RAM 1500 Truck 2WD V6-3.7L VIN K (2003)
Air Bag: Description and Operation
Driver Airbag
Fig. 16 Driver Airbag Trim Cover
DRIVER AIRBAG
The airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver side airbag system. The protective trim cover is fitted to the front of the
airbag module and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The module is mounted directly to the steering wheel. Located
under the trim cover are the horn switch, the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing
to which the cushion and hybrid inflator are attached and sealed. The airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any
way damaged.
The color-keyed, injection molded, thermoplastic driver airbag protective trim cover is the most visible part of the driver airbag. The driver airbag
is located in the center of the steering wheel, where it is secured with two screws to the armature of the four-spoke steering wheel. All models have
a Dodge Ram logo embossed in the center of the trim cover. Concealed beneath the driver airbag trim cover are the horn switch, the folded airbag
cushion, the airbag cushion retainer, the airbag housing, the airbag inflator, and the retainers that secure the inflator to the airbag housing. The
airbag cushion, housing, and inflator unit is secured within an integral receptacle on the back of the trim cover by metal tabs engaged in slotted
locking blocks at the top and bottom, by a metal hook through a window at each side, and by three aluminum blind rivets.
Fig. 17 Driver Airbag Housing
The resistive membrane-type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to the inside surface of the driver airbag trim cover, between the trim cover
and the folded airbag cushion. The horn switch ground pigtail wire has an eyelet terminal connector that is captured beneath a nut and washer on
