13 Things You Should Know About Dodge Ram 1500 Airbag Sensor That You Might Not Have Known
Ensuring Safety: A Comprehensive Guide to the Dodge Ram 1500 Airbag Sensor
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a foundation of the American vehicle landscape, understood for its rugged efficiency, hauling capabilities, and refined interior. Nevertheless, underneath the metal and leather lies a complex network of security systems created to protect occupants in case of an accident. Central to this network is the airbag sensing unit system. Comprehending how these sensors function, recognizing signs of failure, and knowing the actions for upkeep or replacement is crucial for any Ram owner or technician.
This guide offers a thorough look at the Dodge Ram 1500 airbag sensing unit system, covering its components, typical issues, and the necessary actions to make sure the automobile stays a safe fortress for its travelers.
The Role of Airbag Sensors in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Modern lorries like the Dodge Ram 1500 use a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). This system is not meant to change seat belts but to operate in tandem with them. The air bag sensing units serve as the "nerve system" of the automobile. These elements are tactically positioned throughout the truck to spot unexpected deceleration or physical effect.
When an impact happens, the sensors send an electrical signal to the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module, which works as the "brain" of the SRS. The ORC evaluates the severity of the effect and figures out whether to release the airbags and pretension the seatbelts. This whole procedure happens within milliseconds-- faster than the blink of an eye.
Types of Airbag Sensors in the Dodge Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is geared up with different sensing units, each serving a particular purpose based upon the direction and kind of impact.
Sensing unit Type
Main Location
Function
Front Impact Sensors
Installed on the radiator support or front frame rails.
Discovers head-on crashes and triggers front airbags.
Side Impact Sensors
Found inside the doors or B-pillars.
Activates side-curtain and seat-mounted airbags throughout T-bone accidents.
Rollover Sensors
Generally integrated into the ORC module (center console area).
Detects the automobile's pitch and roll angle to deploy side drapes in a rollover.
Occupant Classifcation Sensor (OCS)
Inside the guest seat cushion.
Figures out the weight of the guest to adjust or disable air bag release for children.
Common Symptoms of a Failing Airbag Sensor
When an air bag sensing unit fails, the automobile's computer system usually identifies the anomaly immediately. Since the SRS is essential for security, the car will notify the chauffeur through a number of indicators.
1. The SRS Warning Light
The most typical symptom is the illumination of the "Airbag" or "SRS" light on the instrument cluster. Under normal conditions, this light ought to turn on briefly when the ignition is begun and after that disappear. If it stays lit or flashes while driving, the system has spotted a fault and has most likely disabled the airbag system.
2. Audible Chimes
In many Dodge Ram designs, a relentless warning light is accompanied by a chime or "ping" sound when the vehicle is started. This is designed to guarantee the motorist does not neglect the visual warning on the dashboard.
3. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
If a scanner is plugged into the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port, specific codes will appear. Typical codes for Dodge Ram airbag concerns include:
- B0001: Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control.
- B1B02: Driver Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Low.
- B1B06: Passenger Airbag Squib 2 Circuit Low.
- B2207: Occupant Restraint Controller Internal.
Causes of Airbag Sensor Failure
Several aspects can cause the malfunction of an air bag sensor in a Dodge Ram 1500. Offered the truck's usage in demanding environments, ecological factors often play a large role.
- Corrosion: Because front impact sensors are situated near the grille and frame, they are exposed to roadway salt, wetness, and debris. Gradually, the electrical ports can rust, breaking the circuit.
- Minor Collisions: Even a small "fender bender" that doesn't deploy the airbags can harm the internal elements of a sensing unit, rendering it unresponsive.
- Water Damage: If the interior of the truck experiences a leakage (common in older designs with dripping 3rd brake lights or sunroof drains), moisture can leak into the B-pillar sensing units or the ORC module under the center console.
- Electrical wiring Issues: The circuitry harnesses under the seats are susceptible to being pinched or disconnected when seats are moved often, often affecting the Occupant Classification Sensor.
Historical Recalls and Safety Concerns
Owners of the Dodge Ram 1500 should understand historic recalls related to the air bag system. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has actually issued numerous recalls over the years to address software application and hardware defects.
- ORC Module Software (2013-2016 Models): A significant recall was issued for these years since a software mistake might avoid the side airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying throughout a rollover.
- Clock Spring Failures: While not a sensor itself, the clock spring in the steering wheel frequently stops working in older Rams, breaking the connection to the driver-side airbag and setting off the SRS light.
- Sensor Housing Cracks: Some models dealt with problems where the plastic real estate of the impact sensors would break, enabling wetness to enter and short-circuit the system.
To examine if a particular Dodge Ram 1500 is impacted by a recall, owners ought to visit the Mopar or NHTSA site and enter their vehicle's 17-digit VIN.
Medical diagnosis and Repair: What to Expect
Diagnosing an air bag problem is not a common DIY task for the typical enthusiast due to the fact that it needs a customized scan tool efficient in reading SRS/ABS codes (standard low-cost OBD-II scanners often just read engine codes).
The Diagnostic Process
- Scanning: A technician recovers the specific DTC to determine which sensor is failing.
- Visual Inspection: Checking the electrical wiring harness and the sensing unit's physical condition for signs of rust or impact.
- Circuit Testing: Using a multimeter to examine for connection in the electrical wiring (Caution: This should be finished with the battery detached to avoid accidental implementation).
Replacement Steps
If a sensor is verified malfunctioning, replacement follows these general actions:
- Power Down: The battery must be detached, and the system must sit for at least 10-- 15 minutes to enable the capacitors to discharge.
- Accessing the Sensor: Depending on the sensor, this might include eliminating the front grille, interior trim panels, or the front seats.
- Component Swap: The old sensing unit is unbolted, and the brand-new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sensor is installed.
- System Reset: The service technician clears the codes and carries out a "proxy alignment" or system calibration to make sure the new sensor is acknowledged by the ORC module.
Part/Service
Estimated Cost (GBP)
Replacement Sensor Part
₤ 80 - ₤ 200
Diagnostic Fee
₤ 100 - ₤ 150
Labor (1-2 hours)
₤ 150 - ₤ 300
Overall Estimated Cost
₤ 330 - ₤ 650
Regularly Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive my Dodge Ram with the air bag light on?
While the truck stays drivable, it is highly prevented. When the SRS light is brightened, the system is in "fault mode," which generally suggests the airbags will not release in case of an accident. This significantly increases the risk of injury or death.
Where is the airbag sensor located on a 2019+ Dodge Ram 1500?
The 5th-generation Ram (DT) has effect sensing units situated behind the front bumper cover on the frame rails and side effect sensing units located in the lower portion of the B-pillars and C-pillars.
Will a blown fuse trigger the airbag light to come on?
Yes. If the fuse accountable for the SRS or ORC module blows, the system will lose power and trigger the caution light. Checking the circuit box is typically the first and most inexpensive diagnostic action.
Do I need to utilize OEM parts for air bag sensors?
It is highly suggested to utilize OEM Mopar sensors. The SRS is a life-saving system adjusted particularly to the car's crush zones and weight. JP Spare Parts USA might not have the same precision or response times, possibly causing failure during a crash.
Can water leakages trigger the airbag light in a Ram 1500?
Yes. A typical concern in Ram trucks is a dripping third brake light which allows water to travel down the back of the taxi and soak the floorboards. This can reach the ORC module or the wiring utilizes under the seats, causing the airbag light to illuminate.
The airbag sensing unit system in the Dodge Ram 1500 is a sophisticated network created with one objective: resident safety. While these parts are built to be long lasting, they are not immune to the effects of time, environment, and mechanical failure. Keeping this system is not almost keeping a caution light off the dashboard; it is about ensuring that the truck's most important safety feature is ready to perform when it is needed most.
Ram owners should remain vigilant relating to SRS caution lights and attend to any problems immediately through professional diagnostics. By comprehending the area, function, and typical failure points of these sensors, drivers can guarantee their Dodge Ram 1500 remains among the most safe cars on the roadway.
