RAM 3500 HD Truck 4WD L6-6.7L DSL Turbo (2008)
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision: Service and Repair
SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use following a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) component deployment, must have the deployed restraints
replaced. In addition, if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. If the passenger airbag is deployed, the passenger airbag
door must be replaced. The seat belt tensioners are deployed by the same signal that deploys the driver and passenger airbags and must also be replaced
if either front airbag has been deployed. If a side curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete airbag unit, the headliner, as well as the upper A, B, and
C-pillar trim must be replaced. These components are not intended for reuse and will be damaged or weakened as a result of a SRS component
deployment, which may or may not be obvious during a visual inspection.
On vehicles with an optional sunroof, the sunroof drain tubes and hoses must be closely inspected following a side curtain airbag deployment. It is also
critical that the mounting surfaces and mounting brackets for the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), side impact sensors, and front impact sensors be
closely inspected and restored to their original conditions following any vehicle impact damage. Because the ORC and each impact sensor are used by
the SRS to monitor or confirm the direction and severity of a vehicle impact, improper orientation or insecure fastening of these components may cause
airbags not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not required.
Never attempt to repair the electrically conductive circuits or wiring components related to the SRS. Such repairs can compromise the conductivity and
current carrying capacity of those critical electrical circuits, which may cause SRS components not to deploy when required, or to deploy when not
required. Any wire harness containing broken, cut, burned or otherwise damaged electrically conductive SRS wiring, terminals or connector components
must be removed and replaced with an entire new wire harness. Only minor cuts or abrasions of wire and terminal insulation where the conductive
material has not been damaged, or connector insulators where the integrity of the latching and locking mechanisms have not been compromised may be
repaired using appropriate methods.
All other vehicle components should be closely inspected following any SRS component deployment, but are to be replaced only as required by the
extent of the visible damage incurred.
AIRBAG SQUIB STATUS
Multistage airbags with multiple initiators (squibs) must be checked to determine that all squibs were used during the deployment event. The driver and
passenger airbags in this vehicle are deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) through the driver or passenger
squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators in the airbag inflators. Typically, both initiators are used and all potentially hazardous chemicals are
burned during an airbag deployment event. However, it is possible for only one initiator to be used due to an airbag system fault; therefore, it is always
necessary to confirm that both initiators have been used in order to avoid the improper handling or disposal of potentially live pyrotechnic or hazardous
materials. The following procedure should be performed using a diagnostic scan tool to verify the status of both airbag squibs before either deployed
airbag is removed from the vehicle for disposal.
CAUTION: Deployed front airbags having two initiators (squibs) in the airbag inflator may or may not have live pyrotechnic material within
the inflator. Do not dispose of these airbags unless you are certain of complete deployment. Refer to the Hazardous Substance Control System
for information regarding the potentially hazardous properties of the subject component and the proper safe handling procedures. Then
dispose of all non-deployed and deployed airbags and seat belt tensioners in a manner consistent with state, provincial, local and federal
regulations.
1. Be certain that the diagnostic scan tool contains the latest version of the proper diagnostic software. Connect the scan tool to the 16-way Data Link
Connector (DLC). The DLC is located on the driver side lower edge of the instrument panel, outboard of the steering column.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Using the scan tool, read and record the active (current) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) data.
Using the active DTC information, refer to the Airbag Squib Status table to determine the status of both driver and passenger airbag squibs.
