RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Fig. 34 Passenger Airbag Unit
Located behind the passenger airbag door within the instrument panel is the passenger airbag unit. The passenger airbag housing fits into a molded
receptacle on the back of the airbag door, where six stamped hook formations on the upper and lower edges of the airbag housing are engaged in
six small window openings on the upper and lower flanges of the receptacle to secure the airbag door to the airbag housing. The inboard airbag
door fasteners and mounting flange are concealed beneath the instrument panel center bezel, while the lower fasteners and mounting flange are
concealed beneath the instrument panel lower surround. The passenger airbag unit is secured by four screws through four brackets (two front and
two rear) that are integral to the base of the airbag housing to the instrument panel structural support.
The passenger airbag unit used in this model is a Next Generation-type that complies with revised federal airbag standards to deploy with less
force than those used in some prior models. The passenger airbag unit consists of a stamped and welded metal housing, the airbag cushion, the
airbag inflator, and a stamped metal airbag and inflator retainer plate that is secured to the airbag housing with six studs and nuts. The airbag
housing contains the airbag inflator and the folded airbag cushion. An approximately 80 centimeter (31.5 inch) wide by 90 centimeter (35.5
inch) high rectangular fabric cushion is used. The airbag inflator is a non-azide, pyrotechnic- type unit that is secured to and sealed within the
airbag housing. The inflator initiator is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument
panel wire harness.
The passenger airbag includes the airbag door and the two panel outlet housings. This unit cannot be repaired, and must be replaced if deployed,
faulty or in any way damaged.
The passenger airbag is deployed by an electrical signal generated by the Airbag Control Module (ACM) through the passenger airbag squib
circuits to the initiator in the airbag inflator. The hybrid-type inflator assembly includes a small canister of highly compressed inert gas.
When the ACM sends the proper electrical signal to the airbag inflator, the initiator converts the electrical energy into chemical energy. This
chemical energy opens up a burst disk to allow the inert gas to flow into the airbag cushion. The inflator is sealed to the airbag cushion so that all
of the released inert gas is directed into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates, the passenger airbag door will
split at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the inside surface of the door, then the door will pivot up over the top of the instrument panel
and out of the way Following a passenger airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through vent holes within
the fabric used to construct the back (instrument panel side) of the airbag cushion.
