OK, so nowhere in the FSM does it say the airbag module on the transmission tunnel must be replaced after a deployment. The FSM just says to replace clockspring and column. I just called my contact at Huffines Plano, he says the column should be fine as long as the steering shaft was not collapsed, it's the tech's discretion to swap it, but the module is usually an automatic replace. The clockspring "usually" gets zapped by the high voltage of the air bag circuit and may have burn marks.

I have both airbags bolted in but not electrically connected. I've not yet replaced the clockspring.

So must the module be changed or no?

 

Good question Magnet. I don't know the answer and it is not in the FSM. The only thing I see mentioned is if it the module itself is struck or kicked to replace it.

The airbag module does monitor itself and it is a computer. The concern would be the "safing switch" as it is electromechanical.

Dare I say try it and see what happens?

 

OK, so here's where I am at.

IF the clockspring is bad, the AB just won't be connected, right?

IF I turn the passenger bag off and plug the bag in, it's "technically" internall disabled in the ACM

IF the ACM is good, the airbag light should turn off?

IF either the spring OR the ACM is bad, the light should stay on?

Or, in other words, if I plug everything in, what is the risk of the bags detonating?

 

Dodge service departments, insurance companies and probably STAR or whoever builds and supplies the ACM are likely the ones saying the ACM must be replaced. Not because the truck requires it to be replaced for a "complete" repair, but to avoid lawsuits and liability if the truck is in another wreck. I believe I read in the FSM that the detonation charge is part of the air bag itself, not the ACM. If it were mine I would not replace the ACM unless the air bag light stays on after you have replaced all the other parts.

Jimmy

 

that's where I'm at- leaving the ACM and clockspring in place and seeing if the light goes off. I just dont want a surprise detonation when i hook the battery back up....

 

Good questions I don't have any answers for ya but I have a question.


If I turn off the passenger air bag the light on the switch turns on so I'm stuck leaving it on as that light is bright and annoying.


My question is can I just disconnect the airbag and the light will stay off?


Is that annoying light supposed to be on if the switch is set to off?


Or do I just pull the annoying bulb then I can switch the bag off?

 

I agree with Jimmy on this, it's probably a liability thing.

98, if you unplug the airbag you'll have the airbag warning light illuminated.

 

So switching the passenger airbag off will turn that light on?

 

98, I'd say turn it off and put black duct tape over it ^_^

 

Strange thing is before I had it switched off and that light was not on then I had my truck at the dealership after that I noticed they had switched it back on and when I switched it off now I have the bright annoying light.


So why was it not light before?