2003 DODGE RAM ignition

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)

way inside, so that you avoid kneeling or sitting on a
non-cleaned area.
(2) Be certain to vacuum the heater and air condi-
tioning outlets as well (Fig. 4). Run the heater and
air conditioner blower on the lowest speed setting
and vacuum any powder expelled from the outlets.
CAUTION: All damaged, faulty, or non-deployed
supplemental restraints which are replaced on vehi-
cles are to be handled and disposed of properly. If
an airbag unit or seat belt tensioner unit is faulty or
damaged and non-deployed, refer to the Hazardous
Substance Control System for proper disposal. Be
certain to dispose of all non-deployed and deployed
supplemental restraints in a manner consistent with
state, provincial, local and federal regulations.
(3) Next, remove the deployed supplemental
restraints from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate
service removal procedures.
(4) You may need to vacuum the interior of the
vehicle a second time to recover all of the powder.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST
The following procedure should be performed using
a DRBIIItscan tool to verify proper supplemental
restraint system operation following the service or
replacement of any supplemental restraint system
component.
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 BEFOREPERFORMING 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) During the following test, the battery negative
cable remains disconnected and isolated, as it was
during the supplemental restraint system component
removal and installation procedures.
(2) Be certain that the DRBIIItscan tool contains
the latest version of the proper DRBIIItsoftware.
Connect the DRBIIItto the 16-way Data Link Con-
nector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the
steering column (Fig. 5).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the On position and
exit the vehicle with the DRBIIItscan tool.
(4) Check to be certain that nobody is in the vehi-
cle, then reconnect the battery negative cable.
(5) Using the DRBIIIt, read and record the active
(current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
(6) Next, use the DRBIIItto read and record any
stored (historical) DTC data.
(7) If any DTC is found in Step 5 or Step 6, refer
to the appropriate diagnostic information.
(8) Use the DRBIIItto erase the stored DTC data.
If any problems remain, the stored DTC data will not
erase. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic informa-
tion to diagnose any stored DTC that will not erase.
Fig. 4 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets - Typical
Fig. 5 16-Way Data Link Connector - Typical
1 - 16±WAY DATA LINK CONNECTOR
2 - BOTTOM OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
8O - 8 RESTRAINTSDR
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

If the stored DTC information is successfully erased,
go to Step 9.
(9) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position for
about fifteen seconds, and then back to the On posi-
tion. Observe the airbag indicator in the instrument
cluster. It should illuminate for six to eight seconds,
and then go out. This indicates that the supplemen-
tal restraint system is functioning normally and that
the repairs are complete. If the airbag indicator fails
to light, or lights and stays on, there is still an active
supplemental restraint system fault or malfunction.
Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information to
diagnose the problem.
ACM COVER
REMOVAL
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be removed to access the ACM for service.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
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) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry each side of the ACM
cover away from the instrument panel at each side of
the center bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel far enough to disengage the two snap clip
retainers from the instrument panel receptacles (Fig.
6).
(3) Remove the ACM cover from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used
only on models with an automatic transmission. Mod-
els with a manual transmission require that the floor
console be reinstalled following ACM service. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
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 COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Position the ACM cover to the instrument
panel (Fig. 6).
(2) Align the snap clip retainer on each side of the
ACM cover with the instrument panel receptacle at
each side of the center bracket on the floor panel
transmission tunnel.
(3) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on the outside of the ACM cover over each snap clip
retainer location until each retainer is fully engaged
in its instrument panel receptacle.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 6 ACM Cover Remove/Install
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL RECEPTACLE (2)
2 - ACM COVER
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 9
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
DESCRIPTION
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is secured with
four screws to the top mounting surface of a stamped
steel bracket welded onto the top of the floor panel
transmission tunnel forward of the instrument panel
center support bracket and below the instrument
panel center stack in the passenger compartment of
the vehicle (Fig. 7). Concealed within a hollow in the
center of the die cast aluminum ACM housing is the
electronic circuitry of the ACM which includes a
microprocessor, an electronic impact sensor, an elec-
tromechanical safing sensor, and an energy storage
capacitor. A stamped metal cover plate is secured to
the bottom of the ACM housing with four screws to
enclose and protect the internal electronic circuitry
and components.
The ACM housing has integral mounting flanges
on each side. Two of the mounting flanges, one on
each side, have an integral locating pin on their
lower surface. The left flanges have round mounting
holes, while the flanges on the right side have slotted
mounting holes. An arrow cast into the top of the
ACM housing near the rear provides a visual verifi-
cation of the proper orientation of the unit, and
should always be pointed toward the front of the
vehicle. A molded plastic electrical connector recepta-
cle containing twenty-three terminal pins exits the
rearward facing side of the ACM housing. These ter-
minal pins connect the ACM to the vehicle electrical
system through a dedicated take out and connector of
the instrument panel wire harness.
The impact sensor and safing sensor internal to
the ACM are calibrated for the specific vehicle, andare only serviced as a unit with the ACM. The ACM
cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or
faulty, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) contains the front supplemental restraint sys-
tem logic circuits and controls all of the front supple-
mental restraint system components. The ACM uses
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and can communicate
with other electronic modules in the vehicle as well
as with the DRBIIItscan tool using the Programma-
ble Communications Interface (PCI) data bus net-
work. This method of communication is used for
control of the airbag indicator in the ElectroMechani-
cal Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and for supplemental
restraint system diagnosis and testing through the
16-way data link connector located on the driver side
lower edge of the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/AIRBAG
INDICATOR - OPERATION).
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all
of the front supplemental restraint system electrical
circuits to determine the system readiness. If the
ACM detects a monitored system fault, it sets an
active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and
sends electronic messages to the EMIC over the PCI
data bus to turn on the airbag indicator. An active
fault only remains for the duration of the fault, or in
some cases, the duration of the current ignition
switch cycle, while a stored fault causes a DTC to be
stored in memory by the ACM. For some DTCs, if a
fault does not recur for a number of ignition cycles,
the ACM will automatically erase the stored DTC.
For other internal faults, the stored DTC is latched
forever.
In standard cab models, the ACM also monitors a
resistor multiplexed input from the passenger airbag
on/off switch and provides a control output for the
Off indicator in the switch through a passenger air-
bag indicator driver circuit. If the passenger airbag
on/off switch is set to the Off position, the ACM turns
on the passenger airbag on/off switch Off indicator
and will internally disable the passenger airbag from
being deployed if an impact is detected that is suffi-
cient for an airbag deployment. The ACM also turns
on the on/off switch Off indicator for about seven sec-
onds each time the ignition switch is turned to the
On position as a bulb test. Following the bulb test,
the ACM controls the status of the Off indicator
based upon the resistance of the input from the on/off
switch. The ACM will also set and/or store a DTC for
faults it detects in the passenger airbag on/off switch
circuits, and will turn on the airbag indicator in the
EMIC if a fault has been detected.
Fig. 7 Airbag Control Module
1 - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
2 - ORIENTATION ARROW
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSDR

On models equipped with optional side curtain air-
bags, the ACM communicates with both the left and
right Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM)
over the PCI data bus. The SIACM notifies the ACM
when it has detected a monitored system fault and
stored a DTC in memory for its respective side cur-
tain airbag system, and the ACM sets a DTC and
controls the airbag indicator operation accordingly.
The ACM receives battery current through two cir-
cuits; a fused ignition switch output (run) circuit
through a fuse in the Integrated Power Module
(IPM), and a fused ignition switch output (run-start)
circuit through a second fuse in the IPM. The ACM
receives ground through a ground circuit and take
out of the instrument panel wire harness. This take
out has a single eyelet terminal connector that is
secured by a ground screw to the instrument panel
support structure. These connections allow the ACM
to be operational whenever the ignition switch is in
the Start or On positions. The ACM also contains an
energy-storage capacitor. When the ignition switch is
in the Start or On positions, this capacitor is contin-
ually being charged with enough electrical energy to
deploy the front supplemental restraint components
for up to one second following a battery disconnect or
failure. The purpose of the capacitor is to provide
backup supplemental restraint system protection in
case there is a loss of battery current supply to the
ACM during an impact.
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. The safing sensor is an electromechanical
sensor within the ACM that provides an additional
logic input to the ACM microprocessor. The safing
sensor is a normally open switch that is used to ver-
ify the need for a front supplemental restraint
deployment by detecting impact energy of a lesser
magnitude than that of the electronic impact sensor,
and must be closed in order for the front airbags or
seat belt tensioners to deploy. A pre-programmed
decision algorithm in the ACM microprocessor deter-
mines when the deceleration rate as signaled by the
impact sensor and the safing sensor indicate an
impact that is severe enough to require front supple-
mental restraint system protection and, based upon
the status of the passenger airbag on/off switch input
and the severity of the monitored impact, determines
what combination of seat belt tensioner and front air-
bag deployment is required for each front seating
position. When the programmed conditions are met,
the ACM sends the proper electrical signals to deploy
the seat belt tensioners and dual front airbags.The hard wired inputs and outputs for the ACM
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods will not prove conclusive in
the diagnosis of the ACM, the PCI data bus network,
or the electronic message inputs to and outputs from
the ACM. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the ACM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the electronic message inputs to and out-
puts from the ACM requires the use of a DRBIIIt
scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic infor-
mation.
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.
WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CON-
TAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES
THE SYSTEM TO DEPLOY THE FRONT SUPPLE-
MENTAL RESTRAINTS. NEVER STRIKE OR DROP
THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAM-
AGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS CALI-
BRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IS
ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE
MODULE MUST BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED
WITH A NEW UNIT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS
WARNING COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL,
INCOMPLETE, OR IMPROPER FRONT SUPPLEMEN-
TAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
OCCUPANT INJURIES.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) On models with a manual transmission,
remove the floor console from the top of the floor
panel transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) On models with an automatic transmission,
remove the ACM cover from the instrument panel.
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 11
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE (Continued)

steering wheel hub area are not pinched between the
driver airbag and the steering wheel armature.
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the driver airbag to the steering wheel armature.
Tighten the screws to 14 N´m (120 in. lbs.).
(6) From the top of the steering wheel, position the
two trim covers or speed control switches into the
pockets on each side of the driver airbag trim cover.
(7) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
two trim covers or speed control switches to each side
of the driver airbag trim cover. Tighten the screws to
2 N´m (15 in. lbs.).
(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).
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
A front center seat belt and retractor is used only
on standard cab models. Quad cab models have a lap
belt in the front center seating position. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT CENTER
SEAT BELT BUCKLE - REMOVAL).
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.
(1) Reach between the center of the front seat
cushion and front seat back to access and unbucklethe front center seat belt lower anchor latch plate
from the unique black, keyed lower anchor buckle.
Use an ignition key or a small screwdriver to depress
the small white release button on the anchor buckle.
(2) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the front center seat belt and
retractor unit.
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry at each side of the front
center seat belt bezel on the cab back trim panel to
release the snap features that secure the bezel to the
panel (Fig. 24).
(4) Remove the bezel from the webbing of the front
center seat belt.
(5) Remove the trim from the cab back panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR CAB BACK
PANEL TRIM - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the two screws that secure the belt
bracket of the front center seat belt to the body
bracket on the upper cab back panel reinforcement
(Fig. 25).
(7) Remove the belt bracket of the front center
seat belt from the body bracket on the upper cab
back panel reinforcement.
(8) Remove the two screws that secure the front
center seat belt retractor bracket to the floor panel
near the base of the cab back panel.
Fig. 24 Front Center Seat Belt Bezel
1 - TRIM PANEL
2 - BODY BRACKET
3 - SEAT BELT BRACKET
4 - SEAT BELT
5 - BEZEL
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 25
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The passenger airbag on/off switch is standard
equipment on all standard cab versions of this model
when they are equipped with the dual front airbag
system (Fig. 35). This switch is a two-position, resis-
tor multiplexed switch with a single integral red
Light-Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key
cylinder-type actuator. The switch is located in the
lower right corner of instrument panel center bezel,
near the center of instrument panel to make the Off
indicator visible to all front seat occupants. When the
switch is in its installed position, the only compo-
nents visible through the dedicated opening of the
cluster bezel are the switch face plate and nomencla-
ture, and the key cylinder actuator. The9Off9position
of the switch is illuminated when this switch position
is selected, while the ªOnº position of the switch is
designated by text imprinted upon the face plate of
the switch, but is not illuminated. The remainder of
the switch is concealed behind the switch face plate
and the instrument panel center bezel.
The passenger airbag on/off switch housing is con-
structed of molded plastic and has three integral
mounting tabs. These mounting tabs are used to
secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic
switch face plate with three small screws. The
molded plastic face plate also has three integral
mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and
face plate unit to the instrument panel center bezel
with three additional screws. A molded plastic con-
nector receptacle on the back of the switch housingconnects the switch to the vehicle electrical system
through a dedicated take out and connector of the
instrument panel wire harness. The molded plastic
harness connector insulator is keyed and latched to
ensure proper and secure switch electrical connec-
tions. The passenger airbag on/off switch cannot be
adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
switch must be replaced.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag on/off switch allows the cus-
tomer to turn the passenger airbag function On or
Off to accommodate certain uses of the right front
seating position where airbag protection may not be
desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove
box for specific recommendations on when to enable
or disable the passenger airbag. The Off indicator of
the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is
turned to the Off position and the ignition switch is
in the On position.
The ignition key is the only key or object that
should ever be inserted into the key cylinder actuator
of the switch. The on/off switch requires only a par-
tial key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded
locking plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger
prevents the user from leaving the key in the switch.
The key will be automatically ejected when force is
not applied. To actuate the passenger airbag on/off
switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key
actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger, then
rotate the actuator to the desired switch position.
When the switch key actuator is rotated to its clock-
wise stop (the key actuator slot will be aligned with
the Off indicator), the Off indicator is illuminated
and the passenger airbag is disabled. When the
switch is rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key
actuator slot will be in a vertical position), the Off
indicator will be extinguished and the passenger air-
bag is enabled.
The passenger airbag on/off switch connects one of
two internal resistors in series between the passen-
ger airbag mux switch sense and passenger airbag
mux switch return circuits of the Airbag Control
Module (ACM). The ACM continually monitors the
resistance in these circuits to determine the switch
position that has been selected. When the switch is
in the Off position, the ACM provides a ground input
to the switch through the passenger airbag indicator
driver circuit, which energizes the Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) that illuminates the Off indicator of the
switch.
The ACM will also illuminate the Off indicator of
the switch for about seven seconds each time the
ignition switch is turned to the On position as a bulb
test. The ACM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) for any fault it detects in the passenger airbag
Fig. 35 Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch
1 - SWITCH
2 - FACE PLATE
3 - OFF INDICATOR
4 - KEY CYLINDER ACTUATOR
8O - 38 RESTRAINTSDR