RAM 2500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1998)
The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the airbag module. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can discharge the gas it
produces directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. 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. Upon airbag deployment, this cover will split at a predetermined breakout line.
Warning: The airbag module inflator assembly contains sodium azide and potassium nitrate. these materials are poisonous and extremely
flammable. Contact with acid, water, or heavy metals may produce harmful and irritating gases (sodium hydroxide is formed in the presence of
moisture) or combustible compounds. In addition, the passenger airbag module contains argon gas pressurized to over 2500 psi. Do not attempt
to dismantle an airbag module or tamper with its inflator. Do not puncture, incinerate, or bring into contact with electricity. Do not store at
temperature exceeding 93°c (2000 f).
Clockspring
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column behind the steering wheel. This assembly consists of a plastic housing which contains a flat,
ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation. The clockspring is used to maintain a continuous
electrical circuit between the instrument panel wire harness and the driver side airbag module, the horn switch, and the vehicle speed control switches on
vehicles that are so equipped. The clockspring must be properly centered when it is installed on the steering column following any service removal, or it
will be damaged. The clockspring cannot be repaired it must be replaced.
Passenger Airbag Module (PAB)
The airbag door in the instrument panel top cover above the glove box is the most visible part of the passenger side airbag system. Located under the
airbag door is the airbag cushion and it's supporting components. The airbag module includes a housing to which the cushion and inflator are attached
and sealed. The airbag module cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed or in any way damaged. The inflator assembly is mounted to the
back of the airbag module. The inflator includes a small canister of highly compressed argon gas. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it
can discharge the compressed gas it contains directly into the cushion when supplied with the proper electrical signal. The airbag door has a living hinge
at the top, which is secured to the instrument panel top cover. The door also has predetermined breakout lines concealed beneath its decorative cover.
Upon airbag deployment, the airbag door will split at the breakout lines and the door will pivot out of the way.
The airbag module is secured at the bottom to the steel structural base of the instrument panel above the glove box opening. The airbag door is serviced
as a unit with the passenger side airbag module, and includes the two passenger heating and air conditioning panel outlet housings. Following an airbag
deployment, the airbag module and the instrument panel assembly must be replaced.
Passenger Airbag Disarm Switch
A Passenger Airbag Disarm Switch (PADS) located on the instrument panel allows the passenger airbag module to be disarmed when certain child
restraint devices are being used in the right front seating position. The PADS is equipped with a key cylinder so that the switch position can only be
changed using an ignition key. When the ignition switch is in the On position and the passenger side airbag is disarmed, a Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
illuminates an "Off "indicator lamp on the faceplate of the switch.
To actuate the PADS switch, insert the ignition key in the switch key cylinder. The PADS key cylinder is then rotated with the ignition key to its
clockwise stop (the key cylinder slot will be aligned with the "Off,' Indicator lamp) to disarm the passenger side airbag. When the PADS key cylinder is
rotated with the ignition key to its counterclockwise stop (the key cylinder slot will be in a vertical position), the Off indicator lamp will be extinguished
and the passenger side airbag module will once again be armed.
Note: The key must always be removed from the passenger airbag disarm switch key cylinder after the switch has been used. Never leave a key in the
pads key cylinder.
The PADS cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the PAD switch must be replaced.
Warning: The airbag module inflator assembly contains sodium azide and potassium nitrate. these materials are poisonous and extremely
flammable. Contact with acid, water, or heavy metals may produce harmful and irritating gases (sodium hydroxide is formed in the presence of
moisture) or combustible compounds. In addition, the passenger airbag module contains argon gas pressurized to over 2500 psi. Do not attempt
to dismantle an airbag module or tamper with its inflator. Do not puncture, incinerate, or bring into contact with electricity. Do not store at
temperature exceeding 93°c (2000 f).
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Replace airbag system components only with parts specified in the Chrysler Mopar parts catalog. Substitute parts may appear interchangeable,
but internal differences may result in inferior occupant protection. The fasteners, screws, and bolts originally used for the airbag system
components have special coatings and are specifically designed for the airbag system. They must never be replaced with any substitutes. Any
time a new fastener is needed, replace it with the correct fasteners provided in the service package or specified in the Chrysler Mopar parts
catalog.
Passenger Airbag Disable Switch (PADS)
The passenger side airbag disable switch is located on the instrument panel. To de-activate the passenger side airbag, turn the key actuator switch from
the horizontal position to a slanted position (pointing to the "OFF" light indicator), approximately 45 degrees clockwise from the PADS "on" position.
