This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the side curtain airbag module on a 2014 Ram 2500, including proper disarming of the airbag system and component installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Side curtain airbag module × 1 — Use OEM specification - specific to side and vehicle configuration
• Airbag mounting hardware kit (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel retaining clips (as needed) × 5 — Replace any broken clips
• Cable ties × 5 — For securing harness routing

Preparation

1. Position vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key from ignition
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery terminal with non-conductive cover
4. Wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge - do not skip this step
5. Remove front and rear door sill trim plates on affected side
6. Remove A-pillar trim cover on affected side
7. Remove B-pillar trim cover on affected side
8. Remove C-pillar trim cover on affected side (Crew Cab)
9. Remove assist handles on affected side if interfering with headliner access
10. Carefully pull down headliner edge along affected side to expose side curtain airbag mounting points

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and disconnect side airbag electrical connector
   Locate the side curtain airbag electrical connector near the B-pillar area. The connector will have a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock. Slide the red or yellow CPA lock away from the connector body to unlock. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the airbag module. Secure the vehicle-side connector away from the work area with tape to prevent accidental reconnection.
2. 2

   Document airbag mounting locations
   The side curtain airbag is secured at multiple points along the roof rail from A-pillar to C-pillar (or D-pillar on Mega Cab). Use masking tape to mark each mounting location before removal. Typically there are 6-8 mounting points. Note any wire harness routing and clip locations for proper reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove forward mounting bolts
   Starting at the A-pillar area, locate the forward side airbag module mounting bolts. These are typically Torx bolts secured to threaded inserts in the roof structure. Using the appropriate Torx driver, remove the forward mounting bolts. Support the airbag module as you work to prevent it from falling or kinking.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove center mounting bolts
   Continue moving rearward along the roof rail, removing each center mounting bolt at the marked locations. The module will become loose as fasteners are removed, so maintain support with one hand while removing fasteners with the other. Cut any cable ties securing the airbag or harness to the roof structure, noting their positions.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rear mounting bolts and extract airbag module
   Remove the remaining rear mounting bolts near the C-pillar or D-pillar area. Once all mounting bolts are removed, carefully guide the entire side curtain airbag module out from behind the headliner. Work slowly and avoid bending or kinking the module. The module is long and will need to be angled to clear the pillars. Place the removed module deployment-side up on a flat, clean surface away from the work area.
   ⚠️Module is now free and heavy. Use both hands and maintain control to prevent dropping.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and threaded inserts
   With the old airbag removed, inspect all mounting points along the roof rail for damaged threads, bent brackets, or structural damage. Check that all threaded inserts are secure and not stripped. Clean any debris from the mounting area. If any threaded inserts are damaged, they must be replaced before installing the new airbag module.
7. 7

   Prepare new side curtain airbag module
   Remove the new side curtain airbag module from its sealed packaging only when ready to install. Inspect the module for any shipping damage - do not install if any damage is present. Identify the electrical connector end and the proper orientation (module will have directional markings). Verify the new module matches the old module configuration and part number.
8. 8

   Position and route new airbag module
   Carefully feed the new side curtain airbag module into position behind the headliner, starting from the rear and working forward. Ensure the module is positioned correctly with mounting holes aligned to the roof rail threaded inserts. Route the electrical connector toward the B-pillar area following the original wire harness path. Do not allow the module to kink or fold during positioning.
9. 9

   Install rear mounting bolts
   Start at the rear mounting location and thread the first mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once confirmed, torque the rear mounting bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Do not overtighten. Verify the airbag module sits flat against the roof structure without gaps.
   Torque spec

   Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install center mounting bolts
    Working forward, install each center mounting bolt at the previously marked locations. Thread each bolt by hand first, then torque to specification in sequence from rear to front. Ensure the airbag module remains properly positioned and flat against the roof rail at each mounting point. The module should not be twisted or under tension.
    Torque spec

    Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install forward mounting bolts
    Install the forward mounting bolts near the A-pillar area. Thread by hand first, then torque to specification. After all mounting bolts are installed, visually verify that the entire module is properly seated with no gaps, kinks, or misalignment. The module should follow the roof rail contour smoothly.
    Torque spec

    Side Airbag Module Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Secure wire harness and route properly
    Route the airbag module wire harness following the original path toward the connector location. Secure the harness with new cable ties at the original locations to prevent movement or chafing. Ensure adequate slack is maintained and the harness is not pinched by any trim pieces or structural components.
13. 13

    Reconnect airbag electrical connector
    Align the airbag module electrical connector with the vehicle harness connector. Push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click indicating full engagement. Install the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock by sliding it into the locked position. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked and secure.
14. 14

    Reposition headliner and install trim panels
    Carefully press the headliner edge back into its original position, ensuring it properly conceals the side curtain airbag module and mounting points. Reinstall the C-pillar trim cover, B-pillar trim cover, and A-pillar trim cover in reverse order of removal, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install assist handles and door sill plates. Verify all trim pieces are secure and properly aligned.
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and verify system operation
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and torque the ground bolt to specification. Before entering the vehicle, turn the ignition key to ON position from outside the vehicle and verify the airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 6-8 seconds then extinguishes. This indicates the system has passed its self-test. If the light stays on or flashes, do not drive the vehicle - diagnose the fault code immediately using a capable scan tool.
    ⚠Stand clear of vehicle when first powering on system in case of wiring faults.
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt18 Nm (14 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all side curtain airbag mounting bolts are torqued to 7.0 Nm (5 lb-ft) specification
2. Verify all trim panels, pillar covers, and sill plates are properly installed and secured
3. Ensure no tools, parts, or debris remain in the headliner or pillar areas
4. Confirm wire harness is properly routed and secured with no pinch points

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and observe airbag warning light behavior - should illuminate briefly then extinguish
• Use a professional-grade diagnostic scan tool to verify no airbag system fault codes are present
• Perform a visual inspection of all trim panels to ensure proper fit and alignment
• Verify the airbag warning light does not illuminate during normal driving
• Confirm with the vehicle owner that the airbag system has been serviced and is operational
• Document the repair with date, mileage, and part numbers for vehicle service records
• If airbag warning light remains illuminated or any fault codes are present, diagnose and repair before returning vehicle to service

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