2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER Steering wheel

pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered and with the mounting screws
backed out from the case far enough to engage the
access holes in the upper surface of the rotor (Fig.
15). The clockspring mounting screws should not be
tightened into the clockspring case until the clock-
spring has been installed on the steering column. If
the screws are tightened into or removed from the
case 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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL 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 clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Tighten the two clockspring mounting screws
all the way into the clockspring case.
(4) Rotate the clockspring rotor counterclockwise
to the end of its travel.Do not apply excessive
torque.
(5) From the end of the counterclockwise travel,
rotate the rotor about three to three and one-half
turns clockwise, until the clearance holes in the
clockspring rotor are aligned with the two mounting
screws in the clockspring case. The clockspring is
now centered.
(6) Loosen the two clockspring mounting screws
far enough so that they extend into the clearance
holes in the upper surface of the clockspring rotor,
preventing the rotor from changing position relative
to the clockspring case.
(7) 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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL 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).
Fig. 15 Clockspring Centering
1 - CLOCKSPRING ROTOR
2 - SCREW (2)
3 - HORN SWITCH CONNECTOR (2)
4 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
8O - 14 RESTRAINTSVA
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

(3) Disconnect the clockspring upper pigtail wire
connectors from the terminals of the horn switch
located in the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(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) Disconnect the two clockspring lower pigtail
connectors from the vehicle wire harness connectors
located between the steering column and the back of
the fuse block underneath the steering column (Fig.
16).
(7) Loosen the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch housing far
enough to engage the clearance holes in the clock-
spring rotor and to disengage the clockspring case
from the switch housing.
(8) Remove the clockspring from the multi-function
switch housing. The clockspring cannot be repaired.
It must be replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the
driver airbag has been deployed.
(9) If the removed clockspring is to be reused, be
certain that the clockspring rotor is secured to the
clockspring case to maintain clockspring centering
until it is reinstalled on the steering column. If clock-
spring 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).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 and with the mounting screws
backed out from the case far enough to engage the
access holes in the upper surface of the rotor. The
clockspring mounting screws should not be tightened
into the clockspring case until the clockspring has
been installed on the steering column. If the screws
are tightened into or removed from the case 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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL 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 screws
in the clockspring case are aligned with the mount-
ing holes on the multi-function switch housing.
(2) Tighten the two screws that secure the clock-
spring to the multi-function switch mounting hous-
ing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the two clockspring lower pigtail
connectors to the vehicle wire harness connectors
located between the steering column and the back of
the fuse block underneath the steering column (Fig.
16).
(4) Route the clockspring lower pigtail wires
around the lug on the bottom of the multi-function
Fig. 16 Clockspring Remove/Install
1 - CLOCKSPRING
2 - SHROUD
3 - LOWER PIGTAIL CONNECTOR (2)
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

switch housing and behind the fuse block underneath
the steering column (Fig. 17).
(5) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall the steering wheel onto the steering
column. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/COLUMN/STEER-
ING WHEEL - INSTALLATION).
(7) Reconnect the clockspring upper pigtail wire
connectors to the terminals of the horn switch
located in the hub cavity of the steering wheel.
(8) Reinstall the driver airbag onto the steering
wheel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - INSTALLATION).
DRIVER AIRBAG
DESCRIPTION
The color-keyed, injection molded, thermoplastic
driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible
part of the driver airbag (Fig. 18). The driver airbag
is located in the center of the steering wheel, where
it is secured with two screws to the armature of the
horn switch within the hub cavity of the four-spoke
steering wheel. Concealed beneath the driver airbag
trim cover are the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag infla-
tor, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the
airbag housing (Fig. 19). The airbag cushion, hous-
ing, and inflator are secured within an integral
receptacle molded into the back of the trim cover.
The airbag used in this model is a Next Genera-
tion-type that complies with revised federal airbag
standards to deploy with less force than those usedin some prior models. A radial deploying fabric cush-
ion with internal tethers is used. The airbag inflator
is a solid fuel, pyrotechnic-type unit with four studs
and is secured by four hex nuts to four studs on the
airbag cushion retainer ring to the back of the
stamped metal airbag housing. A keyed connector
receptacle on the driver airbag inflator connects the
inflator initiator to the vehicle electrical system
through a yellow-jacketed, two-wire pigtail harness of
the clockspring.
The driver airbag and trim cover unit cannot be
repaired, and must be replaced if deployed, faulty, or
in any way damaged.
Fig. 17 Clockspring Pigtail Routing
1 - MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
2 - FUSE BLOCK
3 - CLOCKSPRING LOWER PIGTAILS (2)
Fig. 18 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - TRIM COVER
Fig. 19 Driver Airbag Housing
1 - HOUSING
2 - INFLATOR
3 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE
4 - TRIM COVER
8O - 16 RESTRAINTSVA
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

OPERATION
The driver airbag is deployed by electrical signals
generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM)
through the driver airbag squib circuit to the initia-
tor in the airbag inflator (Fig. 20). When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the initiator the
electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a
small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn, ignites
chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited,
these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a
large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to
the back of the airbag housing and a diffuser in the
inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cush-
ion inflates, the driver airbag trim cover will split at
predetermined breakout lines, then fold back out of
the way. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag
cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas
towards the instrument panel through filtered vents
within the fabric used to construct the back (steering
wheel side) panel of the airbag cushion.Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, all poten-
tially hazardous chemicals are burned during an air-
bag deployment event. The inert gas that is produced
when the chemicals are burned is harmless. How-
ever, a small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with
plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing passages are
irritated, move to another area where there is plenty
of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is not
alleviated by these actions, contact a physician.
REMOVAL
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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL 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 CUSHION AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
Fig. 20 Driver Airbag Operation
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - INFLATOR
3 - INITIATOR
4 - CUSHION (FOLDED)
5 - STEERING WHEEL
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 17
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) From the underside of the steering wheel,
remove the two screws that secure the driver airbag
to the horn switch armature within the hub cavity of
the steering wheel (Fig. 21).
(3) Pull the driver airbag away from the steering
wheel far enough to access the electrical connection
at the back of the airbag housing.
CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail
wires to disengage the connector from the driver
airbag inflator connector receptacle. Improper
removal of these pigtail wires and their connector
insulator can result in damage to the airbag circuits
or the connector insulator.
(4) The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire con-
nector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag inflator con-
nector receptacle, which is located on the back of the
driver airbag housing. Firmly grasp and pull or gen-
tly pry on the connector insulator and pull the con-
nector straight out from the airbag inflator to
disconnect it from the connector receptacle.
(5) Remove the driver airbag from the steering
wheel.
(6) If the driver airbag has been deployed, the
clockspring and the steering wheel must also be
replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN/STEERING WHEEL -
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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
Fig. 21 Driver Airbag Remove/Install
1 - AIRBAG CONNECTOR
2 - DRIVER AIRBAG3 - SCREW (2)
4 - STEERING WHEEL
8O - 18 RESTRAINTSVA
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

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 clockspring driver
airbag pigtail wire connector at the back of the air-
bag 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. 21). You can be
certain that the connector is fully engaged by listen-
ing carefully for a distinct, audible click as the con-
nector snaps into place.
(3) Carefully position the driver airbag in the
steering wheel. Be certain that the clockspring pig-
tail wire and horn switch wires in the steering wheel
hub area are not pinched between the driver airbag
and the horn switch armature.
(4) From the underside of the steering wheel,
install and tighten the two screws that secure the
driver airbag to the horn switch armature within the
hub cavity of the steering wheel. Tighten the screws
to 6 N´m (53 in. lbs.).
(5) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The supplemental restraint system verifi-
cation test procedure should be performed following
service of any supplemental restraint system compo-
nent. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR
REMOVAL
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front seat belt and retractor unit,
which includes a seat belt tensioner for the driver
side as standard equipment. Vehicles equipped withan optional passenger airbag also have a seat belt
tensioner for the passenger side. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER -
DESCRIPTION). If the seat belt or retractor is faulty
or damaged, but the seat belt tensioner is not
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
handling non-deployed supplemental restraints.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING NON-DE-
PLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS). If the
seat belt tensioner has been deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for service after a supplemen-
tal restraint deployment before removing the front
seat belt and retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - 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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER
INSTALLATION, 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. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR
A SEAT BELT COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE
DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS
WITH THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Move the front seat to its most forward position
for easiest access to the B-pillar trim.
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 19
DRIVER AIRBAG (Continued)

(11) If so equipped, disconnect the vehicle wire
harness connector for the seat belt tensioner from the
initiator receptacle of the retractor located on the
lower inner B-pillar (Fig. 25). The connector is a
tight snap-fit into the initiator receptacle. Firmly
grasp and pull or gently pry on the connector insula-
tor and pull the connector straight out from the ini-
tiator to disconnect it from the receptacle.
(12) Remove the screw that secures the front seat
belt retractor to the lower inner B-pillar.
(13) Remove the front seat belt and retractor unit
from the B-pillar.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged front seat belt and retractor unit,
which includes a seat belt tensioner for the driver
side as standard equipment. Vehicles equipped with
an optional passenger airbag also have a seat belt
tensioner for the passenger side. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/RESTRAINTS/SEAT BELT TENSIONER -
DESCRIPTION). If the seat belt or retractor is faulty
or damaged, but the seat belt tensioner is not
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
handling non-deployed supplemental restraints.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING NON-DE-
PLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS). If theseat belt tensioner has been deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for service after a supplemen-
tal restraint deployment before removing the front
seat belt and retractor from the vehicle. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - 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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: DURING AND FOLLOWING ANY SEAT
BELT SERVICE, CAREFULLY INSPECT ALL SEAT
BELTS, BUCKLES, MOUNTING HARDWARE,
RETRACTORS, AND ANCHORS FOR PROPER
INSTALLATION, 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. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR
A SEAT BELT COMPONENT. ALWAYS REPLACE
DAMAGED OR FAULTY SEAT BELT COMPONENTS
WITH THE CORRECT, NEW AND UNUSED
REPLACEMENT PARTS LISTED IN THE
DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS CATALOG.
(1) Position the front seat belt and retractor to the
lower inner (Fig. 25). Be certain to engage the guide
on the retractor into the locating notch on the B-pil-
lar.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt retractor to the lower inner B-pillar.
Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(3) If so equipped, reconnect the vehicle wire har-
ness connector for the seat belt tensioner to the ini-
tiator receptacle of the retractor located on the lower
inner B-pillar. The connector is a tight snap-fit into
the initiator receptacle. Reconnect the connector by
pressing the connector insulator straight into the ini-
Fig. 25 Front Seat Belt Retractor
1 - RETRACTOR
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW
4 - GUIDE
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 21
FRONT SEAT BELT & RETRACTOR (Continued)

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 than
those used in some prior models. The airbag housing
contains the folded airbag cushion, the airbag
retainer, and the airbag inflator. The airbag is a rect-
angular fabric cushion. The airbag inflator is a solid
fuel, pyrotechnic-type unit that is secured to and
sealed within the airbag housing along with the
folded airbag cushion. The inflator initiator connector
receptacle is connected to the vehicle electrical sys-
tem through a dedicated take out of the vehicle wire
harness with a yellow connector insulator.
The passenger airbag and airbag door 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. When the ACM
sends the proper electrical signal to the initiator the
electrical energy generates enough heat to initiate a
small pyrotechnic charge which, in turn, ignites
chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited,
these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a
large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to
the back of the airbag housing and a diffuser in the
inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag
cushion, causing the cushion to inflate.
As the airbag cushion inflates, the passenger air-
bag door will unsnap from the clips that retain it to
the instrument panel at the top and bottom, then
pivot towards the top of the instrument panel and
out of the way on the woven straps. Following a pas-
senger airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly
deflates by venting the inert gas through the loose
weave of the fabric used to construct the back
(instrument panel side) of the airbag cushion.
Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas
may be considered hazardous while in their solid
state before they are burned, but they are securely
sealed within the airbag inflator. However, the gas
that is produced when the chemicals are burned is
harmless. A small amount of residue from the burned
chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it
contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If skin
or eye irritation is noticed, rinse the affected area
with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing pas-
sages are irritated, move to another area where there
is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation
is not alleviated by these actions, contact a physician
immediately.
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 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, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BAT-
TERY 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 ACCI-
DENTAL 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.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
(2) Remove the instrument panel top cover tray
from over the passenger airbag (Fig. 29). (Refer to 23
- BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL TOP COVER - TRAY - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the two screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag door upper clips to the instrument panel
base trim.
8O - 24 RESTRAINTSVA
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)