2006 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER warning

(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 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: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting anysteering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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-
tiator receptacle. You can be certain that the connec-
tor is fully engaged by listening carefully for a
distinct, audible click as the connector snaps into
place.
(4) Position the front seat belt turning loop onto
the height adjuster on the upper B-pillar (Fig. 24).
(5) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
front seat belt turning loop to the height adjuster.
Tighten the nut to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(6) Route the front seat belt and lower anchor
through the back of the height adjuster trim (Fig.
23).
(7) Position the height adjuster trim to the upper
B-pillar so that the driver on the back of the trim
engages the lug of the height adjuster.
(8) Reinstall the trim panel onto the inside of the
B-pillar. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/B-PILLAR
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(9) Position the front seat belt lower anchor to the
outboard side of the seat frame (Fig. 22).
Fig. 25 Front Seat Belt Retractor
1 - RETRACTOR
2 - CONNECTOR
3 - SCREW
4 - GUIDE
8O - 22 RESTRAINTSVA

(10) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt lower anchor to the outboard side of
the seat frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft.
lbs.).
(11) If the vehicle is so equipped, snap the plastic
cover over the screw that secures the front seat belt
lower anchor to the outboard side of the seat frame.
(12) 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 BUCKLE
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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) On the driver side only, move the seat to its
most forward position for easiest access to the seat
belt switch pigtail wire and connector.
(2) On the driver side only, remove the wire ties
that secure the seat belt switch pigtail wire to the
seat frame (Fig. 26).(3) On the driver side only, pull the seat belt
switch pigtail wire out through the clearance hole in
the seat riser cover far enough to access and discon-
nect the pigtail wire from the vehicle wire harness.
(4) If the vehicle is so equipped, unsnap and
remove the plastic cover from the screw that secures
the front seat belt buckle lower anchor to the inboard
side of the seat frame.
(5) Remove the screw that secures the front seat
belt buckle lower anchor to the inboard side of the
seat frame.
(6) Remove the front seat belt buckle from the
inboard side of the front seat frame.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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 buckle to the
inboard side of the front seat frame (Fig. 26).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
front seat belt buckle lower anchor to the inboard
side of the front seat frame. Tighten the screw to 35
N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 26 Front Seat Belt Buckle Remove/Install
1 - SEAT RISER COVER PANEL
2 - SEAT BELT SWITCH PIGTAIL WIRE (DRIVER SIDE ONLY)
3 - BUCKLE
4 - SCREW AND/OR COVER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 23

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: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, when
removing a deployed airbag, rubber gloves, eyeprotection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be
worn. There may be deposits on the airbag unit and
other interior surfaces. In large doses, these depos-
its 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).
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 25

straight out from the inflator to disconnect it from
the receptacle.
(7) Remove the passenger airbag and airbag door
from the instrument panel as a unit.
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the airbag is
faulty or damaged, but not deployed, review the rec-
ommended procedures for handling non-deployed
supplemental restraints. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HAN-
DLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINTS). If the passenger airbag has been
deployed, review the recommended procedures for
service after a supplemental restraint deployment
before removing the airbag from the vehicle. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT).
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, use
extreme care to prevent any foreign material from
entering the passenger airbag, or becoming
entrapped between the passenger airbag cushion
and the passenger airbag door. Failure to observe
this warning could result in occupant injuries upon
airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, the
passenger airbag door must never be painted.
Replacement passenger airbags are serviced with
doors in the original colors. Paint may change the
way in which the material of the airbag door
responds to an airbag deployment. Failure to
observe this warning could result in occupant inju-
ries upon airbag deployment.
(1) Carefully position the passenger airbag and
airbag door unit to the instrument panel (Fig. 29).
(2) When installing the passenger airbag, recon-
nect the vehicle wire harness connector to the airbag
inflator connector receptacle by pressing straight in
on the connector. You can be certain that the connec-tor is fully engaged by listening carefully for a dis-
tinct, audible click as the connector snaps into place.
(3) Push the passenger airbag unit forward far
enough to engage the lower edge of the airbag door
with the two lower clips in the instrument panel.
(4) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the flange of the passenger airbag housing to the
bracket on the instrument panel structural support.
Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (89 in. lbs.).
(5) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the passenger airbag door upper clips to the instru-
ment panel base trim. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m
(18 in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the instrument panel top cover tray
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP
COVER - TRAY - INSTALLATION).
(7) 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).
PASSENGER AIRBAG
BRACKET
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the four screws that secure the passen-
ger airbag bracket to the instrument panel structural
support (Fig. 30).
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 27

(3) Remove the passenger airbag bracket from the
instrument panel structural support.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel com-
ponent diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate
the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two
minutes for the system capacitor to discharge
before performing further diagnosis or service. This
is the only sure way to disable the supplemental
restraint system. Failure to take the proper precau-
tions could result in accidental airbag deployment.
(1) Position the passenger airbag bracket onto the
instrument panel structural support (Fig. 30).
(2) Install and tighten the four screws that secure
the passenger airbag bracket to the instrument panel
structural support. Tighten the screws to 10 N´m (89
in. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the passenger airbag into the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
REAR SEAT BELT & RETRAC-
TOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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) Remove the rear bench seat containing the rear
seat belt and retractor unit to be serviced from the
vehicle.
(2) Lift the seat belt webbing to access and remove
the plastic push pin fastener that secures the rear
seat belt turning loop trim cover to the turning loop
bracket at the top of the seat back (Fig. 31).
(3) Remove the turning loop trim cover from the
turning loop bracket.
(4) Remove the push nut at the back of the turn-
ing loop bracket that secures the pin on which the
two turning loops pivot (Fig. 32).
Fig. 30 Passenger Airbag Bracket Remove/Install
1 - BRACKET
2 - STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
3 - SCREW (4)
Fig. 31 Turning Loop Trim Cover
1 - TRIM COVER
2 - SEAT BELT
3 - RETAINER
4 - REAR SEAT BACK
8O - 28 RESTRAINTSVA

INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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 rear seat belt and retractor unit
onto the bracket of the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
35). Be certain to engage the guide on the retractor
into the locating notch on the bracket.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear seat belt retractor to the bracket on the rear
seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26
ft. lbs.).
(3) Route the rear seat belt and lower anchor
through the turning loop bracket and the turning
loop trim cover.
(4) Position the rear seat belt lower anchor to the
rear seat cushion frame (Fig. 33) or (Fig. 34).
(5) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
rear seat belt lower anchor to the rear seat cushion
frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(6) For a left outboard seating position only, rein-
stall the plastic cover onto the screw that secures the
rear seat belt lower anchor to the left outboard side
of the seat frame.
(7) Position the two seat belt turning loops to the
turning loop bracket so that one turning loop is
located behind the bracket and one is located in front
of the bracket (Fig. 32).
(8) From the front of the turning loop bracket,
insert the pin through both turning loops and the
bracket, then secure it from behind the bracket with
a new push nut.
(9) Position the turning loop trim cover over the
turning loop bracket.
(10) Lift the seat belt webbing to access and install
the plastic push pin fastener that secures the rear
seat belt turning loop trim cover to the turning loop
bracket at the top of the seat back (Fig. 31).
(11) Reinstall the plastic shield onto the back of
the rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR
SEAT BACK SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(12) Reinstall the rear bench seat into the vehicle.
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - INBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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) Remove the rear bench seat containing the
inboard rear seat belt buckle unit to be serviced from
the vehicle.
(2) Remove the plastic shield from the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screw that secures either the
inboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cushion
frame (Fig. 36).
(4) Remove the inboard rear seat belt buckle from
the rear seat cushion frame.
Fig. 36 Inboard Rear Seat Belt Buckle
1 - REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME
2 - INBOARD REAR SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR
3 - SCREW
4 - INBOARD REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
8O - 30 RESTRAINTSVA

REMOVAL - OUTBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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) Unsnap and remove the plastic cover from the
screw that secures the outboard rear seat belt buckle
to the right side of the seat cushion frame (Fig.
37).
(2) Remove the screw that secures the outboard
rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cushion frame.
(3) Remove the outboard rear seat belt buckle from
the right side of the rear seat cushion frame.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - INBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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 inboard rear seat belt buckle to
the rear seat cushion frame (Fig. 36).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures
either the inboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear
seat cushion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26
ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the plastic shield onto the back of the
rear seat. (Refer to 23 - BODY/SEATS/REAR SEAT
BACK SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(4) Reinstall the rear bench seat into the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - OUTBOARD
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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 rear seat belt buckle to the right
outboard side of the rear seat cushion frame (Fig.
37).
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
outboard rear seat belt buckle to the rear seat cush-
ion frame. Tighten the screw to 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reinstall the plastic cover onto the screw that
secures the rear seat belt buckle to the right out-
board side of the rear seat cushion frame.
SEAT BELT SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The seat belt switch is a small, normally closed,
single pole, single throw, leaf contact, momentary
switch. Only one seat belt switch is installed in the
vehicle, and it is integral to the driver side front seat
belt buckle unit. The seat belt switch is connected to
the vehicle electrical system through a two-wire pig-
tail wire harness and connector to a dedicated take
Fig. 37 Outboard Rear Seat Belt Buckle
1 - REAR SEAT BACK TRIM
2 - REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE
3 - REAR SEAT CUSHION TRIM
4 - SCREW & COVER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 31

deployment. A growling or grinding sound while
attempting to operate the seat belt retractor is a sure
indication that the seat belt tensioner has been
deployed and requires replacement. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/FRONT SEAT BELT &
RETRACTOR - REMOVAL).
OPERATION
The seat belt tensioners are deployed in conjunc-
tion with the airbags by a signal generated by the
Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the driver and
passenger seat belt tensioner line 1 and line 2 (or
squib) circuits (Fig. 39). When the ACM sends the
proper electrical signal to the tensioners, the electri-
cal energy generates enough heat to initiate a small
pyrotechnic gas generator. The gas generator is
installed so that it directs its expelled gas at the
underside of the piston in the cylinder. The piston is
connected to a cable that is wound around a pulley
on one end of the retractor spool. As the gas expands,
it propels the piston through the tube, which pulls
the cable and rotates the retractor spool to take up
slack in the seat belt webbing.
Once a seat belt tensioning sequence has been
completed, the forward momentum of the occupantresults in deformation of the torsion bar. Removing
excess slack from the front seat belts not only keeps
the occupants properly positioned for an airbag
deployment following a frontal impact of the vehicle,
but also helps to reduce injuries that the occupant
might otherwise experience in a frontal impact event
as a result of harmful contact with the steering
wheel, steering column, instrument panel and/or
windshield. The torsion bar is designed to deform in
order to control the loads being applied to the occu-
pant by the seat belt during a frontal impact, further
reducing the potential for occupant injuries.
The ACM monitors the condition of the seat belt
tensioners through circuit resistance. The ACM will
illuminate the airbag indicator in the ElectroMe-
chanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) and store a
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault that is
detected. For proper diagnosis of the seat belt ten-
sioners, a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to
the appropriate diagnostic information.
SEAT BELT TURNING LOOP
ADJUSTER
REMOVAL
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on
vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supple-
mental restraint system before attempting any
steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt
tensioner, or instrument panel component diagno-
sis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery
negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for
the system capacitor to discharge before perform-
ing further diagnosis or service. This is the only
sure way to disable the supplemental restraint sys-
tem. Failure to take the proper precautions could
result in accidental airbag deployment.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, during
and following any seat belt service, carefully
inspect all seat belts, buckles, mounting hardware,
retractors, and anchors for proper installation, oper-
ation, 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.
Fig. 39 Seat Belt Tensioner Operation
1 - TUBE
2 - PISTON
3 - CABLE
4 - CYLINDER
VARESTRAINTS 8O - 33