2003 DODGE RAM service

the power seat track fails to operate in more than
one direction, proceed as follows:
(1) Check the power seat fuse in the power distri-
bution center. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty fuse.
(2) Remove the power seat switch from the seat.
Check for battery voltage at the fused B(+) circuit
cavity of the power seat switch wire harness connec-
tor. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the power distribution center as required.
(3) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat switch wire harness con-
nector and a good ground. There should be
continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to ground as required.
(4) Test the power seat switch as described in this
group. If the switch tests OK, check the wire harness
between the power seat switch and the motor for
shorts or opens. If the circuits check OK, replace the
faulty power seat track (adjuster) assembly. If the
circuits are not OK, repair the wire harness as
required.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the appropriate seat from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/SEAT - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the power seat switch from the seat.
Refer to the procedure in this section of the service
manual.
(3) Remove four seat track mounting nuts from
cushion pan.
(4) Disconnect the power seat electrical and
remove the seat track from the seat cushion.
(5) Remove the necessary components that must
be transferred to the replacement seat track (seat
belt buckles, wire harness, etc.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the necessary components that must be
transferred to the replacement seat track (seat belt
buckles, wire harness, etc.).
(2) Position the seat track and install the retaining
nuts on the seat cushion pan studs. Torque the bolts
to 25 N´m.
(3) Route and connect the power seat electrical on
the seat track and cushion pan.
(4) Install the power seat switch on the seat. Refer
to the procedure in this section of the service man-
ual.
(5) Install the seat in the vehicle (Refer to 23 -
BODY/SEATS/SEAT - INSTALLATION).
(6) Connect the negative battery cable.
LUMBAR CONTROL SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The power lumbar seat option includes an electri-
cally operated lumbar support mechanism. A single
two-way momentary power lumbar switch is integral
with the power seat switches. The power lumbar
switch is secured to the back of the seat cushion side
shield with screws, and the switch paddle protrudes
through a hole to the outside of the shield. The
switch paddle is located in a shallow depression
molded into the outer surface of the seat cushion side
shield that helps to shroud it from unintentional
actuation when entering or leaving the vehicle.
The power lumbar switches cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the seat switch
assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
When the power lumbar switch paddle is actuated,
a battery feed and a ground path are applied through
the switch contacts to the power lumbar adjuster
motor. The motor operates to move the lumbar
adjuster through its drive unit in the selected direc-
tion until the switch is released, or until the travel
limit of the adjuster is reached. When the switch is
moved in the opposite direction, the battery feed and
ground path to the motor are reversed through the
switch contacts. This causes the motor to run in the
opposite direction.
The power lumbar switch should not be held
applied in either direction after the adjuster has
reached its travel limit. The power lumbar adjuster
motor contains a self-resetting circuit breaker to pro-
tect it from overload. However, consecutive or fre-
quent resetting of the circuit breaker must not be
allowed to continue, or the motor may be damaged.
REMOVAL
The power lumbar switch is integral with the other
power seat switches. Refer to the appropriate driver
or passenger power front seat switch removal and/or
installation procedure.
LUMBAR MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The power lumbar seat option includes an electri-
cally operated lumbar support mechanism. The only
visible evidence of this option is the separate power
lumbar switch control paddle that is located on the
outboard seat cushion side shield, next to the other
power seat switch control knobs. The power lumbar
adjuster and motor are concealed beneath the seat
back trim cover and padding, where they are secured
DRPOWER SEATS 8N - 19
POWER SEAT TRACK (Continued)

to a molded plastic back panel and to the seat back
frame.
The power lumbar adjuster cannot be repaired, and
is serviced only as a unit with the seat back frame. If
the power lumbar adjuster or the seat back frame
are damaged or faulty, the entire seat back frame
unit must be replaced (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/
SEAT BACK - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The power lumbar adjuster mechanism includes a
reversible electric motor that is secured to the
inboard side of the seat back panel and is connected
to a worm-drive gearbox. The motor and gearbox
operate the lumbar adjuster mechanism in the center
of the seat back by extending and retracting a cable
that actuates a lever. The action of this lever com-
presses or relaxes a grid of flexible slats. The more
this grid is compressed, the more the slats bow out-
ward against the center of the seat back padding,
providing additional lumbar support.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LUMBAR MOTOR
Actuate the power lumbar switch to move the
power lumbar adjuster in each direction. The power
lumbar adjuster should move in both directions. It
should be noted that the power lumber adjuster nor-
mally operates very quietly and exhibits little visible
movement. If the power lumbar adjuster fails to oper-
ate in only one direction, move the adjuster a short
distance in the opposite direction and test again to be
certain that the adjuster is not at its travel limit. If
the power lumbar adjuster fails to operate in onlyone direction, Test the appropriate power seat switch
as described in this group. If the power lumbar
adjuster fails to operate in either direction, perform
the following tests. For complete circuit diagrams,
refer toWiring.
(1) Check the power seat circuit breaker. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty power seat
circuit breaker.
(2) Check for battery voltage at the power seat cir-
cuit breaker. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair
the open fused B(+) circuit to the fuse in the Inte-
grated Power Module as required.
(3) Remove the outboard seat cushion side shield
from the seat. Disconnect the seat wire harness con-
nector from the power lumbar switch connector
receptacle. Check for battery voltage at the fused
B(+) circuit cavity of the power seat wire harness
connector for the power lumbar switch. If OK, go to
Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused B(+) circuit
to the power seat as required.
(4) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit cavity of the power seat wire harness connector
for the power lumbar switch and a good ground.
There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not
OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground as
required.
(5) Test the power lumbar switch. . If the switch
tests OK, test the circuits of the power seat wire har-
ness between the power lumbar adjuster motor and
the power lumbar switch for shorts or opens. If the
circuits check OK, replace the faulty seat back frame
assembly. If the circuits are not OK, repair the power
seat wire harness as required.
8N - 20 POWER SEATSDR
LUMBAR MOTOR (Continued)

(Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/TRIM PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(2) Disconnect power window motor wire connector
from door harness.
(3) Using two jumper wires, connect one to a bat-
tery (+) source and the other to a good ground (-).
(4) Connect the Negative (-) jumper probe to one of
the motor connector terminals.
(5) Momentarily touch the Positive (+) jumper
probe to the other motor connector terminal.
When positive probe is connected the motor should
rotate in one direction to either move window up or
down. If window is all the way up or down the motor
will grunt and the inner door panel will flex when
actuated in that one direction.
(6) Reverse jumper probes at the motor connector
terminals and window should now move in opposite
direction. If window does not move or grunt, replace
the motor.
If window moved completely up or down, reverse
the jumper probes and cycle window to the opposite
position to verify full operation.
If motor grunts and does not move, verify that reg-
ulator is not binding.
WINDOW MOTOR
REMOVAL
The window motor is serviced with the window reg-
ulator (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/WINDOW
REGULATOR - REMOVAL) or (Refer to 23 - BODY/
DOORS - REAR/WINDOW REGULATOR - REMOVAL).
WINDOW SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WINDOW SWITCH
The Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illumination
lamps for all of the power window and lock switch
and bezel unit switch paddles receive battery current
through the power window circuit breaker in the
junction block. If all of the LEDs are inoperative in
both the power window and lock switch units and the
power windows are inoperative, (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/POWER WINDOWS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If the power windows operate, but any or
all of the LEDs are inoperative, the power window
and lock switch units with the inoperative LED(s) is
faulty and must be replaced. For complete circuit dia-
grams, 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.(1) Check the fuse in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM) and the circuit breaker located near the park
brake pedal. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace
the faulty fuse or circuit breaker.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM). If OK, turn the ignition
switch to the Off position and go to Step 3. If not OK,
check circuit breaker and repair the circuit to the
ignition switch as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the power window switch unit from
the door trim panel (passenger doors). The drivers
door switch is included with the Driver Door Module
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER LOCKS/DOOR
MODULE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING) for service
procedures. Unplug the wire harness connector from
the switch unit.
(4) Test the power window switch continuity. See
the Power Window Switch Continuity charts to deter-
mine if the continuity is correct in the Off, Up and
Down switch positions (Fig. 1). If OK, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER WINDOWS - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING). If not OK, replace the faulty switch.
POWER WINDOW SWITCH CONTINUITY
CHART
SWITCH POSITION CONTINUITY BETWEEN
NEUTRAL PIN 2 AND 5, PIN 4 AND 1
UP (FRONT
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 5
UP (REAR
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 1
DOWN (FRONT
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 1
DOWN (REAR
PASSENGER)PIN 6 AND 5
Fig. 1 PASSENGER DOOR SWITCH
8N - 22 POWER WINDOWSDR
POWER WINDOWS (Continued)

RESTRAINTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION..........................2
OPERATION............................4
WARNING
WARNINGS - RESTRAINT SYSTEM........5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM...................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS.........................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE
AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
DEPLOYMENT.........................7
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION
TEST................................8
ACM COVER
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................14
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................17
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................18
OPERATION...........................18
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING.........................19
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................21
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................23
REMOVAL.............................23
INSTALLATION.........................24
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................25
INSTALLATION.........................26
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT
REMOVAL.............................26INSTALLATION.........................27
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - STANDARD CAB............28
REMOVAL - QUAD CAB................29
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - STANDARD CAB.........31
INSTALLATION - QUAD CAB.............32
FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL.............................33
INSTALLATION.........................34
PASSENGER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION.........................34
OPERATION...........................35
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................37
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................39
REAR CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................42
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - CENTER & LEFT OUTBOARD . . 43
REMOVAL - CENTER ANCHOR & RIGHT
OUTBOARD..........................43
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - CENTER & LEFT
OUTBOARD..........................45
INSTALLATION - CENTER ANCHOR &
RIGHT OUTBOARD....................45
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................46
OPERATION...........................46
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SEAT BELT
SWITCH............................47
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION.........................47
OPERATION...........................48
SEAT BELT TENSION REDUCER
DESCRIPTION.........................48
OPERATION...........................49
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 1

ment cluster for about six seconds as a bulb test each
time the ignition switch is turned to the On position.
A pyrotechnic-type seat belt tensioner is integral to
the front outboard seat belt retractors mounted on
each lower B-pillar of all models equipped with dual
front airbags.
²Side Curtain Airbags- Optional side curtain
airbags are available for this model when it is also
equipped with dual front airbags. This airbag system
is a passive, inflatable, Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (SRS) and vehicles with this equipment can be
readily identified by a molded identification trim but-ton with the ªSRS - AIRBAGº logo located on the
headliner above each B-pillar (Fig. 2).
The supplemental restraint system includes the
following major components, which are described in
further detail elsewhere in this service information:
²Airbag Control Module- The Airbag Control
Module (ACM) is located on a mount on the floor
panel transmission tunnel, below the center of the
instrument panel.
²Airbag Indicator- The airbag indicator is inte-
gral to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster
(EMIC), which is located on the instrument panel in
front of the driver.
Fig. 1 Supplemental Restraint System
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH (STD CAB ONLY)
4 - DRIVER AIRBAG5 - SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG
6 - SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
7 - SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 3
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM). An airbag
indicator in the ElectroMechanical Instrument Clus-
ter (EMIC) illuminates for about six seconds as a
bulb test each time the ignition switch is turned to
the On or Start positions. Following the bulb test,
the airbag indicator is turned on or off by the ACM
to indicate the status of the supplemental restraint
system. If the airbag indicator comes on at any time
other than during the bulb test, it indicates that
there is a problem in the supplemental restraint sys-
tem electrical circuits. Such a problem may cause air-
bags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when
not required.
Deployment of the supplemental restraints
depends upon the angle and severity of an impact.
Deployment is not based upon vehicle speed; rather,
deployment is based upon the rate of deceleration as
measured by the forces of gravity (G force) upon the
impact sensors. When an impact is severe enough,
the microprocessor in the ACM or the SIACM signals
the inflator of the appropriate airbag units to deploy
their airbag cushions. The outboard front seat belt
tensioners are provided with a deployment signal by
the ACM in conjunction with the driver and passen-
ger airbags. During a frontal vehicle impact, the
knee blockers work in concert with properly fastened
and adjusted seat belts to restrain both the driver
and the front seat passenger in the proper position
for an airbag deployment. The knee blockers also
absorb and distribute the crash energy from the
driver and the front seat passenger to the structure
of the instrument panel. The seat belt tensioner
removes the slack from the outboard front seat belts
to provide further assurance that the driver and
front seat passenger are properly positioned and
restrained for an airbag deployment.
Typically, the vehicle occupants recall more about
the events preceding and following a collision than
they do of an airbag deployment itself. This is
because the airbag deployment and deflation occur so
rapidly. In a typical 48 kilometer-per-hour (30 mile-
per-hour) barrier impact, from the moment of impact
until the airbags are fully inflated takes about 40
milliseconds. Within one to two seconds from the
moment of impact, the airbags are almost entirely
deflated. The times cited for these events are approx-
imations, which apply only to a barrier impact at the
given speed. Actual times will vary somewhat,
depending upon the vehicle speed, impact angle,
severity of the impact, and the type of collision.When the ACM monitors a problem in any of the
dual front airbag system circuits or components,
including the seat belt tensioners, it stores a fault
code or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory
circuit and sends an electronic message to the EMIC
to turn on the airbag indicator. When the SIACM
monitors a problem in any of the side curtain airbag
system circuits or component, it stores a fault code or
DTC in its memory circuit and sends an electronic
message to the ACM, and the ACM sends an elec-
tronic message to the EMIC to turn on the airbag
indicator. Proper testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, the elec-
tronic message inputs to and outputs from the EMIC,
the SIACM, or the ACM, as well as the retrieval or
erasure of a DTC from the ACM, SIACM, or EMIC
requires the use of a DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the features, use and operation
of all of the factory-installed passive restraints.
WARNING
WARNINGS - RESTRAINT SYSTEM
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR SERVICE,
CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT BELTS, BUCKLES,
MOUNTING HARDWARE, RETRACTORS, TETHER
STRAPS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER INSTALLA-
TION, 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. REPLACE ANY CHILD
RESTRAINT ANCHOR OR THE UNIT TO WHICH THE
ANCHOR IS INTEGRAL THAT HAS BEEN BENT OR
DAMAGED. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A SEAT
BELT OR CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENT.
ALWAYS REPLACE DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT
BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS WITH
THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED REPLACEMENT
PARTS LISTED IN THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR
PARTS CATALOG.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 5
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

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: AN AIRBAG INFLATOR UNIT MAY CON-
TAIN SODIUM AZIDE AND POTASSIUM NITRATE.
THESE MATERIALS ARE POISONOUS AND
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONTACT WITH ACID,
WATER, OR HEAVY METALS MAY PRODUCE HARM-
FUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SODIUM HYDROXIDE
IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE) OR
COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. AN AIRBAG INFLA-
TOR UNIT MAY ALSO CONTAIN A GAS CANISTER
PRESSURIZED TO OVER 2500 PSI. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE AN AIRBAG UNIT OR
TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNCTURE,
INCINERATE, OR BRING INTO CONTACT WITH
ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 93É C (200É F).
WARNING: WHEN HANDLING A SEAT BELT TEN-
SIONER RETRACTOR, PROPER CARE SHOULD BE
EXERCISED TO KEEP FINGERS OUT FROM UNDER
THE RETRACTOR COVER AND AWAY FROM THE
SEAT BELT WEBBING WHERE IT EXITS FROM THE
RETRACTOR COVER.
WARNING: REPLACE ALL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
COMPONENTS ONLY WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN
THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATA-
LOG. SUBSTITUTE PARTS MAY APPEAR INTER-
CHANGEABLE, BUT INTERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY
RESULT IN INFERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
WARNING: THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND
BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE RESTRAINT
SYSTEM COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE
REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANY TIME A
NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE IT WITHTHE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE
SERVICE PACKAGE OR SPECIFIED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
AIRBAG UNIT ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE COL-
UMN ON THE FLOOR OR ANY OTHER SURFACE
WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG UNIT
FACE DOWN.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Proper diagnosis and testing of the supplemental
restraint system components, the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus, the data
bus electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
the Airbag Control Module (ACM), or the Side
Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) as well as
the retrieval or erasure of a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) from the ACM or SIACM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of a non-de-
ployed airbag or seat belt tensioner. When carrying a
non-deployed airbag, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be pointed away from the
body to minimize injury in the event of an accidental
deployment. If the airbag unit is placed on a bench or
any other surface, the trim cover or airbag cushion
side of the unit should be face up to minimize move-
8O - 6 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

ment in the event of an accidental deployment. When
handling a non-deployed seat belt tensioner, take
proper care to keep fingers out from under the
retractor cover and away from the seat belt webbing
where it exits from the retractor cover. In addition,
the supplemental restraint system should be dis-
armed whenever any steering wheel, steering col-
umn, seat belt tensioner, driver airbag, passenger
airbag, side curtain airbag, or instrument panel com-
ponents require diagnosis or service. Failure to
observe this warning could result in accidental air-
bag deployment and possible personal injury.
All damaged, faulty or non-deployed airbags and
seat belt tensioners which are replaced on vehicles
are to be handled and disposed of properly. If an air-
bag or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or damaged
and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous Substance
Control System for proper disposal. Dispose of all
non-deployed and deployed airbags and seat belt ten-
sioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial,
local and federal regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT STORAGE
Airbags and seat belt tensioners must be stored in
their original, special container until they are used
for service. Also, they must be stored in a clean, dry
environment; away from sources of extreme heat,
sparks, and high electrical energy. Always place or
store any airbag on a surface with its trim cover or
airbag cushion side facing up, to minimize movement
in case of an accidental deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use follow-
ing a supplemental restraint deployment, must have
the deployed restraints replaced. In addition, if the
driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring
must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is
deployed, the passenger airbag door must be
replaced. The seat belt tensioners are deployed by
the same signal that deploys the driver and passen-
ger airbags and must also be replaced if either front
airbag has been deployed. If a side curtain airbag
has been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the
headliner, as well as the upper A, B, and C-pillar
trim must be replaced. These components are not
intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened
as a result of a supplemental restraint deployment,
which may or may not be obvious during a visual
inspection.
It is also critical that the mounting surfaces and/or
mounting brackets for the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) and Side Impact Airbag Control Module
(SIACM) be closely inspected and restored to their
original conditions following any vehicle impact dam-age. Because the ACM and SIACM each contain
impact sensors that are used by the supplemental
restraint system to monitor or confirm the direction
and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation
or insecure fastening of these components may cause
airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy
when not required. All other vehicle components
should be closely inspected following any supplemen-
tal restraint deployment, but are to be replaced only
as required by the extent of the visible damage
incurred.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following a supplemental restraint deployment,
the vehicle interior will contain a powdery residue.
This residue consists primarily of harmless particu-
late by-products of the small pyrotechnic charge that
initiates the propellant used to deploy a supplemen-
tal restraint. However, this residue may also contain
traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical
by-product of the propellant material that is used to
generate the inert gas that inflates the airbag. Since
sodium hydroxide powder can irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat, be certain to wear safety glasses,
rubber gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt during
cleanup (Fig. 3).
WARNING: IF YOU EXPERIENCE SKIN IRRITATION
DURING CLEANUP, RUN COOL WATER OVER THE
AFFECTED AREA. ALSO, IF YOU EXPERIENCE
IRRITATION OF THE NOSE OR THROAT, EXIT THE
VEHICLE FOR FRESH AIR UNTIL THE IRRITATION
CEASES. IF IRRITATION CONTINUES, SEE A PHYSI-
CIAN.
(1) Begin the cleanup by using a vacuum cleaner
to remove any residual powder from the vehicle inte-
rior. Clean from outside the vehicle and work your
Fig. 3 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
Typical
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)