Dakota R/T 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1999)
Central Timer Module ( CTM ) High Option: Description and Operation
Airbag System
AIRBAG SYSTEM
The airbag system is designed to provide increased driver and passenger protection if the vehicle is involved in a front end collision. The system is
most effective when used in conjunction with the seat belt system. The airbag control module (ACM) is an electronic module that monitors the
airbag system for proper operation, stores diagnostic trouble code (DTCs), controls the airbag warning lamp and contains the sensor and actuator
that is responsible for airbag deployment. There are no external impact sensors. The ACM is mounted on a special bracket that is fastened to the
floor of the truck at the bottom of the instrument panel. It is located forward of the console. The ACM provides diagnostic information (DTCs) to
the technician through the DRB III(R) via the CCD bus.Some circuits are tested continuously; others are checked only under certain
circumstances. The warning lamp is driven with messages relayed to the Mechanical Instrument Cluster (MIC) from the ACM via the CCD bus.
The AIRBAG warning lamp is the only point at which "symptoms" of a system malfunction can be observed by the customer. Whenever the
ignition key is turned to the "run" or "start" position,the airbag control module performs a lamp check by turning the AIRBAG warning lamp on
for 6 - 8 seconds. If the lamp remains off, it means that the ACM has checked the system and found it to be free of discernible malfunctions. If the
lamp remains on, there could be an active fault in the system or the circuit that operates the lamp may be shorted to ground. If the lamp comes on
and stays on for a period longer than 6-8 seconds, then goes off, there is usually an intermittent problem in the system.
Perform the WARNING LAMP CIRCUIT OPEN procedure (refer to Testing and Inspection in this section) to find the cause of any customer
complaint regarding the AIRBAG warning lamp, such as:
-
warning lamp does not illuminate
-
warning lamp stays illuminated
WARNING: THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE CONTAINS THE IMPACT SENSOR, WHICH ENABLES THE SYSTEM TO
DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. 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 AIRBAG SYSTEM.
FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
NEVER STRIKE OR KICK THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE IMPACT SENSOR OR AFFECT ITS
CALIBRATION. IF AN AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE IS ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED DURING SERVICE, THE MODULE MUST
BE SCRAPPED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW UNIT.
