3.1.2
CLOCKSPRING
The clockspring is mounted on the steering col-
umn 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 elec-
trical 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 re-
paired, it must be replaced.
3.1.3
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 canis-
ter of highly compressed argon gas. The inflator
seals the hole in the airbag cushion so it can dis-
charge 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 break-
out lines and the door will pivot out of the way.
WARNING:
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 (200°F). 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.
FAILURE
TO
TAKE
THE
PROPER
PRECAUTIONS
COULD
RESULT
IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
3.1.4
IMPACT SENSORS
The impact sensors are electronic accelerometers
that sense the rate of vehicle deceleration and when
combined with the ACM Accelerometer provides ver-
ification of the direction and severity of a side impact.
Each sensor also contains an electronic communica-
tion chip that allows the unit to communicate the
sensor status as well as sensor fault information to
the microprocessor in the Airbag Control Module.
The ACM microprocessor continuously monitors all of
the passive restraint system electrical circuits to
determine the system readiness. If the ACM detects a
system fault, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code and
controls the airbag warning indicator operation ac-
cordingly. The impact sensors receive battery current
and ground through dedicated driver and passenger
sensor signal and ground circuits from the ACM. The
impact sensors and the ACM communicate by modu-
lating the current in the sensor signal circuit. If the
sensor is dropped it must be replaced. Disconnect the
battery or remove both airbag fuses before servicing
impact sensors.
CAUTION: Do not remove or install the
impact sensors while the sensor is attached
to the vehicle wiring.
3.1.5
SEAT AIRBAGS
The Left and Right seat airbags are located in the
outboard end of the front seat backs. The airbag
module contains a bag, an inflator (a small canister
of highly compressed argon gas) and a mounting
bracket. The seat airbag module cannot be repaired
and must be replaced if deployed or in any way
damaged. When supplied with the proper electrical
signal the inflator seals the hole in the airbag
cushion so it can discharge the compressed gas it
contains directly into the cushion. Upon deploy-
ment, the seat back trim cover will tear open and
allow the seat airbag to fully deploy between the
seat and the door.
3
GENERAL INFORMATION