2003 DODGE RAM app

NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise to the
end of its travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(4) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise.
The engagement dowel and yellow rubber boot
should end up at the bottom, and the arrows on the
clockspring rotor and case should be in alignment.
The clockspring is now centered.
(5) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight ahead
position.
(2) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the steering wheel wire harness
connectors from the upper clockspring connector
receptacles.CAUTION: Be certain that the screws that secure
the steering wheel puller to the steering wheel are
fully engaged in the steering wheel armature with-
out passing through the steering wheel and damag-
ing the clockspring.
(4) Remove the steering wheel from the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the steering column opening cover
from the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - REMOVAL).
(6) If the vehicle is so equipped, grasp the steering
column tilt knob firmly and pull it straight rearward
to remove it from the tilt adjuster mechanism lever
located on the left side of the column just below the
multi-function switch control stalk.
(7) From below the steering column, remove the
two outboard screws that secure the upper shroud to
the lower shroud.
(8) Using hand pressure, push gently inward on
both sides of the upper shroud near the parting line
between the upper and lower shrouds to release the
snap features that secure it to the lower shroud.
(9) Remove the upper shroud from the lower
shroud.
(10) From below the steering column, remove the
one center screw that secures the lower shroud to the
steering column lock housing.
(11) Remove the lower shroud from the steering
column.
(12) Disconnect the two instrument panel wire
harness connectors for the clockspring from the two
connector receptacles below the steering column on
the back of the clockspring housing.
(13) Remove the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch mounting housing
(Fig. 20).
(14) Remove the clockspring from the multi-func-
tion switch mounting housing. The clockspring can-
not be repaired. It must be replaced if faulty or
damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed.
(15) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain to secure the clockspring rotor to the clock-
spring case to maintain clockspring centering until it
is reinstalled on the steering column. If clockspring
centering is not maintained, the clockspring must be
centered again before it is reinstalled. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING).
8O - 20 RESTRAINTSDR
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
If the clockspring is not properly centered in rela-
tion to the steering wheel, steering shaft and steer-
ing gear, it may be damaged. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING CEN-
TERING). Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with a plastic locking pin
installed. This locking pin should not be removed
until the clockspring has been installed on the steer-
ing column. If the locking pin is removed before the
clockspring is installed on a steering column, the
clockspring centering procedure must be performed.
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.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain
that the front wheels are still in the straight-ahead
position.
(1) Carefully slide the centered clockspring down
over the steering column upper shaft until the hole
in the locating tab at the eleven o'clock position on
the clockspring case is engaged over the locating pin
on the multi-function switch mounting housing (Fig.
20).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the clockspring to the multi-function switch mount-
ing housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the two instrument panel wire har-
ness connectors for the clockspring to the two connec-
tor receptacles below the steering column on the back
of the clockspring housing.
(4) Position the lower shroud onto the steering col-
umn.
(5) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the one center screw that secures the lower
shroud to the steering column lock housing. Tighten
the screw to 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(6) Position the upper shroud onto the steering col-
umn. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, be certain to engage the gearshift lever
gap hider into the openings in the right side of the
upper and lower shrouds.
(7) Align the snap features on the upper shroud
with the receptacles on the lower shroud and apply
hand pressure to snap them together.
(8) From below the steering column, install and
tighten the two screws that secure the upper shroud
to the lower shroud. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (20
in. lbs.).
(9) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional tilt
steering column, align the steering column tilt knob
with the tilt adjuster mechanism lever located on the
left side of the column just below the multi-function
switch control stalk and, using hand pressure, push
the knob firmly onto the lever.
(10) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(11) If a new clockspring has been installed,
remove the locking pin that is securing the clock-
spring rotor to the clockspring case to maintain
clockspring centering.
Fig. 20 Clockspring and Multi-Function Switch
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - LOCKING PIN
5 - ENGAGEMENT DOWEL BOOT
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 21
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

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.
(7) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nector is secured by integral latches to the airbag
inflator connector receptacle, which is located on the
back of the driver airbag housing. Depress the
latches on each side of the connector insulator and
pull the insulator straight out from the airbag infla-
tor to disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
(8) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(9) 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 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 driver 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: 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 WITH TRIM COVERS IN THE
ORIGINAL COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY
IN WHICH THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM COVER
RESPONDS TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAIL-
URE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT
IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the driver airbag close enough to the
steering wheel to reconnect the two electrical connec-
tions at the back of the airbag housing.
(2) When installing the driver airbag, reconnect
the clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connector
to the airbag inflator connector receptacle by press-
ing straight in on the connector (Fig. 23). You can be
certain that the 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
horn switch feed take out connector to the horn
switch feed pigtail wire connector insulator located
on the back of the driver airbag housing.
(4) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wire and the steering wheel wire harness in the
Fig. 23 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - STEERING WHEEL
3 - HORN SWITCH FEED TAKE OUT
4 - DRIVER AIRBAG
5 - SCREW (2)
6 - CLOCKSPRING PIGTAIL WIRE
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSDR
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(9) Remove the front center seat belt and retractor
unit from the floor panel.
INSTALLATION
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 - INSTALLATION).
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 ORDAMAGED. 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) Position the front center seat belt and retractor
unit to the floor panel at the base of the cab back
panel to the right of center (Fig. 25).
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the front center seat belt retractor bracket to the
floor panel near the base of the cab back panel.
Tighten the screws to 40 N´m (29 ft. lbs.).
(3) Position the belt bracket of the front center
seat belt to the body bracket on the upper cab back
panel reinforcement.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the belt bracket of the front center seat belt to the
body bracket on the upper cab back panel reinforce-
ment. Tighten the screws to 20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the trim onto the cab back panel.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/REAR CAB BACK
PANEL TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(6) Route the webbing of the front center seat belt
through the bezel and position the bezel to the belt
opening near the top of the cab back trim panel (Fig.
24).
(7) Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly
on each side of the front center seat belt bezel until it
snaps into place on the cab back trim panel.
(8) Move the front seat back to its rearward posi-
tion.
(9) Reach between the center of the front seat
cushion and front seat back to access and buckle the
front center seat belt lower anchor latch plate to the
unique black, keyed lower anchor buckle.
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT
REMOVAL
A fixed position front center seat belt buckle is
located on the left side of the front center seat sec-
tion (20 percent) used on all models. Standard cab
models also have a unique fixed position black, keyed
front center seat belt lower anchor buckle for the
three-point center seat belt lower anchor located on
the right side of the front center seat section. The fol-
lowing procedure also applies to the fixed position
front center seat lap belt located on the right side of
the front center seat section of all quad cab models.
The three-point front center seat belt and retractor
unit is only used on standard cab models. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT CENTER
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
Fig. 25 Front Center Seat Belt & Retractor Remove/
Install
1 - BODY BRACKET
2 - BELT BRACKET
3 - SCREW (2)
4 - SCREW (2)
5 - RETRACTOR
6 - FLOOR PANEL
7 - SEAT BELT
8 - CAB BACK PANEL
8O - 26 RESTRAINTSDR
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

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) Move the adjacent right or left front outboard
seat section (40 percent) to its most forward position
for easiest access to the front center seat belt buckle,
lap belt lower anchor, or unique black, keyed front
center seat belt lower anchor buckle (Fig. 26).
(2) From behind the front seat, remove the screw
that secures the front center seat belt buckle, lap beltlower anchor, or unique black, keyed front center
seat belt lower anchor buckle to the center seat sup-
port bracket.
(3) From the front of the front seat, reach between
the center seat cushion and the adjacent right or left
front outboard seat cushion to access and remove the
front center seat belt buckle, lap belt unit, or unique
black, keyed front center seat belt lower anchor
buckle through the elastic strap on the side of the
center seat cushion.
(4) Remove the front center seat belt buckle, lap
belt unit, or unique black, keyed front center seat
belt lower anchor buckle from the front seat.
INSTALLATION
A fixed position front center seat belt buckle is
located on the left side of the front center seat sec-
tion (20 percent) used on all models. Standard cab
models also have a unique fixed position black, keyed
front center seat belt lower anchor buckle for the
three-point center seat belt lower anchor located on
the right side of the front center seat section. The fol-
lowing procedure also applies to the fixed position
front center seat lap belt located on the right side of
the front center seat section of all quad cab models.
The three-point front center seat belt and retractor
unit is only used on standard cab models. (Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT CENTER
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - INSTALLATION).
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) From the front of the front seat, position the
front center seat belt buckle, lap belt unit, or unique
black, keyed front center seat belt lower anchor
Fig. 26 Front Center Seat Belt Remove/Install
1 - FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT
2 - ELASTIC STRAP
3 - CENTER SEAT SUPPORT BRACKET
4 - INBOARD FRONT SEAT TRACK
5 - SCREW
6 - CENTER SEAT SECTION
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 27
FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT (Continued)

seven integral snap features to the instrument panel
base trim, while two screws secure the integral
inboard mounting flange to the base trim, and four
screws secure the lower mounting flange to the upper
glove box opening reinforcement integral to the
instrument panel structural support. The passenger
airbag door includes two air conditioning panel out-
lets and their housings. Each of the panel outlet
housings feature four snap features that secure them
to the back of the airbag door and two mounting tabs
that are also secured with one screw each to the
upper glove box opening reinforcement.
Located behind the passenger airbag door within
the instrument panel is the passenger airbag unit
(Fig. 31). The passenger airbag housing fits into a
molded receptacle on the back of the airbag door,
where six stamped hook formations on the upper and
lower edges of the airbag housing are engaged in six
small window openings on the upper and lower
flanges of the receptacle to secure the airbag door to
the airbag housing. The inboard airbag door fasten-
ers and mounting flange are concealed beneath the
instrument panel center bezel, while the lower fas-
teners and mounting flange are concealed beneath
the instrument panel lower surround. The passenger
airbag unit is secured by four screws through four
brackets (two front and two rear) that are integral to
the base of the airbag housing to the instrument
panel structural support.
The passenger airbag unit used in this model is a
Next Generation-type that complies with revised fed-
eral airbag standards to deploy with less force thanthose used in some prior models. The passenger air-
bag unit consists of a stamped and welded metal
housing, the airbag cushion, the airbag inflator, and
a stamped metal airbag and inflator retainer plate
that is secured to the airbag housing with six studs
and nuts. The airbag housing contains the airbag
inflator and the folded airbag cushion. An approxi-
mately 80 centimeter (31.5 inch) wide by 90 centime-
ter (35.5 inch) high rectangular fabric cushion is
used. The airbag inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic-
type unit that is secured to and sealed within the air-
bag housing. The inflator initiator is connected to the
vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take
out and connector of the instrument panel wire har-
ness.
The passenger airbag includes the airbag door and
the two panel outlet housings. This unit cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical
signal generated by the Airbag Control Module
(ACM) through the passenger airbag squib circuits to
the initiator in the airbag inflator. The hybrid-type
inflator assembly includes a small canister of highly
compressed inert gas. When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the ini-
tiator converts the electrical energy into chemical
energy. This chemical energy produces the pressure
necessary to rupture a burst disk in the inert gas
canister.
The inflator is sealed to the airbag cushion so that
all of the released inert gas is directed into the air-
bag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the
cushion inflates, the passenger airbag door will split
at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the
inside surface of the door, then the door will pivot up
over the top of the instrument panel and out of the
way. Following a passenger airbag deployment, the
airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert
gas through vent holes within the fabric used to con-
struct the back (instrument panel side) of the airbag
cushion.
REMOVAL
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 deploymentFig. 31 Passenger Airbag Unit
1 - DOOR
2 - PANEL OUTLET HOUSING (2)
3 - SNAP FEATURE (7)
4 - REAR BRACKET (2)
5 - PIGTAIL WIRE CONNECTOR
6 - INFLATOR
7 - FRONT BRACKET (2)
8 - HOUSING
DRRESTRAINTS 8O - 35
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)

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