Diagnosis And Testing - Airbag System; Standard Procedure - Handling Non-Deployed Airbags; Standard Procedure - Service After An Airbag Deployment; Airbag Storage - Dodge 2001 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual

8O - 4 RESTRAINTS
RESTRAINTS (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIRBAG SYSTEM

Proper diagnosis and testing of the airbag system
components, the PCI data bus, the data bus message
inputs to and outputs from the ElectroMechanical
Instrument Cluster (EMIC) or the Airbag Control
Module (ACM), as well as the retrieval or erasure of
a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) from the ACM
requires the use of a DRBIII scan tool. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - HANDLING
NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAGS
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of a non-de-
ployed airbag. When carrying a non-deployed airbag,
the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit
should be pointed away from the body to minimize
injury in the event of an accidental deployment. If
the airbag unit is placed on a bench or any other sur-
face, the trim cover or airbag cushion side of the unit
should be face up to minimize movement in the event
of an accidental deployment. In addition, the airbag
system should be disarmed whenever any steering
wheel, steering column, or instrument panel compo-
nents require diagnosis or service. Failure to observe
this warning could result in accidental airbag deploy-
ment and possible personal injury.
All damaged or faulty and non-deployed driver or
passenger airbags which are replaced on vehicles are
to be returned. If an airbag unit is faulty or damaged
and non-deployed, refer to the parts return list in the
current DaimlerChrysler Corporation Warranty Poli-
cies and Procedures manual for the proper handling
and disposal procedures.

AIRBAG STORAGE

An airbag must be stored in its original, special
container until it is used for service. Also, it must be
stored in a clean, dry environment; away from
sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electrical
energy. Always place or store any airbag on a surface
with its trim cover or airbag cushion side facing up,
to minimize movement in case of an accidental
deployment.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE AFTER AN
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use follow-
ing an airbag deployment, must have both airbags,
the driver airbag trim cover, the clockspring, and the
steering column assembly replaced. These compo-
nents are not intended for reuse and will be damaged
or weakened as a result of an airbag deployment,
which may or may not be obvious during a visual
inspection. Other vehicle components should be
closely inspected, but are to be replaced only as
required by the extent of the visible damage
incurred.
CLEANUP PROCEDURE
Following an airbag deployment, the vehicle inte-
rior will contain a powdery residue. This residue con-
sists primarily of harmless particulate by-products of
the small pyrotechnic charge used to initiate the pro-
pellant used to deploy the airbags. However, this res-
idue may also contain traces of sodium hydroxide
powder, a chemical by-product of the propellant
material that is used to generate the nitrogen gas
that inflates the airbag. Since sodium hydroxide pow-
der can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat, be
sure to wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and a
long-sleeved shirt during cleanup (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 Wear Safety Glasses and Rubber Gloves -
BR/BE
Typical