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster stud.
Tighten the nut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(7) Fold and snap the trim cover back into place to
conceal the nut that secures the front seat belt turn-
ing loop to the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar.
(8) Position the front seat belt lower anchor to the
bracket on the outboard side of the front seat cushion
frame (Fig. 19).
(9) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
lower anchor to the bracket on the outboard side of
the front seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 43
N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(10) Align the plug that covers the front seat belt
lower anchor screw with the hole near the rear of the
outboard seat side shield. Using hand pressure, press
firmly and evenly on the plug until it snaps into
place.
(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
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.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) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the front seat and seat track from the
floor panel as a unit. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - FRONT - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
connector from the seat wire harness connector on
the seat cushion frame bracket located under the
rear edge of the seat cushion near the inboard side of
the seat (Fig. 21).
Fig. 21 Seat Belt Switch Connector
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE
2 - SEAT WIRE HARNESS
3 - SEAT CUSHION FRAME BRACKET
4 - BODY WIRE HARNESS
5 - INBOARD SEAT TRACK
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 25
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)
(4) Remove the screw that secures the front seat
belt buckle anchor to the bracket near the rear of the
inboard seat track (Fig. 22).
(5) Remove the two screws that secure the inboard
seat cushion side shield to the seat cushion frame.
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the inboard
seat track to the rear inboard corner of the seat cush-
ion frame.
(7) Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
routing clip from the locating hole in the seat cushion
frame.
(8) Remove the seat belt switch pigtail wire from
between the seat cushion frame and the seat track by
gently prying the inboard seat track away from the
inboard rear corner of the seat cushion frame far
enough to slide the pigtail wire from between them.
(9) Remove the front seat belt buckle from the
inboard seat cushion side shield.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER
AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, FRONT IMPACT
SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DIS-
CONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT INACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
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 to the
inboard seat cushion side shield (Fig. 22).
(2)
Position the seat belt switch pigtail wire between
the seat cushion frame and the seat track by gently pry-
ing the inboard seat track away from the inboard rear
corner of the seat cushion frame far enough to slide the
pigtail wire into position between them.
(3) Engage the seat belt switch pigtail wire routing
clip into the locating hole in the seat cushion frame.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inboard seat track to the rear inboard corner of
the seat cushion frame. Tighten the screws to 28 N´m
(21 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position the inboard seat cushion side shield to
the seat cushion frame.
(6) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the inboard seat cushion side shield to the seat cush-
ion frame. Tighten the screws to 1 N´m (9 in. lbs.).
(7) Position the front seat belt buckle anchor to
the bracket on the inboard side of the seat track.
(8) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt buckle anchor to the bracket on the
inboard side of the seat track. Tighten the screw to
43 N´m (32 ft. lbs.).
(9)
Reconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire connec-
tor to the seat wire harness connector on the seat cush-
ion frame bracket located under the rear edge of the seat
cushion near the inboard side of the seat (Fig. 21).
(10) Reinstall the front seat and seat track to the
floor panel as a unit. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT - FRONT - 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
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
Fig. 22 Front Seat Belt Buckle Remove/Install
1 - FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE
2 - INBOARD SIDE SHIELD
3 - SCREW
4 - PIGTAIL WIRE
8O - 26 RESTRAINTSKJ
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE (Continued)
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The rearward facing surface of the injection
molded, thermoplastic passenger airbag door is the
most visible part of the passenger airbag (Fig. 23).
The passenger airbag door is located above the glove
box opening in front of the front seat passenger seat-
ing position on the instrument panel. The integral
upper mounting flange is secured with five screws
and the lower mounting flange with six screws to the
instrument panel structural support. The passenger
airbag door includes an integral air conditioning
panel outlet housing and an integral side window
demister outlet. An integral stamped metal bracket
that reinforces the upper airbag door mounting
flange is secured to the back of the door unit with
heat stakes. The upper airbag door fasteners and
mounting flange are concealed beneath the instru-
ment panel top cover, while the lower fasteners and
mounting flange are concealed beneath a bezel on the
instrument panel above the glove box opening.
Located behind the passenger airbag door within
the instrument panel is the passenger airbag unit
(Fig. 24). The passenger airbag unit used in this
model is a multistage, Next Generation-type that
complies with revised federal airbag standards to
deploy with less force than those used in some prior
models. The passenger airbag unit consists of a
molded, glass-filled nylon plastic housing, a molded
plastic inner airbag cushion cover, the airbag cush-
ion, and the airbag inflator. The airbag housing con-tains the airbag inflator, while the inner cover
contains the folded airbag cushion. The inner cover
completely encloses the airbag cushion and is perma-
nently retained to the housing. The passenger airbag
unit is secured by two screws on each side to two
stamped metal mounting brackets that are fastened
with screws to the instrument panel structural sup-
port. The airbag cushion is constructed of a coated
nylon fabric. The airbag inflator is a dual-initiator,
hybrid-type unit that is secured to and sealed within
the airbag housing. A short four-wire pigtail harness
with a keyed, yellow connector insulator connects the
two inflator initiators to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated take out and connector of the
instrument panel wire harness.
The passenger airbag cannot be repaired, and must
be replaced if deployed, faulty, or in any way dam-
aged. The passenger airbag door and the passenger
airbag mounting brackets are available for separate
service replacement.
OPERATION
The multistage passenger airbag is deployed by
electrical signals generated by the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) through the passenger airbag squib 1
and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the air-
bag inflator. By using two initiators, the airbag can
be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level
is controlled by the ACM to suit the monitored
impact conditions by providing one of three delay
intervals between the electrical signals provided to
the two initiators. The longer the delay between
these signals, the less forcefully the airbag will
deploy.
Fig. 23 Passenger Airbag Door
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - DEMISTER OUTLET
3 - PANEL OUTLET
4 - BEZEL
5 - GLOVE BOX
Fig. 24 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
2 - RETAINER
3 - HOUSING
4 - INNER COVER
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 27