Back to 2014 Ram 2500

2014 RAM 2500

6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel4WDAUTOMATICdieselturbo
16 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs450Labor566Torque3843Fluid9DTC789Battery1Maintenance0Recalls16
electrical

Airbag - Driver

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.6 h
Tools
8
Steps
12

This procedure removes and replaces the driver's side airbag module in the steering wheel of a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

⚠️Airbag deployment can cause serious injury or death. Never work on airbag systems without disconnecting battery and waiting minimum 2 minutes for system capacitor discharge.
⚠️Never use test equipment on airbag circuits unless specifically designed for supplemental restraint systems. Improper electrical testing can cause accidental deployment.
⚠️Never strike, jar, or apply electrical charge to airbag modules. Handle removed airbags with trim cover facing UP, never place face-down on any surface.
Airbag systems are safety-critical. Any error in installation can result in non-deployment during crash or accidental deployment. If uncertain about any step, seek professional service.
Use only OEM-specified replacement airbag modules. Aftermarket or salvaged airbags may not deploy correctly and void vehicle safety certification.
After installation, the airbag system must be tested with proper scan tool to verify no fault codes exist. A functioning airbag light does NOT guarantee proper installation.
ℹ️Incorrect airbag bolt torque can cause deployment issues or module separation during crash. Use calibrated torque wrench and verify specifications.

Tools required

Torx bit set (T30, T40)Essential
Torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)Essential
Battery terminal wrench or 10mm socketEssential
Steering wheel puller (if wheel removal required)
Trim panel removal tools
Digital multimeter
Ratchet and socket setEssential
Timer or phone for 2-minute wait periodEssential

Parts

  • Driver airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar airbag module for 2014 Ram 2500
  • Airbag connector lock clip (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface, turn ignition OFF, and remove key
  2. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable away from battery post
  4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor to fully discharge - set timer to ensure full wait period
  5. Verify ignition remains OFF throughout entire procedure
  6. Place clean cloth or padding on seat to protect from dropped tools

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access airbag module retention fasteners
    From behind the steering wheel, locate the two Torx bolts securing the airbag module. These are accessed through holes on the left and right sides of the steering wheel back. On 2014 Ram 2500, these are typically T40 Torx bolts positioned at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions when viewed from driver seat.
  2. 2
    Remove airbag module retention bolts
    Using T40 Torx bit, carefully remove both airbag module mounting bolts from behind the steering wheel. Support the airbag module from the front as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Keep these bolts as they will be reused with new module.
    Support airbag module as you remove final bolt to prevent dropping, which could damage internal components or cause accidental deployment.
  3. 3
    Separate airbag module from steering wheel
    Gently pull the airbag module straight away from the steering wheel hub. Do not pull aggressively or twist. The module should separate easily once bolts are removed. If resistance is felt, verify both bolts are completely removed.
  4. 4
    Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
    With module pulled forward, locate the two electrical connectors on the back of the airbag module. The larger connector is the airbag deployment circuit, and the smaller connector (if equipped) is for horn circuit. Press the connector lock tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors. Note the orientation and routing of connectors for reinstallation.
    ⚠️Never pull on wires themselves. Only disconnect by pressing lock tabs and pulling on connector body. Damaged wiring can cause deployment failure or inadvertent deployment.
  5. 5
    Remove old airbag module from vehicle
    Place the removed airbag module on a secure surface with the trim cover (deployment side) facing UP. Never place airbag face-down. Store in clean, dry location away from heat sources, electrical equipment, and high traffic areas until proper disposal. Inspect mounting locations on steering wheel for damage or foreign material.
    ⚠️Airbag must be stored trim side UP on flat surface away from people. If deployed accidentally while face-down or on edge, serious injury can occur.
  6. 6
    Inspect steering wheel and clock spring
    With airbag removed, visually inspect the clock spring assembly (yellow connector housing visible behind steering wheel). Verify clock spring is centered and shows no signs of damage, melting, or broken wires. Inspect steering wheel mounting surface for cracks or damage. Verify horn contact is clean and intact.
    If clock spring appears damaged or steering wheel was rotated with airbag disconnected, clock spring must be re-centered or replaced before airbag installation.
  7. 7
    Prepare new airbag module
    Remove new airbag module from packaging only when ready to install. Inspect new module for any shipping damage. Verify part number matches vehicle specification for 2014 Ram 2500. Ensure connector lock clips are in place and undamaged. Do not remove any protective covers from connectors until ready to connect.
  8. 8
    Connect electrical connectors to new airbag
    Position new airbag module near steering wheel with trim side facing you. Connect the larger airbag deployment connector first, pressing firmly until lock tab clicks into place. Then connect horn circuit connector (if equipped). Gently tug on each connector to verify secure engagement. Ensure no wires are pinched or twisted.
    ⚠️Verify connectors are fully seated and locked. Partial connection can cause open circuit that prevents deployment or triggers airbag warning light.
  9. 9
    Position airbag module on steering wheel
    Carefully route electrical connectors into the steering wheel hub area ensuring no wires are pinched. Align the airbag module mounting holes with the threaded inserts in the steering wheel. Apply even pressure to seat the module flush against the steering wheel surface. Verify alignment before installing bolts.
  10. 10
    Install and torque airbag retention bolts
    Insert both Torx bolts through the holes in the back of the steering wheel into the airbag module. Hand-thread both bolts completely before tightening either one. Using calibrated torque wrench with T40 Torx bit, tighten both bolts to specification in alternating pattern (left side, then right side, then repeat). This ensures even seating of module.
    ⚠️Critical safety torque specification: 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft). Over-torquing can damage module housing; under-torquing can allow module separation during crash. Verify torque wrench calibration.
    Torque spec
    Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Verify airbag installation
    Inspect the installed airbag module to ensure it is flush and evenly seated against steering wheel surface with no gaps. Verify no wires are visible or pinched at edges. Confirm both mounting bolts are torqued. Check that airbag module does not move or rattle when gently pressed.
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect negative battery terminal to battery post. Torque battery terminal to specification if equipped with bolted terminal. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Observe airbag warning light on instrument cluster - it should illuminate for approximately 6-8 seconds during self-test, then extinguish. If light remains on or flashes, there is a system fault that must be diagnosed with scan tool.
    Airbag warning light remaining illuminated indicates system fault. Vehicle should not be driven until fault is diagnosed and repaired. System may not protect occupants in crash.
    Torque spec
    Terminal Bolts9 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify airbag warning light completes self-test and extinguishes within 10 seconds of ignition ON
  2. Test horn function by pressing center of steering wheel airbag cover
  3. Ensure steering wheel turns freely without binding or interference from airbag module
  4. No disassembly of other components required for this procedure

Verification

  • Airbag warning light illuminates briefly during ignition ON cycle, then extinguishes completely
  • No airbag fault codes present when scanned with professional diagnostic tool capable of reading SRS system
  • Horn functions correctly when pressed
  • Airbag module is flush-mounted with no gaps, rattles, or visible wiring
  • Both airbag retention bolts torqued to 7.0 Nm (5.0 lb-ft) specification
  • Recommend professional verification with scan tool to confirm airbag system readiness before returning vehicle to service

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