light DODGE RAM 1500 GAS 2006 3.G Owner's Manual

To Turn On the Passenger Airbag (Standard Cab Ve-
hicles Only)
Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch, push the key in and turn counterclockwise, and
remove the key from the switch. This will turn on the
passenger airbag. The “Off” light near the switch will be
off when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the air bag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe frontal col-
lision, and then immediately to deflate.
NOTE: A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abra-
sions are similar to friction rope burns or those you
might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor.
They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are
not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if
you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if
you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
•As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for cleaning.
88 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Window Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)—If Equipped
The window airbag control module determines if a side
collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to
inflate. The window airbag control module will not
detect roll over, front or rear collisions. The airbag control module monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition
switch is in the
STARTorRUN positions. These
include all of the items listed above. The airbag control
module also turns on the AIRBAG light in the instrument
panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition is first turned
on as a diagnostic or system check, then turns the light
off. If it detects a malfunction in any part of the system,
it turns on the light either momentarily or continuously.
The side (window) impact SRS Airbags are designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the airbag
control module detects a collision requiring the window
bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of
the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
pushes the side pillar molding out of the way and covers
the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds
(about one-quarter of the time it takes to blink your eyes)
with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89
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seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 3
12inches (8.9
cm) thick when it is inflated.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag Systems
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be
injured because the airbags are not there to protect
you. Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or stickers to
the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right
side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the
front bumper, vehicle body structure, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse num-
bers 52 and 53 in the fuse and relay center. See your
dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see the following list) in the event data
recorder prior to the moment of airbag deployment.
Please note that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag
deploys, and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction
with other data gathered during a complete accident
investigation, the electronic data may be used by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn more
about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, such investigations may
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91
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CAUTION!
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new
vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so
may damage your vehicle.
•Limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the
first 500 miles (805 km) of towing.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
This vehicle is designed to carry passengers in the cab
only. For safety reasons, NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Lock Your Vehicle
Always remove the keys from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lighted area and never invite theft by leaving ar-
ticles of value exposed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 107
2

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.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.)
or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any question
regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light the
seatbelt light will flash.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. 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,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 109
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▫Reclining Seats (1500 Standard And Quad Cab
Models) ............................146
▫ Reclining Seats
(2500/3500/Mega Cab Models) ...........147
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ..............147
▫ Manual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment —
If Equipped .........................148
▫ Power Seats (1500 Standard And Quad Cab
Models) — If Equipped .................149
▫ Power Seats (2500/3500/Mega Cab Models) —
If Equipped .........................151
▫ Rear Seat Features — Mega Cab Models .....153
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped .............158

To Open And Close The Hood .............160

Lights ...............................161 ▫
Interior Lights .......................162
▫ Battery Saver ........................163
▫ Headlamp Delay ......................163
▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights .....164
▫ Daytime Running Lights
(Canada Only And Fleet Vehicles) ..........164
▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................165
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ...............165
▫ Cargo Light — If Equipped ..............165

Multifunction Control Lever ...............166
▫ Turn Signals .........................166
▫ Passing Light ........................166
▫ High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch ......167
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Windshield Wipers ....................167
▫ Windshield Washers ...................168

Tilt Steering Column ....................169

Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ......170
▫ Adjustment .........................171

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ......172
▫ To Activate ..........................172
▫ To Set At A Desired Speed ...............172
▫ To Deactivate ........................172
▫ To Resume Speed .....................173
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ...............173
▫ To Accelerate For Passing ...............174

Overhead Console— If Equipped ...........175 ▫
Courtesy/Reading Lights ................176

Overhead Console With Compass/Temperature
Mini-Trip Computer — If Equipped ..........176
▫ US/M Button ........................177
▫ Reset Button .........................177
▫ Global Reset .........................178
▫ Step Button .........................178
▫ Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO) ........178
▫ Distance To Empty (DTE) ...............178
▫ Trip Odometer (ODO) ..................179
▫ Elapsed Time (ET) .....................179
▫ C/T Button .........................180
▫ Automatic Compass Calibration ...........180
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
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▫Manual Compass Calibration .............181
▫ Recalibrating The Compass ..............181
▫ Outside Temperature ...................183

Garage Door Opener — If Equipped .........183
▫ Programming HomeLink ................185
▫ Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 187
▫ Using HomeLink .....................188
▫ Erasing HomeLink Buttons ..............188
▫ Reprogramming a Single HomeLink Button . . . 188
▫ Security ............................189

Power Sunroof — If Equipped .............189
▫ Open Sunroof - Express Mode ............190
▫ Comfort Stop ........................190 ▫
Closing Sunroof - Express ...............191
▫ Pinch Protect Feature ...................191
▫ Pinch Protect Override .................191
▫ Venting Sunroof - Express ...............191
▫ Sunshade Operation ...................191
▫ Wind Buffeting .......................192
▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................192
▫ Sunroof Fully Closed ...................192

Electrical Power Outlets ..................192

Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver ............194

Cupholders ...........................195
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(40–20–40 Seats) — Automatic Transmission . . 195
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS
Inside Mirror
The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view
through the rear window.
Annoying headlight glare can be reduced by moving the
small control under the mirror to the night position
(toward rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted
while set in the day position (toward windshield).
Adjusting Rear View Mirror
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE