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TSB 08-14-98

Clicking, Rattling, Or Ratcheting Noise Coming From The Seat Belt Retractor

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Models: 1998 (BR/BE) Ram Truck

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL CLUB CAB VEHICLES (BOTH TWO DOOR CLUB CAB AND QUAD CAB MODELS) BUILT BEFORE MARCH 5, 1998 (MDH 0305XX).

Discussion:

During normal operation, the seat belt retractor on the vehicles listed above may emit a clicking, rattling, or ratcheting noise. This noise may be caused from a solenoid that is energized and de-energized to operate the retractor spool of the seat belt retractor assembly. The solenoid is controlled by a Seatbelt Control Timer Module (SCTM) which unlocks the retractor when energized.

It is normal to have the solenoid energize and de-energize under moderate to heavy acceleration or braking. The noise may be more prevalent if the vehicle is traveling down a rough surfaced road or the vehicle is not traveling on a level surface.

If it is presumed that the solenoid is de-energizing prematurely, further diagnosis is required. Refer to the 1998 Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No. 81-3708108), pages 8M-14 and 8M-15 for additional information.

If your diagnosis has determined that the seatbelt retractor solenoid, wiring, and SCTM appear to be functioning normally and the owner feels that the noise occurs too frequently, the SCTM on your vehicle may be too sensitive and should be replaced. The replacement SCTM is p/n 56043003AB. Refer to the 1998 Ram Truck Service Manual (Publication No. 81-3708108), page 8M-17 for information regarding SCTM removal and installation procedures.  

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This page was edited on: May 3, 2004