Dodge Ram Truck 1500-2500-3500. Manual — part 556

NOTE: The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used only on models with an automatic transmission.
Models with a manual transmission require that the floor console be removed to access the ACM for ser-
vice. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL).

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to dis-
charge before further service.

2. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-

bladed tool, gently pry each side of the ACM cover
(2) away from the instrument panel at each side of
the center bracket on the floor panel transmission
tunnel far enough to disengage the two snap clip
retainers from the instrument panel receptacles (1).

3. Remove the ACM cover from the instrument panel.

INSTALLATION

MODULE

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental
restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact
sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
(ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diag-
nosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the supplemental restraint system. Failure to take the
proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, never strike or drop the airbag control module, as it can dam-
age the impact sensor or affect its calibration. The airbag control module contains the impact sensor, which
enables the system to deploy the supplemental restraints. If an airbag control module is accidentally
dropped during service, the module must be scrapped and replaced with a new unit. Failure to observe this
warning could result in accidental, incomplete, or improper supplemental restraint deployment.

1. Position the Airbag Control Module (ACM) (1) to

the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel
near the ACM bracket (5). When the ACM is cor-
rectly positioned, the arrow on the ACM label will
be pointed forward in the vehicle.

2. From the left side of the floor panel transmission

tunnel, slide the ACM toward the right far enough
to engage the slotted hole in the right ACM mount-
ing flange under the head of the previously loos-
ened right mounting screw (2), then engage the
locating pin on the bottom of the left ACM mounting
flange into the locating hole in the bracket.

3. Still working from the left side of the floor panel

transmission tunnel, install and tighten the two
screws that secure the left ACM mounting flanges
to the bracket that is welded onto the floor panel
transmission tunnel. Tighten the screws to 12 N·m (9 ft. lbs.).

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4. From the left side of the floor panel transmission tunnel, reach behind the module to access and tighten the

screw that secures the right side of the ACM to the bracket on the floor panel transmission tunnel. Tighten the
screw to 12 N·m (9 ft. lbs.).

5. Reach through the rearward facing opening below the instrument panel center stack support bracket on the top

of the floor panel transmission tunnel to access and reconnect the two wire harness connectors (3 & 4) for the
ACM to the ACM connector receptacle located on the rearward facing side of the module. Be certain that the
latches on the connectors are each fully engaged.

6. On models with an automatic transmission, reinstall the ACM cover onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 8 -

ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/ACM COVER - INSTALLATION).

7. On models with a manual transmission, reinstall the floor console onto the top of the floor panel transmission

tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).

8. Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at this time. The supplemental restraint system verification test pro-

cedure should be performed following service of any supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PROCEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).

COVER

WARNING: To avoid personal injury or death, on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the supplemental
restraint system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, airbag, seat belt tensioner, impact
sensor, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
(ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before performing further diag-
nosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the supplemental restraint system. Failure to take the
proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment.

NOTE: The Airbag Control Module (ACM) cover is used only on models with an automatic transmission.
Models with a manual transmission require that the floor console be reinstalled following ACM service.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).

1. Position the ACM cover (2) to the instrument panel.

2. Align the snap clip retainer on each side of the

ACM cover with the instrument panel receptacle (1)
at each side of the center bracket on the floor
panel transmission tunnel.

3. Using hand pressure, press firmly and evenly on

the outside of the ACM cover over each snap clip
retainer location until each retainer is fully engaged
in its instrument panel receptacle.

4. Reconnect the battery negative cable.

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CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR

DESCRIPTION

This model is equipped with a Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren, or LATCH child restraint anchorage system.
The LATCH system provides for the installation of suitable child restraints in certain seating positions without using
the standard equipment seat belt provided for that seating position. Standard cab models are equipped with a fixed-
position child restraint upper tether anchor for the front center and outboard seating positions (2), and child restraint
lower anchors for the front outboard seating position (1).

Quad cab models are equipped with a fixed-position child restraint upper tether anchor strap for the rear center and
both rear outboard seating positions (2), and child restraint lower anchors for both rear outboard seating positions
(1). All front seat child restraint anchors are deleted on quad cab models.

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The two upper tether anchors (3) for standard cab
models are integral to the upper cab back panel rein-
forcement and are concealed behind individual trim
cover and bezel units (1) that are integral to the cab
back trim panel (2). These upper tether anchors can-
not be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged,
they must be replaced as a unit with the upper cab
back panel reinforcement. The upper tether anchor
trim covers and bezels are serviced as a unit with the
cab back trim panel.

The three upper tether anchor straps (1) for quad cab
models are secured to the upper cab back panel (2)
reinforcement with screws (3). These anchor straps
are concealed behind the upright rear seat back. The
upper tether anchor straps are available for individual
service replacement.

The lower anchors (2) for all models are integral to
their respective front or rear seat cushion frame.
Round markers (3) with an imprinted child seat icon
on the standard cab front seat back trim cover helps
identify the anchor locations for that application
because they may be otherwise difficult to see with
the seat back in the upright position. These lower
anchors are each constructed from round steel bar
stock that is formed into a U-shape, then securely
welded at each end to the seat cushion frame. They
are each accessed from the front of their respective
seats, at each side where the seat back meets the
seat cushion. These lower anchors cannot be adjusted
or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced as a unit with the seat cushion frame.

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