Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 243

airbag unit cannot be repaired and must be replaced if deployed, ineffective, or in any way damaged.

OPERATION

PASSENGER AIRBAG

The multistage passenger airbag is deployed by electrical signals generated by the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) through the passenger airbag squib 1 and squib 2 circuits to the two initiators of the hybrid
airbag inflator. By using two initiators, the airbag can be deployed at multiple levels of force. The force level is
controlled by the ORC to suit the monitored impact conditions by providing one of several delay intervals
between the electrical signals provided to the two initiators. The longer the delay between these signals, the less
forcefully the airbag will deploy.

When the ORC sends the proper electrical signals to each initiator, the electrical energy generates enough heat
to initiate a small pyrotechnic charge which produces the pressure necessary to rupture a containment disk in an
inert gas canister. The inflator and inert gas canister are sealed to the airbag cushion and a diffuser in the
inflator directs all of the inert gas into the airbag cushion, causing the cushion to inflate. As the cushion inflates,
the passenger airbag door will split horizontally at predetermined tear seam lines concealed on the inside
surface of the door. The upper half of the door pivots up and the lower half pivots down and out of the way.
Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting the inert gas through a vent
hole in each fabric side panel of the airbag cushion.

Typically, both initiators are used during an airbag deployment event. However, it is possible for only one
initiator to be used during a deployment due to an airbag system fault; therefore, it is necessary to always
confirm that both initiators have been used in order to avoid the improper disposal of potentially live
pyrotechnic materials. See SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT DEPLOYMENT.

Proper diagnosis of the passenger airbag inflator and the passenger airbag squib circuits requires the use of a
diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.

REMOVAL

PASSENGER AIRBAG

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable
the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering
wheel, steering column, airbag, Occupant Classification System (OCS),
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 diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to
disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in
accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury when removing a deployed airbag, rubber
gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt should be worn. There
may be deposits on the airbag unit and other interior surfaces. In large

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 54: Identifying Windshield, Instrument Panel, Screw Guide & Screws
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge

before further service.

2. Remove the top cover from the instrument panel. Refer to REMOVAL .

3. Remove the two screws (4) from the screw guide (3) on the top of the instrument panel (2) near the

windshield (1) that secure the instrument panel bracket for the passenger airbag to the dash panel.

4. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, pry the screw guide away from the top of the

instrument panel far enough to disengage the two integral latch features that secure it and remove the
screw guide to allow access to the trim screw that secures the passenger airbag instrument panel bracket
to the instrument panel structural duct.

5. Work through the rectangular hole in the top of the instrument panel beneath the removed screw guide to

access and remove the one screw that secures the center tab of the passenger airbag instrument panel
bracket to the structural duct.

doses, these deposits may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

NOTE:

The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged
passenger airbag. If the airbag is ineffective or damaged, but not deployed,
review the recommended procedures for handling non-deployed supplemental
restraints. See HANDLING NON-DEPLOYED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINTS. If
the passenger airbag has been deployed, review the recommended procedures
for service after a supplemental restraint deployment before removing the
airbag from the vehicle.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 55: Identifying Glove Box Latch Striker, Upper Glove Box Opening & Nuts
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

6. Remove the glove box from the instrument panel. Refer to REMOVAL .

7. Reach up into the instrument panel above the upper glove box opening (2) to access and remove the two

nuts (3) that secure the passenger airbag lower studs to the instrument panel base trim on each side of the
glove box latch striker (1).

8. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide flat-bladed tool, gently pry the lower edge of the passenger

airbag door rearward away from the upper glove box opening reinforcement far enough to disengage the
snap features on the door from the receptacles in the instrument panel base trim.

9. Grasp the lower edge of the passenger airbag door and gently pull the door and airbag rearward far

enough to disengage the upper snap features from the receptacles in the instrument panel base trim and to
access the two instrument panel wire harness connections to the airbag inflators at each side of the airbag
housing.

10. The instrument panel passenger airbag wire harness connectors are secured by integral latches to the

airbag inflator connector receptacles, which are located on the sides of the passenger airbag housing.
Depress the latches on each side of each connector insulator and pull the insulators straight out from the
airbag inflator to disconnect them from the connector receptacles.

11. Remove the passenger airbag, airbag door and instrument panel bracket from the instrument panel as a

unit.

DISASSEMBLY

PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR

CAUTION: Do not pull on the instrument panel wire harness take outs or pry on

the connector insulators to disengage the connectors from the
passenger airbag inflator connector receptacles. Improper removal of
these take outs and their connector insulators can result in damage
to the airbag circuits or connector insulators.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable
the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering
wheel, steering column, airbag, Occupant Classification System (OCS),
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 diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to
disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in
accidental airbag deployment.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury, service of this unit should be performed
only by DaimlerChrysler-trained and authorized dealer service
technicians. Failure to take the proper precautions or to follow the proper
procedures could result in accidental, incomplete, or improper airbag
deployment and possible occupant injuries.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury, use extreme care to prevent any foreign
material from entering the passenger airbag, or becoming entrapped
between the passenger airbag cushion and the passenger airbag door.
Failure to observe this warning could result in occupant injuries upon
airbag deployment.

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury, the passenger airbag door must never be
painted. Replacement airbag doors are serviced in the original colors.
Paint may change the way in which the material of the airbag door
responds to an airbag deployment. Failure to observe this warning could
result in occupant injuries upon airbag deployment.

NOTE:

The following procedures can be used to replace the passenger airbag door. If
the passenger airbag is deployed, the passenger airbag unit and the airbag
door must both be replaced.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro