Dakota 4WD V6-3.9L VIN X (1997)
Air Bag: Service and Repair
Driver Side Airbag Module Replacement
WARNING:
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THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTROMECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE OR
SERVICE ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL
COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY
TO DISABLE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND
POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
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WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIRBAG MODULE, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT
SHOULD BE WORN. THERE MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG MODULE 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. If the airbag module has not been deployed, 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 side airbag module to the steering wheel.
3. Pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel far enough to unplug the airbag module and horn switch wire harness connectors from the
back of the airbag module.
4. Remove the airbag module from the steering wheel.
5. If the airbag has been deployed, see Service and Repair/Deployed.
6. When installing the airbag module, connect the clockspring wire harness connector to the module by pressing straight in on the connector. Be
certain that the connector is fully engaged by observing the latching clip arms on the top of the connector.
7. Install the two airbag module mounting screws and tighten to 10.2 N.m (90 in. lbs.).
8. Do not connect the battery negative cable at this time. See Testing and Inspection/Procedures.