2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN steering

SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - SECOND ROW -
RIGHT OUTBOARD
REMOVAL.............................40
INSTALLATION.........................40
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - SECOND ROW -
RIGHT OUTBOARD WITH REAR HVAC - LWB
REMOVAL.............................41
INSTALLATION.........................41
SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR - SECOND ROW -
LEFT OUTBOARD
REMOVAL.............................42INSTALLATION.........................42
SEAT BELT TENSIONER
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................43
SEAT WEIGHT BLADDER & PRESSURE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................43
OPERATION...........................44
RESTRAINTS
DESCRIPTION
This vehicle is equipped with a Frontal Impact Air-
bag System, which utilizes the driver/passenger air-
bags, two front impact sensors, and seat belt
tensioners located in the front seat belt buckles. This
system is designed to protect occupants in the event
of a front impact collision. These airbags are all ser-
viceable parts. The tensioners are integral to the
front seat belt buckles. If these pyrotechnics are
deployed or defective, they must be replaced.
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag
System utilize a curtain airbag, three side impact
sensors, and the Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) to determine if the airbag should be deployed.
Following a side impact event where the side airbag
was deployed, the headliner as well as the curtain
airbag must be replaced.
The occupant restraints include both active and
passive types. Active restraints are those which
require the vehicle occupants to take some action to
employ, such as fastening a seat belt; while passive
restraints require no action by the vehicle occupants
to be employed.
ACTIVE RESTRAINTS
The active restraints include:
²Front Seat Belts- Both front seating positions
are equipped with three-point seat belt systems
employing a lower B-pillar mounted inertia latch-
type retractor, height-adjustable upper B-pillar
mounted turning loops, a fixed lower seat belt anchor
secured to the lower B-pillar, and a traveling end-re-
lease buckle secured to the inboard side of the seat
cushion frame. The driver side front seat belt buckle
includes an integral Hall-effect seat belt switch that
detects whether the driver side front seat belt has
been fastened.²Rear Seat Belts- Both outboard rear second
and third seating positions are equipped with three-
point seat belt systems. The outboard seating posi-
tion belts employ a lower C or D-pillar mounted
inertia latch-type retractor, a fixed position upper C
or D-pillar mounted turning loop, and a fixed lower
seat belt anchor secured to the inboard side of the
seat cushion frame.
²Child Restraint Anchors- Also equipped in
this vehicle are two, fixed-position, child seat upper
tether anchors located on the lower seat cushion, in
the rear of the lower seat cushion. There is one
anchor integral to the back of the third row seat back
panel, one on each seat back panel. Two lower second
row anchors are also provided for each rear outboard
seating position. The lower anchors are integral to
the seat cushion frame and are accessed from the
front of the second row seat where the seat back
meets the seat cushion.
PASSIVE RESTRAINTS
The passive restraints available for this model
include the following:
²Dual Front Airbags- Multistage driver. front
passenger, and driver knee blocker airbags are avail-
able for this model. This airbag system is a passive,
inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and
vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified
by the ªSRS - AIRBAGº logo molded into the driver
airbag trim cover in the center of the steering wheel
and also into the passenger airbag door on the
instrument panel above the glove box. Vehicles with
the airbag system can also be identified by the airbag
indicator, which will illuminate in the instrument
cluster for about seven 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 driver and passenger front seat belt buckle of all
models equipped with dual front airbags.
8O - 2 RESTRAINTSRS

²Occupant Classification System- These
vehicles also include an Occupant Classification Sys-
tem (OCS) with components that are located on or in
the passenger front seat cushion. These components
include an Occupant Classification Module (OCM)
and a seat weight bladder and pressure sensor
assembly. In addition, this system includes a belt
tension sensor integral to the lower anchor of the
passenger side front seat belt. Vehicles equipped with
the OCS can be readily identified by a Passenger Air-
bag Disabled (PAD) indicator (Fig. 1) located in the
center stack on the instrument panel above HVAC
control head and radio.
²Curtain Airbags- Curtain airbags are avail-
able for this model when it is also equipped with
dual front airbags. This airbag system is a passive,
inflatable, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and
vehicles with this equipment can be readily identified
by a molded identification trim button with the ªSRS
- AIRBAGº logo (Fig. 2) located on the headliner
above each B-pillar.
This vehicle is equipped with a Frontal Impact Air-
bag System, which utilizes the driver/passenger air-
bags, driver knee blocker airbag, and seat belt
tensioners. This system is designed to protect occu-
pants in the event of a front impact collision. These
airbags and seat belt tensioners are all serviceable
parts. If these pyrotechnics are deployed or defective,
they must be replaced, as well as the OccupantRestraint Controller (ORC) must be diagnosed follow-
ing procedures outlined in the diagnostic information.
The Driver and Passenger Airbag System was
designed to reduce the likelihood of injury or death
in frontal collisions. Each separate system is supple-
mental (Fig. 2) orPassiveto the primary restraint
device, which are the seat belts.
²Airbag Indicator- The airbag indicator is inte-
gral to the Instrument Cluster, which is located on
the instrument panel in front of the driver.
²Belt Tension Sensor- Vehicles equipped with
the Occupant Classification System (OCS) include a
belt tension sensor. This sensor is integral to the pas-
senger side front seat belt lower anchor which is
secured to the floor, out board and rear of the front
passenger seat. -.....concealed beneath an access cover
on the seat belt assembly.
²Clockspring- The clockspring is located near
the top of the steering column, directly beneath the
steering wheel (Fig. 3).
²Curtain Airbag- A side curtain airbag is
located on each inside roof side rail above the head-
liner, and extends from the A-pillar to just beyond
the D-pillar.
²Driver Airbag- The driver airbag is located in
the center of the steering wheel, beneath the driver
airbag trim cover (Fig. 3).
²Front Impact Sensor- Two front impact sen-
sors are used on vehicles equipped with dual front
airbags, one left side and one right side. The sensors
are located on the rail tips, rearward of the bumper
attachments.
²Knee Blocker Airbag- The driver knee blocker
airbag is secured to the instrument panel behind the
steering column opening cover (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 PAD INDICATOR
Fig. 2 SRS LOGO
Fig. 3 AIRBAG COMPONENT LOCATION -
INSTRUMENT PANEL
1 - DRIVER AIRBAG
2 - PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED (PAD) INDICATOR
3 - PASSENGER AIRBAG
4 - OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER (ORC)
5 - KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG
RSRESTRAINTS8O-3
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

UNDEPLOYED AIRBAG
WARNING: The airbags must be stored in its origi-
nal special container until used for service. At no
time should a source of electricity be permitted
near the inflator on the back of an airbag. When
carrying or handling an undeployed airbag, the trim
side of the airbag should be pointing toward the
body to minimize the possibility of personal injury
or death if accidental deployment occurs. Do not
place undeployed airbag face down on a solid sur-
face, the airbag will propel into the air if accidental
deployment occurs.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
DRIVER AIRBAG
After a Driver Airbag has been deployed due to a
collision, the followingMUSTbe replaced:
²Driver Airbag
²Clockspring Assembly
²Steering Wheel
²Complete Steering Column Assembly w/Lower
Steering Column Coupler
All other airbag and vehicle components should be
closely inspected following any airbag deployment,
and should be replaced when visible damage is
incurred.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
After a Passenger Airbag has been deployed due to
a collision. the followingMUSTbe replaced:
²Passenger Airbag
²Instrument Panel and Pad Assembly
All other airbag and vehicle components should be
closely inspected following any airbag deployment,
and should be replaced when visible damage is
incurred.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
KNEE BLOCKER AIRBAG
After a Knee Blocker Airbag has been deployed due
to a collision. the followingMUSTbe replaced:
²Knee Blocker Airbag
²Instrument Panel and Pad Assembly
All other airbag and vehicle components should be
closely inspected following any airbag deployment,
and should be replaced when visible damage is
incurred.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
CURTAIN AIRBAG
After a Curtain Airbag has been deployed due to a
collision. the followingMUSTbe replaced:
²Curtain Airbag Assembly
²Headliner
²A, B, and C-Pillar Trim on deployed side.
All other airbag and vehicle components should be
closely inspected following any airbag deployment,
and should be replaced when visible damage is
incurred.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS)
After an impact event, either front, rear, or side,
the OCS system components need to be inspected
and replaced if found to be damaged.
This includes:
²Belt Tension Sensor
²Occupant Classification Module (OCM)
²Passenger Airbag ON/Off Indicator
²Seat Weight Bladder and Sensor
RSRESTRAINTS8O-7
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

WARNING: Never replace both the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) and the Occupant Classification Mod-
ule (OCM) at the same time. If both require replace-
ment, replace one, then perform the Airbag System
test (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM) before replac-
ing the other. Both the ORC and the OCM store
Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration
data, which they transfer to one another when one of
them is replaced. If both are replaced at the same
time, an irreversible fault will be set in both modules
and the OCS may malfunction and result in personal
injury or death.
Whether replaced or not, the OCS must be re-ze-
roed to make sure that the system in within proper
parameters to sense the occupants weight correctly.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
WARNING: Following successful completion of the
Airbag System test procedure, the Occupant Classi-
fication System Verification Test must be done
using a scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic
information. Personal injury or death may result if
the system test is not performed.
SEAT BELTS AND TENSIONERS
After a frontal impact where an airbag has been
deployed due to a collision. the followingMUSTbe
replaced:
²Front Seat Belt Buckle (driver and passenger)
with integral Tensioners.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
All other seat belts should be closely inspected for
cuts, tears, fraying, or damage in any way following
any frontal impact or airbag deployment. The other
seat belts are to be replaced when visible damage is
incurred. Inspect the Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) child restraint anchors for dam-
age after an impact event and replace as needed.
CLEAN UP PROCEDURE
Roll or fold the airbag towards its mounting point
(i.e. instrument panel, steering wheel, knee blocker,curtain, or seat back). Then tape the ripped cover
over the deployed airbag if applicable.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
der from the vehicle interior. Work from the outside
in to avoid kneeling or sitting in a contaminated
area. Vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as well (Fig.
4). If the heater or air conditioner was in RECIRC
mode at time of airbag deployment, operate blower
motor on low speed and vacuum powder residue
expelled from the heater and A/C outlets. Multiple
vacuum cleaning may be necessary to decontaminate
the interior of the vehicle.
BELT TENSION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) include a belt tension sensor (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 VACUUM HEATER AND A/C OUTLETS - TYPICAL
Fig. 5 BELT TENSION SENSOR
1 - SEAT BELT WEBBING
2 - B-PILLAR
3 - SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLT
4 - BELT TENSION SENSOR
8O - 8 RESTRAINTSRS
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

The second row seats have lower anchors for each
rear outboard seating position (Fig. 8). These anchors
are welded to the seat cushion frame. They are each
accessed from the front of their respective seats, at
each side where the seat back meets the seat cush-
ion. These lower anchors cannot be adjusted or
repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the seat must be
replaced as a unit.
WARNING: During, and following, any child restraint
anchor service, due to impact event or vehicle
repair, carefully inspect all mounting hardware,
tether straps and anchors for proper installation,
operation, or damage. If a child restraint anchor is
found damaged in any way, the anchor must be
replaced with the seat assembly. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or death.
REAR SEAT DELETE
If the vehicle is ordered without rear seats (rear
seat delete), then there will be a tether strap
included. This is to be looped under the second seat
anchor and then extended forward (Fig. 9) to clip to
the tether strap of the child seat in the front passen-
ger seat (Fig. 10). There will be no lower anchor
loops for child seat anchoring in the front passenger
seat. Use the seat belt for lower child seat attach-
ment in this instance.
OPERATION
See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for
more information on the proper use of all of the fac-
tory-installed child restraint anchors.
CLOCKSPRING
DESCRIPTION
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column
behind the steering wheel. It is used to maintain a
continuous electrical circuit between the wiring har-
ness and the drivers airbag.
The clockspring assembly is secured with two inte-
gral plastic latches onto the upper steering column
housing near the top of the steering column behind
the steering wheel. The clockspring consists of a flat,
round molded plastic case with a stubby tail that
hangs below the steering column. The tail contains
two connectors that face toward the instrument
panel. Within the plastic case is a spool-like molded
plastic rotor with a large exposed hub and several
plastic rollers.
A rubber bumper block is located on each side of
the tower formation that contains the connector
receptacle and pigtail wires on the upper surface of
the rotor hub. The lower surface of the rotor hub has
a molded plastic turn signal cancel cam with a single
lobe that is integral to the rotor. Within the plastic
case and wound around the rotor spool is a long rib-
bon-like tape that consists of several thin copper wire
leads sandwiched between two thin plastic mem-
branes. The outer end of the tape terminates at the
connector receptacles that face the instrument panel,
while the inner end of the tape terminates at the pig-
tail wires and connector receptacle on the hub of the
clockspring rotor that face the steering wheel.
Fig. 9 TETHER STRAP PLACEMENT - REAR SEAT
DELETE
Fig. 10 TETHER STRAP INSTALLED- REAR SEAT
DELETE
8O - 10 RESTRAINTSRS
CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR (Continued)

Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a molded plastic shield that snaps
onto the rotor over the release button. The release
button secures the centered clockspring rotor to the
clockspring case and the shield prevents the release
button from being inadvertently depressed during
shipment and handling, but the shield must be
removed from the clockspring after it is installed on
the steering column (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
The clockspring cannot be repaired. If the clock-
spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has
been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced.
OPERATION
The clockspring is a mechanical electrical circuit
component that is used to provide continuous electri-
cal continuity between the fixed instrument panel
wire harness and the electrical components mounted
on or in the rotating steering wheel. The rotating
electrical components include the driver airbag, the
horn switch, the speed control switches, and the
remote radio switches, if the vehicle is so equipped.
The clockspring case is positioned and secured to the
upper steering column housing near the top of the
steering column. The connector receptacles on the
tail of the clockspring case connect the clockspring to
the vehicle electrical system through two connectors
from the instrument panel wire harness.
The clockspring rotor is movable and is keyed by
the tower formation that is molded onto the upper
surface of the rotor hub to an opening that is cast
into the steering wheel armature. Rubber bumper
blocks on either side of the clockspring tower forma-
tion eliminate contact noise between the clockspring
tower and the steering wheel. The lobe of the turn
signal cancel cam on the lower surface of the clock-
spring rotor hub contacts a turn signal cancel actua-
tor of the multi-function switch to provide automatic
turn signal cancellation. The yellow or black-sleeved
pigtail wires on the upper surface of the clockspring
rotor connect the clockspring to the driver airbag,
while a steering wheel wire harness connects the
connector receptacle on the upper surface of the
clockspring rotor to the horn switch and, if the vehi-
cle is so equipped, to the optional speed control
switches and remote radio switches on the steering
wheel.
The clockspring tape has travel limits and can be
damaged by being wound too tightly during full stop-
to-stop steering wheel rotation. To prevent this from
occurring, the clockspring is centered when it is
installed on the steering column. Centering the clock-
spring indexes the clockspring tape to the movable
steering components so that the tape can operatewithin its designed travel limits. However, if the
clockspring is removed from the steering column or if
the steering shaft is disconnected from the steering
gear, the clockspring spool can change position rela-
tive to the movable steering components and must be
re-centered following completion of the service or the
tape may be damaged (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
Service replacement clocksprings are shipped pre-
centered and with a plastic shield installed over the
clockspring release button. This shield should not be
removed and the release button should not be
depressed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is
depressed before the clockspring is installed on a
steering column, the clockspring centering procedure
must be performed (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CLOCKSPRING
CENTERING
If the rotating tape (wire coil) in the clockspring is
not positioned properly with the steering wheel and
the front wheels, the clockspring may fail. The fol-
lowing procedure MUST BE USED to center the
clockspring if it is not known to be properly posi-
tioned, or if the front wheels were moved from the
straight ahead position.
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Wait two minutes for the system reserve capac-
itor to discharge before beginning any airbag compo-
nent service.
(5) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(7) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness (if equipped).
(8) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control (if equipped)/horn harness to the
clockspring.
(9) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(10) Rotate the clockspring rotor clockwise until
the rotor stops. Do not apply excessive force.
(11) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two
turns counterclockwise until the wires end up at the
top.
RSRESTRAINTS8O-11
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

(12) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(14) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness.
(15) Install the driver airbag (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION). Torque the two screws to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). Personal injury or
death may result if the system test is not performed
properly.
REMOVAL
(1) Position steering wheel and front wheels
straight ahead.
(2) Release hood latch and open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4)
WARNING: Wait two minutes for the airbag system
reserve capacitor to discharge before beginning
any airbag system or component service. Failure to
do so may result in accidental airbag deployment,
personal injury or death.
(5) Remove driver airbag from steering wheel
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER
AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(6) Disconnect wire connectors from back of driver
airbag.
(7) Disconnect the 2±way connector from remote
radio control harness.
(8) Disconnect the 4±way harness connector from
the speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(9) Remove steering wheel (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL - REMOVAL).
(10) Remove steering column shrouds and discon-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - REMOVAL).
(11) Disconnect 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(12) Remove clockspring from column assembly by
removing the two retaining screws that attach the
clock spring to the column.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the clockspring on the column.
(2) Connect the 4-way and 6-way connectors
between the clockspring and the instrument panel
wiring harness.
(3) Install the steering column shrouds and con-
nect traction control wire connector (if equipped)
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/LOWER
SHROUD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the steering wheel (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Connect the 4±way harness connector to the
speed control/horn harness to the clockspring.
(6) Connect the 2±way connector to the remote
radio control harness (if equipped).
(7) Install the driver airbag (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTAL-
LATION). Torque the two screws to 10 N´m (90 in.
lbs.).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
CURTAIN AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
Curtain Airbags (Fig. 11) are available when it is
also equipped with dual front airbags. These airbags
are passive and inflatable, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) components, and vehicles with this
equipment can be readily identified by a molded
identification trim button with the ªSRS - AIRBAGº
logo (Fig. 12) located on the B-pillar and C-pillar
upper trim panels. This system is designed to reduce
injuries to the vehicle occupants in the event of a
side impact collision.
Curtain airbags have two individually controlled
curtain airbag units. These airbag units are con-
cealed and mounted above the headliner where they
are each secured to one of the roof side rails (Fig.
13). Each airbag cushion is contained within a fabric
wrap that extends along the roof rail from the A-pil-
lar at the front of the vehicle to just behind the
D-pillar at the rear of the vehicle. One tether extends
down the A-pillar from the front of the airbag cush-
ion, and a second tether extends to the roof rail at
the D-pillar. The end of the A-pillar tether is secured
to a slot in the sheet metal with a metal hook
retained by a bolt. The D-pillar tether is attached to
the d-pillar.
8O - 12 RESTRAINTSRS
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Position curtain airbag over retaining holes in
roof rail and firmly snap into place (Fig. 17).
(2) Install the curtain airbag retaining bolts (Fig.
17).
(3) Engage the side curtain airbag front tether in
the A-pillar and install retaining bolt (Fig. 16).
(4) Install the bolt in the curtain airbag inflator
mounting bracket (Fig. 18).
(5) Install the retaining bolts at the d-pillar (Fig.
19).
(6) Connect the curtain airbag squib connector
(Fig. 15).
(7) Install the headliner into the vehicle (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - INSTALLA-
TION).
WARNING: Do not connect the battery negative
cable (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM). Per-
sonal injury or death may result if the system test
is not performed first.
(8) Verify vehicle and system operation.
(9) Close hood.
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The injection molded, thermoplastic driver airbag
protective trim cover is the most visible part of the
driver airbag. The driver airbag is located in the cen-
ter of the steering wheel, where it is secured to the
steering wheel armature. Concealed beneath the
driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, thefolded airbag cushion, the airbag cushion retainer,
the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the
retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag hous-
ing. The airbag cushion, housing, and inflator are
secured within an integral receptacle molded into the
back of the trim cover.
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is
secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the
driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover and
the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground
pigtail wire has a female spade terminal connector
that receives a path to ground through a male spade
terminal that is integral to the driver airbag housing
stamping and is located near the upper right corner
on the back of the housing. The horn switch feed pig-
tail wire has a white, molded plastic insulator that is
secured by an integral retainer to a mounting hole
located near the lower left corner on the back of the
housing, and is connected to the vehicle electrical
system through a take out and connector of the steer-
ing wheel wire harness.
The airbag is a multistage unit that deploys with
less force than those previously used. The airbag
inflator is a dual-initiator, non-azide, pyrotechnic-
type unit with four mounting studs and is secured to
the stamped metal airbag housing using four hex
nuts with washers. Two keyed and color-coded con-
nector receptacles on the driver airbag inflator con-
nect the two inflator initiators to the vehicle
electrical system through two yellow or black-jack-
eted, two-wire pigtail harnesses of the clockspring.
The driver airbag, trim cover, and horn switch unit
cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed
or in any way damaged.
OPERATION
The Driver Airbag Trim Cover contains the horn
switch, inflator device, and a fabric bag. The driver
airbag trim cover/horn switch is not serviced sepa-
rately from the driver airbag components.
When the front airbag system is deployed, the fol-
lowingMUSTbe replaced:
²Complete Steering Column Assembly
²Lower Steering Column Coupler
²Steering Wheel.
²Clockspring.
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Knee Blocker Airbag
²Upper Instrument Panel with Pad
²Front Seat Belt Buckles, both driver and passen-
ger with integral tensioners.
Fig. 19 CURTAIN AIRBAG D-PILLAR ATTACHMENT
1 - CURTAIN AIRBAG D-PILLAR ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS
2 - D-PILLAR
3 - ROOF RAIL AT REAR QUARTER GLASS
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSRS
CURTAIN AIRBAG (Continued)