Air Bag Deactivation Switch: Description and Operation

PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH
The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch is standard equipment on all versions of this model except quad cab. This switch is a two-position, resistor multiplexed switch with a single integral red Light-Emitting Diode (LED), and a non-coded key cylinder-type actuator. The switch is located in the lower right corner of instrument panel cluster bezel, near the center of instrument panel to make the OFF indicator visible to all front seat occupants. When the switch is in its installed position, the only components visible through the dedicated opening of the cluster bezel are the switch face plate and nomenclature, the key cylinder actuator, and a small round lens with the text "OFF" imprinted on it. The "ON" position of the switch is designated by text imprinted upon the face plate of the switch, but is not illuminated. The remainder of the switch is concealed behind the switch face plate and the instrument panel cluster bezel.

The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch housing is constructed of molded plastic and has three integral mounting tabs. These mounting tabs are used to secure the switch to the back of the molded plastic switch face plate with three small screws. The molded plastic face plate also has three integral mounting tabs that are used to secure the switch and face plate unit to the instrument panel cluster bezel with three additional screws. A molded plastic connector receptacle on the back of the switch housing connects the switch to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out of the instrument panel wire harness. The harness take out is equipped with a molded plastic connector insulator that is keyed and latched to ensure proper and secure switch electrical connections. The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the switch must be replaced.

The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch allows the customer to turn the passenger airbag function ON or OFF to accommodate certain uses of the right front seating position where airbag protection may not be desired. See the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for specific recommendations on when to enable or disable the passenger airbag.

The OFF indicator of the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is turned to the OFF position. The ignition key is the only key or object that should ever be inserted into the switch. The ON/OFF switch requires only a partial key insertion to fully depress a spring-loaded locking plunger. The spring-loaded locking plunger prevents the user from leaving the key in the switch. The key will be automatically ejected when force is not applied. To actuate the passenger side airbag ON/OFF switch, insert the ignition key into the switch key actuator far enough to fully depress the plunger, and rotate the actuator to the desired switch position. When the switch key actuator is rotated to its clockwise stop (the key actuator slot will be aligned with the OFF indicator), the OFF indicator is illuminated and the passenger airbag is disabled. When the switch is rotated to its counterclockwise stop (the key actuator slot will be in a vertical position), the OFF indicator will be extinguished and the passenger airbag is enabled.

NOTE: Do not turn the ON/OFF switch with the ignition on.

The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch connects one of two internal resistors in series between the passenger airbag MUX switch sense and passenger airbag MUX switch return circuits of the Airbag Control Module (ACM). The ACM continually monitors the resistance in these circuits to determine the switch position that has been selected and provide circuit diagnostics. The ON/OFF switch ON position resistance is 175 - 190 ohms and the OFF position resistance is 820 - 870 ohms. If the ON/OFF switch circuits are open, shorted to ground or battery the ACM will set active and stored DTC. Upon receiving a switch diagnostic trouble code, the airbag warning indicator, in the instrument cluster, will be turned on by the ACM. Whenever the airbag warning indicator is illuminated, the ACM should be the first module interrogated.

When the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position, the ACM provides a ground input to the switch through the passenger airbag indicator driver circuit, which energizes the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) that illuminates the OFF indicator of the switch. The ACM will also illuminate the OFF indicator of the switch for about 7 seconds each time the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb test. The ACM will also store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault it detects in the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch or indicator circuits, and will illuminate the airbag indicator in the instrument cluster if a fault is detected. For proper diagnosis of the passenger airbag ON/OFF switch or the ACM, a DRB III scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.