QuestionQUESTION: I have a 99 Dodge Ram 2500 P/U with the airbag light on. I was told by dealer I needed a new airbag module ($400). I was thinking about buying a recycled OEM module and replacing myself. Where is the module located and how do I remove/install? Thanks!
ANSWER: Hi Jim:
As all of the major airbag components are called 'modules', I need to know which one they were referring to before i send you shopping.
Your choices are
Drivers side airbag module
Passenger side airbag module
Airbag control module
Let me know & I'll get you as much info as you need to accomplish this yourself
Doug
http://www.airbagsolutions.com
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/demo.aspx
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/scanlist.aspx
http://www.auto-investigations.com
http://www.airbaginvestigations.com
http://www.autoinformationservices.com
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QUESTION: The dealer said the main airbag control module....no mention about drivers side or passenger side. Thanks again for helping!
Answer
under the dash
OK, thanks Jim:
The Airbag Control Module (ACM) is located on the tunnel under the dash and held in place by multiple brackets. The replacement module comes with the brackets and Chrysler recommends replacing everything as one unit.
Here are the detailed removal instructions right from Chrysler and a sketch to show you what you are after.
For used parts...Try this site. You may be able to find what you need.
www.car-part.com
It's the website all the salvage yards use when they say "Hang on--let me see if my other yard has it". Actually it's an online database of all the salvage yards in America. You can search by part, location or price
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1.Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If either of the airbags has not been deployed, wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before further service.
2.If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, remove the center console from the floor panel transmission tunnel. Refer to Floor Console in Group 23 - Body for the procedures.
3.If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the two screws that secure the trim cover to the Airbag Control Module (ACM) mounting bracket on the floor panel transmission tunnel and remove the trim cover Airbag Control Module Trim Cover Remove/Install
4.Loosen the screw that secures each side of the instrument panel center support bracket to the ACM mounting bracket Airbag Control Module Remove/Install Do not remove these screws
5.Remove the two nuts that secure the instrument panel center support bracket to the studs on the lower instrument panel structural support.
6.Disengage the retainer on the instrument panel wire harness to the ACM from the mounting hole in the left side of the instrument panel center support bracket.
7.Pull the top of the instrument panel center support bracket rearward and down from the instrument panel studs. Fold it down over the top of the ACM until it is laying flat on the floor panel transmission tunnel.
8.Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector from the ACM. To disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector from the ACM:
a.Slide the red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock on the top of the connector toward the side of the vehicle.
b.Depress the connector latch tab and pull the connector straight away from the ACM connector receptacle
NOTE: Always remove and replace the airbag control module and its mounting bracket as a unit. Replacement modules include a replacement mounting bracket. Do not transfer the module to another mounting bracket.
c.Remove the four screws that secure the ACM mounting bracket to the floor panel transmission tunnel.
9.Remove the ACM, the mounting bracket and the instrument panel center support bracket from the floor panel transmission tunnel as a unit.
