1. ZJ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 1
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
page page
AIRBAG SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SERVICE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AIRBAG SYSTEM
WARNING: THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COM- WARNING: REPLACE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPO-
PLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE AT- NENTS WITH PARTS SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER
TEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL MOPAR PARTS CATALOG ONLY. SUBSTITUTE
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OR RELATED STEERING PARTS MAY APPEAR INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT IN-
WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS TERNAL DIFFERENCES MAY RESULT IN INFERIOR
YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION. THE FASTENERS,
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN SCREWS, AND BOLTS ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE
WAIT 2 MINUTES FOR SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO AIRBAG COMPONENTS HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS
DISCHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIR-
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDEN- BAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED
TAL DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL IN- WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FAS-
JURY.
TENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT
FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE
WARNING: THE AIRBAG MODULE INFLATOR AS- OR SPECIFIED IN THE CHRYSLER MOPAR PARTS
SEMBLY CONTAINS SODIUM AZIDE AND POTAS- CATALOG.
SIUM NITRATE. THESE MATERIALS ARE
POISONOUS AND EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CON-
TACT WITH ACID, WATER OR HEAVY METALS MAY WARNING: WHEN A STEERING COLUMN HAS AN
PRODUCE HARMFUL AND IRRITATING GASES (SO- AIRBAG MODULE ATTACHED, NEVER PLACE THE
DIUM HYDROXIDE IS FORMED IN THE PRESENCE COLUMN ON THE FLOOR OR OTHER SURFACE
OF MOISTURE) OR COMBUSTIBLE COMPOUNDS. WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR AIRBAG MODULE
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE THE MODULE FACE DOWN.
OR TAMPER WITH ITS INFLATOR. DO NOT PUNC-
TURE, INCINERATE OR BRING INTO CONTACT
WITH ELECTRICITY. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERA-
TURES EXCEEDING 200°F.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The airbag system is a standard equipment safety Following are general descriptions of the major
device on Grand Cherokee models. It is designed to components in the airbag system. Refer to Group 8W
protect the driver from serious injury, caused by a - Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions
frontal impact of the vehicle. To inspect this system and diagrams.
use Airbag System - Body Diagnostic Procedures
manual. If the airbag module assembly is defective AIRBAG MODULE
and non-deployed, refer to Chrysler Corporation cur- The airbag module protective cover is the most vis-
rent return list for proper handling procedures. ible part of the system. The module is mounted di-
rectly to the steering wheel. Under the airbag

2. 8M - 2 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ZJ
module cover, the airbag cushion and its supporting The impact sensors are threshold sensitive
components are contained. The airbag module con- switches that complete an electrical circuit when an
tains a housing to which the cushion and inflator are impact provides a sufficient deceleration force to
attached and sealed. The airbag module is non-ser- close the switch. The sensors are calibrated for the
viceable, and must be replaced if deployed or dam- specific vehicle, and react to the severity and direc-
aged in any way. tion of the impact.
The inflator assembly is mounted to the back of the
module. The inflator seals the hole in the airbag CLOCKSPRING
cushion so it can discharge the gas it produces di- The clockspring is mounted on the steering column
rectly into the cushion when supplied with the behind the steering wheel. It is used to maintain a
proper electrical signal. The protective cover is fitted continuous electrical circuit between the wiring har-
to the front of the airbag module and forms a deco- ness and the driver’s side airbag module. This assem-
rative cover in the center of the steering wheel. Upon
bly consists of a flat, ribbon-like electrically
airbag deployment, this cover will split horizontally.
conductive tape which winds and unwinds with the
STORAGE steering wheel rotation.
The airbag module must be stored in its original,
special container until used for service. Also, it must AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
be stored in a clean, dry environment; away from The airbag control module (ACM) contains the saf-
sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electrical ing sensor, and monitors the system to determine its
energy. Always place or store the module on a surface readiness. The ACM contains on-board diagnostics
with the trim cover facing up to minimize movement (OBD), and will light the airbag warning lamp in the
in case of accidental deployment. instrument cluster when a monitored airbag system
fault occurs.
IMPACT SENSOR The ACM also contains an energy storage capacitor.
The impact sensors provide verification of the di- This capacitor stores enough electrical energy to de-
rection and severity of the impact. Three impact sen- ploy the airbag for up to 2 minutes following a bat-
sors are used. One is called a safing sensor. It is tery disconnect or failure. The purpose of this unit is
located inside the airbag control module (ACM), to provide airbag protection in a severe secondary
which is mounted under the center floor console. The impact if the initial impact has damaged or discon-
other two sensors are mounted on the radiator clo- nected the battery, but was not severe enough to de-
sure panel on the left and right side of the vehicle. ploy the airbag.

3. ZJ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 3
DIAGNOSIS
A DRB scan tool is required for diagnosis of the air- (6) Read and record any stored DTC.
bag system. Refer to Airbag System - Body Diagnos- (7) Refer to the Airbag System - Body Diagnostic
tic Procedures manual for more information. Procedures manual, if any DTC is found in steps 5 or
6.
AIRBAG SYSTEM CHECK (8) Erase stored DTC, if there are no active fault
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate. codes. If problems remain, DTC will not erase.
(2) Connect DRB scan tool to ACM diagnostic (9) With the ignition switch in the ON position,
6-way connector. The connector is located under the make sure nobody is in the vehicle.
right front seat at the forward left corner of the seat (10) From right side of vehicle, turn the ignition
riser, under the floor carpet. switch to OFF then ON. Observe airbag warning
(3) From right side of vehicle (away from airbag in lamp on the instrument cluster. It should light for 6
case of accidental deployment), turn the ignition to 8 seconds, then go out; indicating system is func-
switch to the ON position. Exit vehicle with DRB. tioning normally.
Use the latest version of the proper DRB cartridge. If the airbag warning lamp fails to light, or
(4) After checking that nobody is inside the vehi- lights and stays on, there is a system malfunc-
cle, reconnect the negative battery terminal. tion. Refer to the Airbag System - Body Diag-
(5) Using the DRB, read and record active diagnos- nostic Procedures manual to diagnose the
tic trouble code (DTC) data. problem.

4. 8M - 4 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ZJ
SERVICE PROCEDURES
AIRBAG SYSTEM SERVICE (DEPLOYED) If you experience skin irritation during
Any vehicle which is to be returned to use after an cleanup, run cool water over the affected area.
airbag deployment, must have the airbag module and Also, if you experience irritation of the nose or
clockspring replaced. These are one-time components throat, exit the vehicle for fresh air until the ir-
and cannot be reused. Other airbag system compo- ritation ceases. If irritation continues, see a
nents are replaced as required by the extent of dam- physician.
age.
In addition, the airbag module should be disarmed CLEANUP PROCEDURE
whenever the steering wheel or steering column re- Begin cleanup by putting tape over the airbag ex-
quires service or removal. Failure to observe this haust vent (Fig. 2) so that no more powder will find
warning could result in accidental airbag deployment its way into the vehicle interior. Then remove the air-
and possible personal injury. Refer to Group 19 - bag and airbag module from the vehicle.
Steering for additional service procedures on steering
wheel and steering column.
AIRBAG MODULE HANDLING
UNDEPLOYED
At no time should any source of electricity be per-
mitted near the inflator on the back of the module.
When carrying an undeployed module, the trim cover
should be pointed away from the body to minimize
injury in the event of accidental deployment. If the
module is placed on a bench or other surface, the
plastic trim cover should be face up to minimize
movement in case of accidental deployment.
DEPLOYED
Following an airbag deployment, the vehicle inte-
rior will contain a powdery residue. This residue is Fig. 2 Airbag Exhaust Vent Sealing
primarily sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), used as
an airbag cushion lubricant. However, there will also Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any residual pow-
be traces of sodium hydroxide powder, a chemical der from the vehicle interior. Clean from outside the
byproduct of the generant used for airbag deploy- vehicle and work your way inside, so that you avoid
ment. Since this powder can irritate the skin, eyes, kneeling or sitting on an uncleaned area.
nose or throat, be sure to wear safety glasses, rubber Be sure to vacuum the heater and A/C outlets as
gloves and a long-sleeved shirt during cleanup (Fig. well (Fig. 3). Run the blower on low and vacuum any
1). powder expelled from the plenum. You may need to
vacuum the interior of the car a second time to re-
cover all of the powder.
Place the deployed airbag and module in your ve-
hicular scrap pile.
AIRBAG MODULE REMOVE/INSTALL
WARNING: THIS SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COM-
PLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE AT-
TEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST
FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT 2 MIN-
UTES FOR SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE
BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE. FAILURE TO
DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOY-
Fig. 1 Wear Safety Glasses And Rubber Gloves MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

5. ZJ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 5
the connector. The connector should latch securely
beneath the module connector locking clip to assure
positive connection.
(7) Install 4 nuts and torque to 9-11 N⅐m (80-100
in. lbs.).
(8) Do not connect negative battery cable at this
time. Refer to Airbag System Check for proper proce-
dure.
IMPACT SENSOR REMOVE/INSTALL
The impact sensors are located on the wheel-
house extensions behind the grille opening re-
inforcement.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
If airbag module is undeployed, wait 2 minutes for
system capacitor to discharge before further service.
Fig. 3 Vacuum Heater and A/C Outlets (2) Remove the 3 screws and the grille (Fig. 5)
When removing a deployed airbag module, from the grille opening reinforcement.
rubber gloves, eye protection and long-sleeved
shirt should be worn. There may be deposits on
the airbag module and other interior surfaces,
which can cause irritation to the skin and eyes
in large doses.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
If airbag module is undeployed, wait 2 minutes for
system capacitor to discharge before further service.
(2) Remove 4 nuts attaching airbag module from
back side of steering wheel (Fig. 4).
Fig. 5 Grille Remove/Install
(3) Remove turn signal, side marker and head
lamps. Refer to Group 8L - Lamps for procedures.
(4) Remove 6 retainers at front fascia (Fig. 6).
Fig. 4 Airbag Module
(3) Lift module, and unplug electrical connector by
spreading apart the external latching arms and pry-
ing upward on the connector.
(4) Remove module.
(5) If replacing a deployed module, the clockspring
must also be replaced. Refer to Airbag Clockspring
Service for proper procedure.
(6) When installing, connect clockspring wiring
connector to the module by pressing straight in on
Fig. 6 Lower Fascia Remove/Install

6. 8M - 6 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ZJ
(5) Remove 3 push-in retainers at each front wheel
opening (Fig. 7).
Fig. 9 Airbag Impact Sensor Connector
AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE REMOVE/INSTALL
Fig. 7 Wheel Opening Retainers
(6) Slide fascia off retainer pegs at side of lower WARNING: THE ACM CONTAINS ONE OF THE IM-
crossmember. Using a small screwdriver, pull up on PACT SENSORS WHICH ENABLE THE SYSTEM TO
locating tangs under turn signal lamp mounting loca- DEPLOY THE AIRBAG. TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DE-
tions. PLOYMENT, NEVER CONNECT ACM ELECTRICALLY
(7) Remove fascia from lower crossmember (Fig. 6). TO THE SYSTEM UNLESS IT IS BOLTED TO VEHI-
(8) Remove 3 screws holding sensor to front wheel- CLE. BEFORE BEGINNING ANY AIRBAG SYSTEM
house extension. Remove sensor (Fig. 8). REMOVAL OR INSTALLATION PROCEDURES, RE-
MOVE AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (-)
CABLE FROM THE VEHICLE BATTERY. THEN WAIT
2 MINUTES FOR SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DIS-
CHARGE BEFORE FURTHER SYSTEM SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO DO THIS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT,
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
If airbag is undeployed, wait 2 minutes for system
capacitor to discharge before further service.
(2) Remove 2 screws from bottom of center console
storage bin (Figs. 10, 11 and 12).
(3) Remove transmission shift handle by pulling it
up sharply.
(4) Remove transmission shift bezel, there are 2
Fig. 8 Airbag Impact Sensor - Typical
snap clips on each side.
(9) Unplug connector from sensor and remove sen- (5) Remove lamp from bezel.
sor (Fig. 9). (6) Remove 4 screws under transmission shift bezel
(10) To install, plug impact sensor wiring harness (Fig. 13).
into connector on body of sensor. (7) Remove bezel under parking brake handle.
(11) Mount sensor (arrow pointed forward) using 3 (8) Move transfer case and transmission shift le-
screws provided with new sensor. Tighten screws to vers rearward.
4-5 N⅐m (35-45 in. lbs.). (9) Lift console up to remove it. There is a lamp at
(12) Install fascia and grille by reversing the re- the rear end of the transfer case bezel.
moval procedures. (10) Disconnect wiring at ACM (Fig. 14).
(13) Do not connect negative battery cable at this (11) Remove 4 screws holding the ACM.
time. Refer to Airbag System Check for proper proce- (12) Remove ACM.
(13) To install, position the ACM with the arrow
dure.
pointing forward.

7. ZJ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 7
Fig. 12 Parking Brake Bezel Remove/Install
Fig. 10 Center Console
Fig. 13 Center Console Forward Mounting Screws
(16) Install center floor console.
(17) Do not connect negative battery cable at this
time. Refer to Airbag System Check for proper proce-
dure.
Fig. 11 Console Remove/Install
CLOCKSPRING REMOVE/INSTALL
(14) Attach the ACM to the park brake bracket (1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead po-
and floor pan with the 4 screws supplied. Tighten sition before starting the repair.
screws to 5.5-7 N⅐m (50-60 in. lbs.). (2) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
(15) Connect wiring at ACM, making sure both If airbag is undeployed, wait 2 minutes for system
connectors are seated and locking tabs engaged. capacitor to discharge before further service.

8. 8M - 8 RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ZJ
(8) Disconnect the 2-way connector between the
clockspring and the instrument panel wiring harness
at the base of the steering column.
(9) To remove, pull clockspring assembly from
steering column by lifting locating fingers as neces-
sary. The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty, or if airbag has been deployed.
(10) When installing, snap clockspring onto the
steering column. If the clockspring is not properly po-
sitioned, see Clockspring Centering before installing
steering wheel.
(11) Connect the clockspring assembly to the in-
strument panel wiring harness. Make sure wiring lo-
cator clips are properly seated on the outside of the
wiring trough and locking tabs are engaged.
(12) Reinstall steering column shrouds. Be sure
airbag wire is inside the shrouds.
(13) Front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Install steering wheel making sure to
fit the flats on the hub of the steering wheel with the
formations on the inside of clockspring. Pull the horn
Fig. 14 Airbag Control Module wiring through the upper, smaller hole in steering
wheel hub. Pull the airbag and speed control wiring
(3) Remove the airbag module. See Airbag Module
through the bottom, larger hole in the steering wheel
Remove/Install.
hub. Make sure not to pinch wiring between the
(4) Remove speed control switch and connector, if
steering wheel and nut.
equipped.
(14) Connect the horn switch wire, then the airbag
(5) Remove the steering wheel with steering wheel
wire to the airbag module. To assure complete con-
puller tool (C-3428B).
nection, latching arms must be visibly on top of con-
(6) Unplug wiring connectors from horn switches.
nector housing.
(7) Remove upper and lower steering column
(15) Install the airbag module, and torque nuts to
shrouds to gain access to clockspring wiring (Fig. 15).
9 to 11 N⅐m (80 to 100 in. lb.).
(16) Do not connect negative battery cable at this
time. See Airbag System Check for proper procedure.
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
If the rotating tape within the clockspring is not
positioned properly in relation to the steering wheel
and the front wheels, the clockspring may fail during
use. The clockspring MUST BE CENTERED, if it is
not known to be properly positioned, or if the front
wheels were moved from the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place front wheels in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable and isolate.
If airbag is undeployed, wait 2 minutes for system
capacitor to discharge before further service.
(3) Remove airbag module. Remove steering wheel
with steering wheel puller tool (C-3428B).
(4) Depress the two plastic auto-locking tabs (Fig.
16).
(5) Keeping locking mechanism disengaged, rotate
the clockspring rotor CLOCKWISE to the end of its
Fig. 15 Steering Column Shrouds Remove/Install travel. Do not apply excessive torque.

9. ZJ RESTRAINT SYSTEMS 8M - 9
(7) Reinstall steering wheel.
(8) Install airbag module. Torque nuts to 9 to 11
N⅐m (80 to 100 in. lbs.).
(9) Do not connect battery negative cable at this
time. See Airbag System Check for proper procedure.
Fig. 16 Clockspring Auto-Locking Tabs
(6) From the end of travel, rotate the rotor two and
one-half turns COUNTER CLOCKWISE. The horn
wire should end up at the top, and the airbag wire at
the bottom.