Dakota R/T 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1999)
Air Bag Deactivation Switch: Service and Repair
WARNING: 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 AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG
DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to
discharge before further service.
2. Remove the lower bezel from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Bezel in the Replacement Instrument Panel Systems for the
procedures.
Passenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch Remove/Install
3. Remove the three screws that secure the passenger side airbag on/off switch to the back of the instrument panel lower bezel.
4. Remove the passenger side airbag on/off switch from the instrument panel lower bezel.
INSTALLATION
1. Position the passenger side airbag on/off switch to the back of the instrument panel lower bezel.
2. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the passenger side airbag on/off switch to the instrument panel lower bezel. Tighten the screws to
2.2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
3. Install the lower bezel onto the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Lower Bezel in the Replacement of Instrument Panel Systems for the
procedures.
4. Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. Refer to Airbag System in the Diagnosis and Testing for the proper procedures.
