2003 DODGE RAM Electronic Control Modules

Refer toELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMA-
TION CENTER PROGRAMMINGin the Standard
Procedures section of this group for more information
on the customer programmable feature options.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional univer-
sal transmitter transceiver, the EVIC will also dis-
play messages and an icon indicating when the
universal transmitter transceiver is being trained,
which of the three transmitter buttons is transmit-
ting, and when the transceiver is cleared.
Data input for all EVIC functions, including VFD
dimming level, is received through the J1850 PCI
data bus circuit. The EVIC module uses its internal
programming and all of its data inputs to calculate
and display the requested data. If the data displayed
is incorrect, perform the self-diagnostic tests as
described in this group. If these tests prove inconclu-
sive, the use of a DRB IIItscan tool and the proper
Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended for
further testing of the EVIC module and the J1850
PCI data bus circuit.
The EVIC module cannot be repaired, and is avail-
able for service only as a unit. If any part is faulty or
damaged, the complete EVIC module must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center is wired
to both constant 12v and ignition switched sources of
battery current so that some of its features remain
operational at any time, while others may only oper-
ate with the ignition switch in the On position. When
the ignition switch is turned to the On position, the
EVIC module display will return to the last function
being displayed before the ignition was turned to the
Off position.
The compass/temperature display is the normal
EVIC display. With the ignition switch in the On
position, momentarily depressing and releasing the
C/T (compass/temperature) push button switch will
cause the EVIC to return to the compass/tempera-
ture display mode from any other mode. While in the
compass/temperature display mode, momentarily
depressing and releasing the Step push button will
step through the available trip computer display
options.
The EVIC trip computer features several functions
that can be reset. The functions that can be reset
are: average fuel economy, trip odometer and elapsed
time. With the ignition switch in the On position and
with one of the functions of the trip computer that
can be reset currently displayed, depressing the
Reset push button twice within three seconds will
perform a global reset, and all of the trip computer
information that can be reset will be reset to zero.
With the ignition switch in the On position and thefunction that is to be reset currently displayed,
momentarily depressing and releasing the Reset
push button once will perform a local reset, and only
the value of the displayed function will be reset to
zero. A global or local reset will only occur if the
function currently displayed is a function that can be
reset. The distance to service function can also be
reset using the local reset method, but it will reset
back to the Service Interval distance that is set in
the EVIC programmable features mode. Refer to
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CEN-
TER PROGRAMMINGin the Standard Procedures
section of this group for more information on setting
the Service Interval.
For more information on the features, control func-
tions and setting procedures for the EVIC module,
see the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ELECTRONIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) data
is obtained from other electronic modules (CCN,
FCM, JTEC) on the J1850 Data Bus circuit. The
EVIC will display dashes (- -) for any of the screens
it did not receive the bus messages. The label corre-
sponding to the missing information will be lit. If no
EVIC data is displayed, check the J1850 Data Bus
circuit communications and the other modules. If the
brightness level is improper check the J1850 Data
Bus circuit.
Refer to Overhead Console Diagnosis and Testing
for instructions on performing a EVIC module Self-
Diagnostic Test. The DRB IIItis recommended for
checking the J1850 Data Bus circuit and other mod-
ules. Perform the EVIC self diagnosis before replac-
ing the EVIC module.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ELECTRONIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
PROGRAMMING
EVIC PROGRAMMING MODE
Some vehicles are equipped with a Electronic Vehi-
cle Information Center (EVIC) equipped overhead
console. The Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) provides the vehicle operator with a user
interface, which allows the selection of several
optional customer programmable electronic features
to suit individual preferences. The EVIC must be
placed into its programming mode in order to view or
change the programmable features. To enter the
EVIC programming mode and to view or change the
selected programmable features options, proceed as
follows:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
8M - 8 MESSAGE SYSTEMSDR
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)

memory setting 1 and the second transmitter trained
will be associated with memory setting 2. Additional
transmitters will not be associated with a memory
setting. When you have finished training the trans-
mitters, press the menu button again and the EVIC
will display ªTRAIN DONE ªXº TRAINED. If no
transmitters are trained within approximately 30
seconds the EVIC will display ªTRAIN TIMEOUTº.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the overhead console from the headlin-
er.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CON-
SOLE - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the EVIC module electrical connec-
tor. Depress the retaining tab and pull straight
apart.
(4) Remove the screws holding the EVIC module in
the overhead console (Fig. 6).
(5) Remove EVIC module from console assembly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the EVIC module in the overhead con-
sole.
(2) Install the screws holding the EVIC module in
the overhead console.
(3) Connect the EVIC module electrical connector.(4) Install the overhead console on the headlin-
er(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CON-
SOLE - INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the battery negative cable.
(6) Check EVIC module function.
NOTE: If a new EVIC module has been installed, the
compass will have to be calibrated and the variance
set. Refer to Compass Variation Adjustment and
Compass Calibration in the Standard Procedures
section of this group for the procedures.
AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Ambient air temperature is monitored by the over-
head console. The ambient temperature messages are
received from the Front Control Module (FCM) over
the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
J1850 data bus circuit. The FCM receives a hard
wired input from the ambient temperature sensor
(Fig. 7). The ambient temperature sensor is a vari-
able resistor mounted to the underside of the hood,
in the engine compartment.
For more information on the front control module,
refer toFront Control Modulein the Electronic
Control Modules section of this manual. For complete
circuit diagrams, refer toWiring. The ambient tem-
perature sensor cannot be adjusted or repaired and,
if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
OPERATION
The ambient temperature sensor is a variable
resistor that operates on a five-volt reference signal
sent to it by the Front Control Module. The resis-
tance in the sensor changes as temperature changes,
changing the temperature sensor signal circuit volt-
age to the Front Control Module. Based upon the
resistance in the sensor, the Front Control Module
senses a specific voltage on the temperature sensor
signal circuit, which it is programmed to correspond
to a specific temperature. The Front Control Module
Fig. 6 OVERHEAD CONSOLE MODULE REMOVAL
1 - ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION MODULE
2 - OVERHEAD CONSOLE
Fig. 7 Ambient Temperature Sensor - Typical
8M - 10 MESSAGE SYSTEMSDR
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER (Continued)

then sends the proper ambient temperature mes-
sages to the EVIC, CMTC over the PCI J1850 data
bus.
The temperature function is supported by the
ambient temperature sensor, a wiring circuit, the
Front Control Module, the Programmable Communi-
cations Interface (PCI) data bus, and a portion of the
Electronics module. If any portion of the ambient
temperature sensor circuit fails, the Front Control
Module will self-diagnose the circuit.
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire har-
ness connector.
(2) Measure the resistance of the ambient temper-
ature sensor. At 24É C (75É F), the sensor resistance
should be approximately 10.3 kilohms. At 30É C (86É
F), the sensor resistance should be approximately
7.57 kilohms. The sensor resistance should decrease
as the temperature rises. If OK, refer toDiagnosis
and Testing - Ambient Temperature Sensor Cir-
cuitin this group. If not OK, replace the faulty
ambient temperature sensor.
NOTE: The ambient temperature sensor is a very
sensitive device. When testing, be certain the tem-
perature sensor has had time to stabilize (room
temperature) before attempting to read the sensor
resistance. Failure to let the ambient temperature
sensor temperature stabilize could result in a mis-
leading test.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the ambient temperature sensor wire har-
ness connector and the Front Control Module wire
harness connector.
(2) Connect a jumper wire between the two termi-
nals of the ambient temperature sensor wire harness
connector.
(3) Check for continuity between the sensor return
circuit and the ambient temperature sensor signal
circuit cavities of the Front Control Module wire har-
ness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open sensor return or
signal circuit as required.(4) Remove the jumper wire from the ambient tem-
perature sensor wire harness connector. Check for
continuity between the sensor return circuit cavity of
the Front Control Module wire harness connector
and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If
OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the shorted sen-
sor return circuit as required.
(5) Check for continuity between the ambient tem-
perature sensor signal circuit cavity of the Front
Control Module wire harness connector and a good
ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, refer to
Diagnosis and Testing - Overhead Consolein
this group. If not OK, repair the shorted ambient
temperature sensor signal circuit as required.
REMOVAL
(1) Open the hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Working on the underside of the hood, remove
screw holding sensor to hood panel.
(4) Disconnect the sensor electrical connector and
remove sensor from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Connect the sensor electrical connector.
(2) Working on the underside of the hood, install
screw holding sensor to hood panel.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable.
(4) Close the hood.
UNIVERSAL TRANSMITTER
DESCRIPTION
Some DR models are equipped with a universal
transmitter transceiver. The universal transmitter is
integral to the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) and the Compass Mini-Trip Computer
(CMTC), which is located in the overhead console.
The only visible component of the universal transmit-
ter are the three transmitter push buttons centered
between the modules push buttons located just rear-
ward of the display screen in the overhead console.
The three universal transmitter push buttons are
identified with one, two or three light indicators so
that they be easily identified.
Each of the three universal transmitter push but-
tons control an independent radio transmitter chan-
nel. Each of these three channels can be trained to
transmit a different radio frequency signal for the
remote operation of garage door openers, motorized
gate openers, home or office lighting, security sys-
tems or just about any other device that can be
equipped with a radio receiver in the 286 to 399
MegaHertz (MHz) frequency range for remote opera-
DRMESSAGE SYSTEMS 8M - 11
AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR (Continued)

less Entry (RKE) system radio frequency transmit-
ters, if equipped.
Certain functions and features of the power lock
system rely upon resources shared with other elec-
tronic modules in the vehicle over the Programmable
Communications Interface (PCI) data bus network.
For proper diagnosis of these electronic modules or of
the PCI data bus network, the use of a DRB IIIt
scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic information
are required.
CENTRAL LOCKING/UNLOCKING
The instrument cluster will lock all doors when a
cylinder lock switch is activated in the ªlockº posi-
tion. When the instrument cluster receives an unlock
command from one of the cylinder lock switches, it
will unlock only that door. If the instrument cluster
receives a second command within a 5 second period,
it will unlock all the remaining doors. The illumi-
nated entry will activate during door unlock.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
Upon detection of an airbag deployment by way of
the PCI bus, the instrument cluster will:
²Immediately disable the power door lock output.
²Unlock all doors by activating the door unlock
output for approximately 300 milliseconds.
²After actuating the door unlock output, allow
the door lock motors to be activated if the door lock
input has been inactive (not erratic) for 2 seconds
since the reception of the airbag deployment mes-
sage.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
A Radio Frequency (RF) type Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) system is an available factory-installed
option on this model. The RKE system allows the use
of a remote battery-powered radio transmitter to sig-
nal the instrument cluster to actuate the power lock
system. The RKE receiver operates on non-switched
battery current through a fuse in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM), so that the system remains
operational, regardless of the ignition switch position.
The RKE transmitters are also equipped with a
Panic button. If the Panic button on the RKE trans-
mitter is depressed, the horn will sound and the
exterior lights will flash on the vehicle for about
three minutes, or until the Panic button is depressed
a second time. A vehicle speed of about 25.7 kilome-
ters-per-hour (15 miles-per-hour) will also cancel the
panic event.
The RKE system can also perform other functions
on this vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with the
optional Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), the
RKE transmitter will arm the VTSS when the Lockbutton is depressed, and disarm the VTSS when the
Unlock button is depressed.
The RKE system includes two transmitters when
the vehicle is shipped from the factory, but the sys-
tem can retain the vehicle access codes of up to a
total of four transmitters. The transmitter codes are
retained in the RKE module memory, even if the bat-
tery is disconnected. If an RKE transmitter is faulty
or lost, new transmitter vehicle access codes can be
programmed into the system using a DRB IIItscan
tool.
This vehicle also offers several customer program-
mable features, which allows the selection of several
optional electronic features to suit individual prefer-
ences. Customer programmable feature options
affecting the RKE system include:
²Remote Unlock Sequence- Allows the option
of having only the driver side front door unlock when
the RKE transmitter Unlock button is depressed the
first time. The remaining doors unlock when the but-
ton is depressed a second time within 5 seconds of
the first unlock press. Another option is having all
doors unlock upon the first depression of the RKE
transmitter Unlock button.
²Sound Horn on Lock- Allows the option of
having the horn sound a short chirp as an audible
verification that the RKE system received a valid
Lock request from the RKE transmitter, or having no
audible verification.
²Flash Lights with Lock and Unlock- Allows
the option of having the park lamps flash as an opti-
cal verification that the RKE system received a valid
Lock request or Unlock request from the RKE trans-
mitter, or having no optical verification.
²Programming Additional Transmitters-
Allows up to a total of four transmitter vehicle access
codes to be stored in the receiver memory.
Certain functions and features of the RKE system
rely upon resources shared with other electronic
modules in the vehicle over the Programmable Com-
munications Interface (PCI) data bus network. The
PCI data bus network allows the sharing of sensor
information. This helps to reduce wire harness com-
plexity, internal controller hardware, and component
sensor current loads. For diagnosis of these electronic
modules or of the PCI data bus network, the use of a
DRB IIItscan tool and the appropriate diagnostic
information are required.
OPERATION
POWER LOCKS
The instrument cluster locks or unlocks the doors
when an actuation input signal from a door lock
switch or Remote Keyless Entry Module (RKE) is
received. The instrument cluster turns on the output
8N - 2 POWER LOCKSDR
POWER LOCKS (Continued)

DOOR LOCK MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The lock mechanisms are actuated by a reversible
electric motor mounted within each door. The power
lock motors are integral to the door latch units.
The power lock motors cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the door latch
unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The door lock motors are controlled by the instru-
ment cluster. A positive and negative battery connec-
tion to the two motor terminals will cause the motor
to move in one direction. Reversing the current will
cause the motor to move in the opposite direction.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DOOR LOCK
MOTOR
The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to
diagnose the power lock system requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool and the proper Diagnostic Proce-
dures manual. The DRBIIItscan tool can provide
confirmation that the PCI data bus is functional, that
all of the electronic modules are sending and receiv-
ing the proper messages on the PCI data bus, and
that the power lock motors are being sent the proper
hard wired outputs by the door modules for them to
perform their power lock system functions.
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.
DRIVER DOOR MODULE
DESCRIPTION
A Driver Door Module (DDM) is used on all models
equipped with power locks, power windows, and
power mirrors. The DDM houses the following
switches:
²Power Lock Switch- The DDM includes a
two-way, momentary, resistor multiplexed switch to
control the power lock system.
²Power Mirror Selector Switch- A three-posi-
tion rocker switch in the DDM selects the right or
left power mirror for adjustment, or turns the power
mirror system Off.
²Power Mirror Adjustment Switches- Four
momentary, arrowhead shaped, directional switches
allow the driver to adjust the selected power mirror
in the Up, Down, Right, or Left directions.²Power Window Lockout Switch- A two-way,
latching, push-button switch in the DDM allows the
vehicle operator to lock out the power window
switches on each passenger door so that the passen-
ger door power windows may be operated only from
the master switches in the DDM.
²Power Window Switches- The DDM houses a
two-way, momentary power window switch for the
driver side front door. This switch also has a second
detent in the Down direction and internal circuitry to
provide an Auto-Down feature for the driver side
front door power window. In addition to the power
window switch for its own door, the DDM houses
individual master switches for each passenger door
power window.
The DDM also incorporates several green Light-
Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that illuminate the power
lock and power window switch paddles, and the
power mirror switch directional buttons to improve
switch visibility in dark ambient lighting conditions.
The DDM cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if
faulty or damaged, the entire DDM unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The Driver Door Module (DDM) combines a power
lock switch, a driver power window switch with an
Auto-down feature, master switches for each passen-
ger door power window, a power window lockout
switch, a power mirror selector switch, and four
power mirror adjustment switches in a single unit.
The switches in the DDM can be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
Power Lock Switch
The DDM power lock switch circuitry is connected
in series between ground and the driver door switch
mux input of the instrument cluster. Each power lock
switch position (Lock, Unlock, and Neutral) provides
a different resistance value to the instrument cluster
input, which allows the instrument cluster to sense
the switch position. Based upon the power lock
switch input, the instrument cluster controls the bat-
tery and ground feed outputs to the individual power
lock motors to lock or unlock the door latches. The
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in the DDM power lock
switch is connected to battery current through the
power window circuit breaker in the Integrated
Power Module (IPM) on a fused ignition switch out-
put (run-acc) circuit so that the switch will be illumi-
nated whenever the ignition switch is in the On or
Accessory positions.
Power Window Switches
The DDM power window switch circuitry is con-
nected to battery current through a circuit breaker in
DRPOWER LOCKS 8N - 5

²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover.
²Driver Knee Blocker- The driver knee blocker
is a structural unit secured to the back side of and
integral to the instrument panel steering column
opening cover.
²Passenger Airbag- The passenger airbag is
located on the instrument panel, beneath the passen-
ger airbag door on the instrument panel above the
glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle.
²Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch- Standard
cab models without a rear seat are equipped with a
passenger airbag on/off switch, which is located on
the right side of the instrument panel center bezel.
²Passenger Knee Blocker- The passenger knee
blocker is a structural reinforcement that is integral
to and concealed within the glove box door.
²Seat Belt Tensioner- The seat belt tensioner
is integral to the front outboard seat belt retractor
units on vehicles equipped with dual front airbags.
²Side Impact Airbag Control Module-Two
Side Impact Airbag Control Modules (SIACM) are
used on vehicles with the optional side curtain air-
bags, one left side and one right side. One SIACM is
located behind the B-pillar trim above the outboard
front seat belt retractor within each B-pillar.
²Side Curtain Airbag- In vehicles equipped
with this option, a side curtain airbag is located on
each inside roof side rail above the headliner, and
extends from the A-pillar to the B-pillar on standard
cab models, and from the A-pillar to the C-pillar on
quad cab models.
The ACM, both SIACMs, and the EMIC each con-
tain a central processing unit and programming that
allow them to communicate with each other usingthe Programmable Communications Interface (PCI)
data bus network. This method of communication is
used by the ACM for control of the airbag indicator
on all models equipped with dual front airbags.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CON-
TROL MODULES/COMMUNICATION - DESCRIP-
TION).
Hard wired circuitry connects the supplemental
restraint system components to each other through
the electrical system of the vehicle. These hard wired
circuits are integral to several wire harnesses, which
are routed throughout the vehicle and retained by
many different methods. These circuits may be con-
nected to each other, to the vehicle electrical system,
and to the supplemental restraint system compo-
nents through the use of a combination of soldered
splices, splice block connectors, and many different
types of wire harness terminal connectors and insu-
lators. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
The wiring information includes wiring diagrams,
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The primary passenger restraints in this or any
other vehicle are the standard equipment factory-in-
stalled seat belts and child restraint anchors. Seat
belts and child restraint anchors are referred to as
an active restraint because the vehicle occupants are
required to physically fasten and properly adjust
these restraints in order to benefit from them. 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 active restraints.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints are referred to as a supple-
mental restraint system because they were designed
and are intended to enhance the protection for the
occupants of the vehicleonlywhen used in conjunc-
tion with the seat belts. They are referred to as pas-
sive restraints because the vehicle occupants are not
required to do anything to make them operate; how-
ever, the vehicle occupants must be wearing their
seat belts in order to obtain the maximum safety
benefit from the factory-installed supplemental
restraint system.
The supplemental restraint system electrical cir-
cuits are continuously monitored and controlled by a
microprocessor and software contained within the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) and, on vehicles
equipped with the side curtain airbags, both Side
Fig. 2 SRS Logo
8O - 4 RESTRAINTSDR
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)

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