Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 236

 

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Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 236

 

 

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, in turn ignites chemical pellets within the inflator. Once ignited, 
these chemical pellets burn rapidly and produce a large quantity of inert gas. The inflator is sealed to the back of 
the airbag housing 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 driver airbag trim cover will split at predetermined breakout lines, 
then fold back out of the way. Following an airbag deployment, the airbag cushion quickly deflates by venting 
the inert gas towards the instrument panel through vent holes within the fabric used to construct the back 
(steering wheel side) panel of the airbag cushion. 

Some of the chemicals used to create the inert gas may be considered hazardous while in their solid state before 
they are burned, but they are securely sealed within the airbag inflator. Typically, both initiators are used and all 
potentially hazardous chemicals are burned 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 or hazardous materials. See SERVICE AFTER A SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT 
DEPLOYMENT

The inert gas that is produced when the chemicals are burned is harmless. However, a small amount of residue 
from the burned chemicals may cause some temporary discomfort if it contacts the skin, eyes, or breathing 
passages. If skin or eye irritation is noted, rinse the affected area with plenty of cool, clean water. If breathing 
passages are irritated, move to another area where there is plenty of clean, fresh air to breath. If the irritation is 
not alleviated by these actions, contact a physician. 

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

REMOVAL 

DRIVER 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 cushion and other interior surfaces. In 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 32: Identifying Airbag Retainer Access Holes & Steering Wheel 
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. Release the steering column tilt lever and lower the column to its most downward position for easiest 

driver airbag removal access. 

3. There are three airbag retainer access holes (1) on the instrument panel side of the hub of the steering 

wheel (2), located at the two o'clock, six o'clock and ten o'clock positions. The steering wheel must be 
rotated to bring each of these access holes up to the twelve o'clock position of the steering column one at 
a time for removal access. 

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

NOTE:

The following procedure is for replacement of an ineffective or damaged driver 
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 driver 
airbag has been deployed, review the recommended procedures for service 
after a supplemental restraint deployment before removing the airbag from the 
vehicle. 

NOTE:

It may be helpful to use a small mirror to aid visibility during the initial 
attempt to remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 33: Identifying Flat-Bladed Screwdriver, Screwdriver Blade & Steering Wheel Hub Trim 
Cover
 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Insert the tip of a short handled, flat-bladed screwdriver (1) into either of the upper (two o'clock or ten 

o'clock) access holes of the steering wheel hub trim cover (3) being certain to place the screwdriver blade 
(2) on the inboard side of the airbag snap retainer wire loop. 

Fig. 34: Identifying Electrical Connections, Hook, Driver Airbag, Snap Retainer Wire Loop & 
Steering Wheel
 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

5. Twist the screwdriver handle in either direction far enough to disengage the snap retainer wire loop (4) 

from the hook (2) of the steering wheel armature. At the same time, gently pull the driver airbag (3) away 
from the steering wheel (5) to prevent the retainer from snapping back into place over the hook once it is 
disengaged.  

6. Repeat step 4 and 5.at the other upper (two o'clock or ten o'clock) access hole to disengage the other 

upper snap retainer wire loop.  

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

  

7. Repeat step 4 and 5 at the lower (six o'clock) access hole to disengage the lower snap retainer wire loop. 

The lower snap retainer wire loop has a distinctive V-shape and must always be installed onto the six 
o'clock hook of the steering wheel armature.  

8. Pull the driver airbag away from the steering wheel far enough to access the electrical connections (1) at 

the back of the airbag housing. 

Fig. 35: Identifying Driver Airbag, Lower Airbag Snap Retainer Wire Loop, Electrical Connections 
& Airbag Inflator
 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

9. The clockspring driver airbag pigtail wire connectors (4) are secured by an integral lock to the airbag 

inflator (5) connector receptacles, which are located on the back of the driver airbag (1) housing. Firmly 
grasp and pull the lock straight out from the connector insulator, then pull the insulators straight out from 
the airbag inflator to disconnect them from the connector receptacles.  

10. Remove the driver airbag from the steering wheel.  

11. If the driver airbag has been deployed, the clockspring must be replaced. See REMOVAL.  

INSTALLATION 

DRIVER AIRBAG 

CAUTION: Do not pull on the clockspring pigtail wires or pry on the connector 

insulator to disengage the connector from the driver airbag inflator 
connector receptacle. Improper removal of these pigtail wires and 
their connector insulators can result in damage to the airbag circuits 
or the connector insulators.

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 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 RESTRAINTS Service Information - Nitro

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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