2003 DODGE RAM steering wheel

before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE 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. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the lower surround from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/LOWER SURROUND - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the mount-
ing tabs of the two panel outlet housings to the
upper glove box opening reinforcement (Fig. 32).(4) Remove the six screws that secure the inboard
and lower flanges of the passenger airbag door to the
instrument panel.
(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and remove the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag rear brackets to the upper glove
box opening reinforcement (Fig. 33).
(6) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to access and remove the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag front brackets to the instrument
panel structural support.
(7) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the upper and outboard
edges of the passenger airbag door away from the
instrument panel far enough to disengage the seven
snap features on the door from the receptacles in the
instrument panel base trim (Fig. 34).
(8) Pull the passenger airbag housing and door
unit straight back from the instrument panel far
enough to access the instrument panel wire harness
Fig. 32 Passenger Airbag Door Screws
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET SCREW (2)
3 - GLOVE BOX OPENING UPPER REINFORCEMENT
4 - DOOR SCREW (6)
Fig. 33 Passenger Airbag Remove/Install
1 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
2 - UPPER GLOVE BOX OPENING REINFORCEMENT
3 - FRONT BRACKET SCREW (2)
4 - REAR BRACKET SCREW (2)
Fig. 34 Passenger Airbag Door Disengage
1 - TRIM STICK
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
3 - INSTRUMENT PANEL
8O - 36 RESTRAINTSDR
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

take out and connector for the airbag inflator located
on the inboard side of the housing.
(9) Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the passenger airbag from the connec-
tor receptacle on the airbag inflator.
(10) Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door
from the instrument panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE 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 TOOBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
WARNING: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR MUST
NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT PASSENGER
AIRBAG UNITS ARE SERVICED WITH DOORS 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
DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Carefully position the passenger airbag and
airbag door to the instrument panel as a unit.
(2) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connector for the passenger airbag to the connector
receptacle on the airbag inflator. Be certain that the
connector latches are fully engaged.
(3) Position the passenger airbag housing and door
unit into the instrument panel.
(4) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
over each of the seven snap features on the upper
and outboard edges of the passenger airbag door
until they snap into their receptacles in the instru-
ment panel base trim.
(5) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to install and tighten the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag front brackets to the instrument
panel structural support (Fig. 33). Tighten the screws
to 6 N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(6) Reach through and above the glove box opening
to install and tighten the two screws that secure the
passenger airbag rear brackets to the upper glove
box opening reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 6
N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(7) Install and tighten the six screws that secure
the inboard and lower flanges of the passenger air-
bag door to the instrument panel (Fig. 32). Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(8) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the mounting tabs of the two panel outlet housings to
the upper glove box opening reinforcement. Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the lower surround onto the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/LOWER SURROUND - INSTALLATION).
(10) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 37
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

on/off switch or Off indicator circuits, and will illumi-
nate the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster if
a fault is detected. For proper diagnosis of the pas-
senger airbag on/off switch or the ACM, a DRBIIIt
scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diag-
nostic information.
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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOV-
AL).
(3) From the back of the center bezel, remove the
three screws that secure the passenger airbag on/off
switch and face plate unit to the back of the bezel
(Fig. 36).
(4) Remove the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate from the center bezel 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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULDRESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the passenger airbag on/off switch and
face plate unit to the back of the center bezel (Fig.
36).
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the passenger airbag on/off switch face plate to the
back of the center bezel. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(17 in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(4) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).REAR CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
The rear center seat belt retractor is secured with
a single screw to a mounting bracket that includes
the unique black, keyed center seat belt lower anchor
buckle and the right outboard occupant buckle, but
can be removed from the mounting bracket and is
serviced separately from the two buckles. The center
anchor buckle and the right outboard occupant
buckle are serviced as a unit with their mounting
bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
Fig. 36 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/
Install
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - SCREW (3)
3 - SWITCH & PLATE UNIT
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 39
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
SWITCH
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.
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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the seat belt switch pigtail wire
connector from the seat wire harness connector for
the seat belt switch on the inboard side of the driver
side front seat forward of the seat belt buckle-half
anchor. Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit and the ground circuit cavities of
the seat belt switch pigtail wire connector. There
should be continuity with the seat belt buckled, and
no continuity with the seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty front seat belt
buckle-half assembly.
(2) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity in the seat wire harness connector for the
seat belt switch and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the
open ground circuit to ground (G301) as required.
(3) Remove the instrument cluster from the instru-
ment panel. Check for continuity between the seat
belt switch sense circuit cavity of the seat wire har-
ness connector for the seat belt switch and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the shorted seat belt switch
sense circuit between the seat belt switch and the
instrument cluster as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavities of the seat wire harness
connector for the seat belt switch and the instrument
panel wire harness connector (Connector C2) for the
instrument cluster. There should be continuity. IfOK, test and replace the faulty instrument cluster as
required. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If not OK,
repair the open seat belt switch sense circuit between
the seat belt switch and the instrument cluster as
required.
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION
Front outboard seating position seat belt tension-
ers supplement the driver and passenger airbags for
all versions of this model (Fig. 44). The seat belt ten-
sioner is integral to the front outboard seat belt and
retractor unit, which is secured to the inner B-pillar
on the right and left sides of the vehicle. The retrac-
tor is concealed beneath the molded plastic inner
B-pillar trim. The seat belt tensioner consists prima-
rily of a die cast aluminum tensioner housing or
chamber, a mechanical clutch unit, a tape-like metal
strip, a pair of cutters, a pyrotechnically activated
gas generator, and a short pigtail wire. All of these
components are located on one side of the retractor
spool on the outside of the retractor housing. The
seat belt tensioner is controlled by the Airbag Control
Module (ACM) and is connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system through a dedicated take out of the
body wire harness by a keyed and latching molded
plastic connector insulator to ensure a secure connec-
tion.
Fig. 44 Seat Belt Tensioner
1 - TENSIONER HOUSING OR CHAMBER
2 - GAS GENERATOR
3 - TENSIONER PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - SPOOL
5 - TENSION REDUCER (DRIVER SIDE ON STANDARD CAB
ONLY)
6 - REDUCER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
7 - RETRACTOR LOCKING MECHANISM COVER
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 47
SEAT BELT SWITCH (Continued)

The seat belt tensioner cannot be repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire outboard front seat belt
and retractor unit must be replaced. If the front air-
bags have been deployed, the seat belt tensioners
have also been deployed. The seat belt tensioner is
not intended for reuse and must be replaced follow-
ing a deployment. A locked retractor that will not
allow the seat belt webbing to be retracted or
extracted is a sure indication that the seat belt ten-
sioner has been deployed and requires replacement.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT
OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - REMOV-
AL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioners are deployed by a signal
generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver and passenger seat belt tensioner
line 1 and line 2 (or squib) circuits. When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the tensioners,
the electrical energy generates enough heat to ini-
tiate a small pyrotechnic gas generator. The gas gen-
erator is installed at the top of the tensioner housing
which contains a long metal tape that is routed
through two chambers within the housing. Each end
of the tape is wound around the outer sleeve of a
mechanical clutch mechanism secured to one end of
the torsion bar upon which the retractor spool is
secured. As the gas expands, it is directed against
the metal tape within the two chambers of the hous-
ing causing the tape to unwind from the clutch
sleeve. As the clutch rotates it engages the torsion
bar, which drives the seat belt retractor spool causing
the slack to be removed from the seat belt.
Once a seat belt tensioning sequence has been
completed, the forward momentum of the occupant
results in deformation of the torsion bar. As the tor-
sion bar deforms it allows the seat belt webbing to
unwind from the retractor spool, which causes the
metal tape to be wound back onto the clutch sleeve
until it is pulled tight against two cutter blades
within the housing, which immediately cut the metal
tape.
Removing excess slack from the seat belt not only
keeps the occupant properly positioned for an airbag
deployment following a frontal impact of the vehicle,
but also helps to reduce injuries that the occupant
might experience in these situations as a result of a
harmful contact with the steering wheel, steering col-
umn, instrument panel and/or windshield. The tor-
sion bar is designed to deform in order to control the
loading being applied to the occupant by the seat belt
during a frontal impact, further reducing the poten-
tial for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance. The ACM willilluminate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt ten-
sioners, a DRBIIItscan tool is required. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TENSION
REDUCER
DESCRIPTION
A seat belt tension reducer is standard equipment
for the driver side front outboard seat belt on stan-
dard cab versions of this model (Fig. 45). The tension
reducer is integral to the driver side front outboard
seat belt and retractor unit, which is secured to the
inner B-pillar on the left side of the vehicle. The
retractor is concealed beneath the molded plastic
inner B-pillar trim. The seat belt tension reducer
consists primarily of a 12-volt Direct Current (DC)
solenoid and an integral connector receptacle that is
located on the forward facing end housing of the
retractor. The seat belt tension reducer is controlled
by a battery current output of the ignition switch and
a ground path provided by the seat belt switch, and
is connected to the vehicle electrical system through
a dedicated take out of the body wire harness by a
keyed and latching molded plastic connector insula-
tor to ensure a secure connection.
The seat belt tension reducer cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, the entire driver side front
Fig. 45 Seat Belt Tension Reducer
1 - TENSIONER HOUSING OR CHAMBER
2 - GAS GENERATOR
3 - TENSIONER PIGTAIL WIRE
4 - SPOOL
5 - TENSION REDUCER (DRIVER SIDE ON STANDARD CAB
ONLY)
6 - REDUCER CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
8O - 48 RESTRAINTSDR
SEAT BELT TENSIONER (Continued)

outboard seat belt and retractor unit must be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR -
REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tension reducer is controlled by a
ground signal received from the seat belt switch on
the seat belt switch sense circuit and a battery cur-
rent signal received from the ignition switch on the
fused ignition switch output (run-accessory) circuit.
When the seat belt switch is closed (the driver side
front seat belt is fastened) and the ignition switch is
in the On or Accessory positions, the seat belt tension
reducer solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is
energized, it actuates a mechanism within the driver
side front outboard seat belt retractor to reduce the
normal recoil spring tension exerted by the retractor
spool, which is designed to reel in the seat belt web-
bing onto the spool. When the driver side seat belt is
unbuckled or if the ignition switch is turned to any
position except On or Accessory, the tension reducer
solenoid is de-energized and the normal recoil spring
tension of the retractor is restored.
The action of the seat belt tension reducer results
in improved seat belt comfort for the driver. Reducing
the seat belt retractor recoil spring tension is desir-
able on standard cab models of this vehicle and not
on the quad cab model due to the different mounting
position required for the seat belt turning loop on the
B-pillar relative to the driver's seat position on the
standard cab model. The seat belt tension reducer
may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools
and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
TENSION REDUCER
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.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTSYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the seat belt tension reducer from the tension
reducer connector receptacle on the driver side front
outboard seat belt and retractor unit. Using an ohm-
meter, measure the resistance between the seat belt
switch sense circuit terminal pin and the fused igni-
tion switch output (run-accessory) circuit terminal
pin in the tension reducer connector receptacle on
the retractor. Resistance through the tension reducer
solenoid coil should be 53 ohms at 20É C (68É F). If
OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty driver
side front outboard seat belt and retractor unit.
(2) Check for continuity between the seat belt
switch sense circuit cavity of the body wire harness
connector for the seat belt tension reducer and a good
ground. There should be continuity with the driver
side front seat belt buckled, and no continuity with
the driver side front seat belt unbuckled. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, repair the shorted or open seat
belt switch sense circuit between the tension reducer
and the seat belt switch as required.
(3) Reconnect the battery negative cable. Check for
battery current at the fused ignition switch output
(run-accessory) circuit of the body wire harness con-
nector for the seat belt tension reducer. There should
be battery current with the ignition switch in the On
or Accessory positions, and no battery current with
the ignition switch in any other position. If not OK,
repair the shorted or open fused ignition switch out-
put (run-accessory) circuit between the tension
reducer and the ignition switch as required.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 49
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER (Continued)

and inert gas canister are sealed and connected to a
tubular manifold so that all of the released gas is
directed into the folded curtain airbag cushion, caus-
ing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates it will drop down
from the roof rail between the edge of the headliner
and the side glass/body pillars to form a curtain-like
cushion to protect the vehicle occupants during a side
impact collision. The front tether keeps the front por-
tion of the bag taut, thus ensuring that the bag will
deploy in the proper position. Following the airbag
deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by
venting the inert gas through the loose weave of the
cushion fabric, and the deflated cushion hangs down
loosely from the roof rail.
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE 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 SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE HEADLINER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the headliner from the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures the side curtain
airbag tether retainer to the base of the A-pillar near
the belt line (Fig. 49).
(4) Disengage the two side curtain airbag tether
plastic retainer clips from the A-pillar.
(5) Disconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side curtain airbag from the connector receptacle
at the back of the airbag inflator.
(6) Remove the four screws (standard cab) or six
screws (quad cab) that secure the side curtain airbag
inflator and manifold tube brackets to the nuts in the
roof rail.
(7) Grasp the extruded plastic side curtain airbag
channel firmly and pull it straight away from the
roof rail far enough to disengage all three (standard
cab) or five (quad cab) plastic push-in fasteners that
secure it.
Fig. 49 Side Curtain Airbag Remove/Install - Typical
1 - ROOF SIDE RAIL
2 - SPRING NUT (4 - STD CAB/6 - QUAD CAB)
3 - SCREW (4 - STD CAB/6 - QUAD CAB)
4 - CLIP (2)
5 - RIVET NUT
6 - SCREW
7 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
8 - RETAINER (3 - STD CAB/5 - QUAD CAB)
9 - WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR
8O - 52 RESTRAINTSDR
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)

(8) Remove the side curtain airbag from the vehi-
cle as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged side curtain airbag. If the airbag
is faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the
recommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the side curtain airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
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,
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCON-
NECT 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
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO
TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE 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 SIDE
CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE HEADLINER. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES
UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
(1) Position the side curtain airbag into the vehicle
as a unit.
(2) Align all three (standard cab) or five (quad cab)
plastic push-in fasteners that secure the extrudedplastic side curtain airbag channel with their holes
in the roof side rail and push them straight into the
roof rail until they are fully seated (Fig. 49).
(3) Working from the rear of the vehicle to the
front, install and tighten the four screws (standard
cab) or six screws (quad cab) that secure the side cur-
tain airbag inflator and manifold tube brackets to the
nuts in the roof rail. Tighten the screws to 5 N´m (40
in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the body wire harness connector for
the side curtain airbag to the connector receptacle at
the back of the airbag inflator. Be certain the connec-
tor is fully engaged and latched.
(5) Engage the two side curtain airbag tether plas-
tic retainer clips into the A-pillar.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
side curtain airbag tether retainer to the base of the
A-pillar near the belt line. Tighten the screw to 6
N´m (55 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall the headliner into the vehicle. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG
CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
On vehicles equipped with the optional side curtain
airbags, a Side Impact Airbag Control Module
Fig. 50 Side Impact Airbag Control Module
1 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
2 - SIACM
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 53
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)