1999-2004 Chrysler 300M, Concorde, LHS & Intrepid Air Bag: SRS Light and Clock Spring Diagnosis

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Professional Installation is Mandatory

Symptoms of a Failing Air Bag System

The most common sign of a problem with the air bag system is the illumination of the SRS warning light on your instrument cluster. Understanding what this light means is the first step in diagnosing the issue.

1. SRS / Air Bag Warning Light is On

When you start your 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M, 2000-2004 Chrysler Concorde, 1999-2001 Chrysler LHS, or 2004 Dodge Intrepid, the SRS light should illuminate for a few seconds as part of a system self-check and then turn off. If the light stays on continuously or flashes, it indicates a fault has been detected somewhere in the Supplemental Restraint System.

Crucially, when this light is on, the entire air bag system is disabled. This means that in the event of a collision, the air bags will NOT deploy. Ignoring this warning light puts you and your passengers at serious risk.

2. Symptoms of a Related Clock Spring Failure

In these specific vehicles, the SRS light is very often triggered by a failure of a related part called the 'clock spring'. The clock spring is a special rotary electrical connector located behind the steering wheel that allows the wheel to turn while maintaining a constant connection to the driver's air bag, horn, and any steering wheel-mounted controls. When it fails, you may experience the following symptoms in addition to the SRS light:

• Horn Does Not Work: The horn may stop working entirely or only work intermittently when the steering wheel is in a specific position.
• Steering Wheel Controls Fail: Buttons for the radio/audio system or cruise control on the steering wheel may stop functioning.
• Grinding or Clicking Noises: You may hear a scraping, grinding, or clicking sound from the steering column when turning the wheel.

If you are experiencing these issues along with the air bag light, the clock spring is the most likely culprit, not necessarily the air bag module itself. A professional diagnosis is required to confirm.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

While the greater Chrysler/Dodge family of vehicles from this era was subject to some Takata-related recalls, extensive research of the NHTSA database shows no specific recalls for the driver's side air bag module for the 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M, 2000-2004 Chrysler Concorde, 1999-2001 Chrysler LHS, or the 2004 Dodge Intrepid.

It is important to note that some of these models, like the 2000 Chrysler Concorde and Dodge Intrepid, were recalled for the front passenger air bag due to an incorrect inflator charge amount (NHTSA Campaign ID: 99V343). This recall does not apply to the driver's side air bag discussed in this guide. Always verify your vehicle's VIN with a dealer or on the NHTSA website to check for any open recalls.

Diagnosing and Resetting the SRS System

A professional technician will use a specialized diagnostic scan tool to read the specific trouble codes from the SRS control module. A standard OBD-II code reader used for check engine lights cannot access these codes. The code will pinpoint the source of the fault, whether it's the air bag module itself, the clock spring, a crash sensor, or a wiring issue.

After the faulty component is replaced, the SRS control module must be reset with this same professional scan tool. Simply replacing the part will not turn off the warning light, as the fault code (known as a 'hard code') is stored in the module's memory. Disconnecting the battery will not clear these codes.

Buying a Used Driver's Air Bag: A Detailed Guide

Since new OEM air bags can be prohibitively expensive, a quality-inspected, non-deployed used OEM air bag is a viable and safe alternative. There are no legitimate aftermarket air bags available. Follow these steps to ensure you purchase the correct, safe part.

Physical Inspection Checklist:

• Verify Non-Deployment: Ensure the air bag comes from a vehicle where it was never deployed. The cover should be intact with no tears, cracks, or signs of heat stress.
• Check the Connectors: The electrical connectors on the back of the module should be clean, intact, and free of any corrosion or damage. Never buy a part with cut wires.
• No Environmental Damage: Inspect the unit for any signs of water damage, rust, or fire damage. An air bag exposed to these elements may not function correctly.
• Confirm Donor Vehicle History: Whenever possible, confirm the part came from a vehicle that was not involved in a front-end collision.

Compatibility: The Steering Wheel Control Difference

As noted in our database, Chrysler produced two different driver's air bags for these vehicles, and they are not interchangeable. The primary difference is the accommodation for steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

• Vehicles WITH Audio Controls: The air bag module will have a different shape or cutouts on the back to accommodate the wiring and mounting points for the control buttons.
• Vehicles WITHOUT Audio Controls: The module will be a simpler design without these accommodations.

Before ordering, you must physically inspect your existing steering wheel and air bag to confirm which version you have. Matching the OEM part number from your original unit to the replacement is the best way to guarantee compatibility.

Cost Comparison for Air Bag System Repairs

The total repair cost can vary significantly depending on which part of the SRS system has failed. Below are estimated costs for the most common repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

OEM Part Numbers

This list contains known OEM part numbers for the driver's side air bag module for these vehicles. It is essential to match the part number from your original unit to ensure you are purchasing the correct replacement. This list is for reference and may not be exhaustive.

• 04649596AB
• 0MF50LAZAH
• 0MF50WL8BB
• MF50LAZAH
• MF50WL8BB
• 04649116AD
• 0MF52DX9CB
• MF52DX9CB