light RAM CHASSIS CAB 2012 User Guide

• After any accident, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.
Air Bag System Components
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following air bag
system components:
• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolster
• Driver Advanced Front Air Bag
• Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
• Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch,
and Seat Track Position Sensors Advanced Front Air Bag Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage
driver and front passenger (if equipped) air bags. This
system provides output appropriate to the severity and
type of collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC).
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an
impact that requires air bag deployment. This low output
is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is
used for more severe collisions.
WARNING!• No objects should be placed over or near the air
bag on the instrument panel, because any such
objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a
collision severe enough to cause the air bag to
inflate.
(Continued)54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)• Do not put anything on or around the air bag
covers or attempt to open them manually. You may
damage the air bags and you could be injured
because the air bags may no longer be functional.
The protective covers for the air bag cushions are
designed to open only when the air bags are
inflating.
• Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.
• Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios,
etc.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the
driver and the front passenger, and position front occu-
pants for the best interaction with the Advanced Front
Air Bags. Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying air bag:
Children 12 years old and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat.
WARNING!Infants in rear-facing child restraints should never
ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger
Advanced Front Air Bag. An air bag deployment can
cause severe injury or death to infants in that posi-
tion.
Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat
belt properly (see Section on Child Restraints) should be
secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt-
positioning booster seats. Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the air bag system whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the key is in the LOCK
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup. It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-
tics also record the nature of the malfunction.
WARNING!Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel (if
equipped). When the ORC detects a collision requiring
the Advanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation
rates are possible, based on the collision type and sever-
ity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper
right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out
of the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The air
bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is
about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air
bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the
driver and front passenger. The Advanced Front Air Bag gas is vented through the
vent holes in the sides of the air bag. In this way, the air
bags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
• Unlock the doors automatically. 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

WARNING! (Continued)• Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are
made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your autho-
rized dealer. Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
• The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned to the ON/RUN position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required. Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79

WARNING! (Continued)• Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
• If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately. 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 81

▫ General Information .................. 123
 Voice Command — If Equipped ........... 123
▫ Voice Command System Operation ........ 123
▫ Commands ........................ 124
▫ Voice Training ...................... 128
 Seats .............................. 128
▫ Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped ....... 128
▫ Passenger ’s Power Seat — If Equipped ..... 130
▫ Power Lumbar — If Equipped ........... 132
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 132
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .......... 135
▫ Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ...... 136
▫ Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped ..... 137 ▫ Head Restraints ..................... 138
▫ 40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped . . . 140
 Driver Memory Seat — If Equipped ........ 140
▫ Setting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory ................ 141
▫ Memory Position Recall ................ 143
▫ To Disable A RKE Transmitter Linked To
Memory ........................... 143
▫ Easy Entry/Exit Seat .................. 144
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 145
 Lights ............................. 147
▫ Headlights ......................... 148
▫ Automatic Headlights — If Equipped ...... 14884 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Headlights On With Wipers (Available With
Automatic Headlights Only) ............ 149
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 149
▫ Parking Lights And Panel Lights ......... 149
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 150
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 150
▫ Cargo Light ........................ 152
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 152
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 152
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 153
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 153
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 154
▫ Windshield Wipers ................... 154
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............ 155 ▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 155
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 156
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 156
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 157
 Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ..... 158
 Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 159
 Electronic Speed Control ................ 160
▫ To Activate ......................... 161
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ................ 162
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 162
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 162
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 162
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 1633 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85

 Overhead Console — If Equipped .......... 163
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights .............. 164
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 165
 Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped .......................... 169
 Power Inverter — If Equipped ............ 170
 Cupholders .......................... 172
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
(40–20–40 Seats) ..................... 172
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Storage Bin ......................... 172
▫ Rear Cupholder — Crew Cab ........... 173
 Storage ............................. 173
▫ Glove Box Storage ................... 173 ▫ Door Storage ....................... 175
▫ Center Storage Compartment —
If Equipped ........................ 176
▫ Seatback Storage ..................... 178
▫ Storage (Regular Cab) ................. 178
▫ Storage And Seats (Crew Cab) ........... 179
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Regular Cab Models) ................. 180
 Rear Window Features .................. 180
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 180
▫ Power Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 181
▫ Manual Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 18186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE