RAM 2500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2000)
Air Bag: Service and Repair
Driver Airbag
The following procedure is for replacement of a faulty or damaged driver side airbag module. If the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring
must also be replaced.
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.
-
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.
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.
Driver Side Airbag Module Remove/Install
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 access the two wire harness connectors on the back of the airbag module.
4. Disconnect the horn tower wire harness connector from the horn switch feed wire connector, which is located on the back of the airbag module.
5. The clockspring airbag wire harness connector is a tight snap-fit into the airbag module connector receptacle, which is located on the airbag
inflator on the back of the airbag module. Firmly grasp and pull or gently pry on the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to disconnect it
from the airbag module. Do not pull on the clockspring wire harness to disengage the connector from the airbag module connector receptacle.
6. Remove the driver side airbag module from the steering wheel.
7. If the driver side airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced and the steering column must be inspected.
INSTALLATION
WARNING:
-
USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE,
OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED BETWEEN THE AIRBAG CUSHION AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG TRIM COVER. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
-
THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULE TRIM COVER MUST NEVER BE PAINTED. REPLACEMENT TRIM COVERS ARE
SERVICED IN THE ORIGINAL COLORS. PAINT MAY CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM
COVER RESPONDS TO AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
1. When installing the driver side airbag module, reconnect the clockspring airbag wire harness connector to the airbag module connector receptacle
