instrument panel DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL 2004 3.G User Guide

because the infant has a medical condition which
makes it necessary for the driver to be able to see the
infant,
²is a child, age 1 to 12 who must ride in the front seat
because there is no rear seat, because there is no rear
seat position available, or because the child has a
medical condition which makes it necessary for the
driver to be able to see the child,
²has a medical condition which makes passenger airbag
inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger
than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument
panel) or windshield in a crash.
WARNING!
Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.
To Shut Off 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 clockwise, and remove
the key from the switch. This will shut off the passenger
side airbag. The ªOffº light near the switch will illumi-
nate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2

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.
²It 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)ÐIf 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 the9START9or9RUN9positions. 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
2

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
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
1¤2inches (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!
²Modifications 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 struc-
ture, or frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.
²It 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.
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NErasing Homelink Buttons...............124
NReprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 125
NSecurity............................125
mElectrical Power Outlets..................126
mCigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............127
mCupholders...........................128
NFront Instrument Panel Cupholders Ð
Automatic Transmission Only............128
NRear Cupholder Ð Quad Cab Ð If
Equipped...........................128mStorage..............................129
NCenter Storage Compartment Ð If Equipped . . 129
NStorage And Seats Ð If Equipped..........130
mFold Flat Load Floor Ð If Equipped.........130
NFold Flat Load Floor Ð If Equipped........130
mPickup Box...........................133
mSlide-In Campers.......................135
NCamper Applications...................135
mEasy-Off Tailgate.......................135
74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

control seat height. Change the seat angle by using the
two toggle switches, tilting it up or down.Heated Seats Ð If Equipped
The heated seat switches are located in the instrument
panel under the climate controls. The engine must be
running for the heated seats to operate.
Tilt Adjustment
96 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Each heated seat switch has two settings (HI and LOW).
Press the switch once to obtain the desired heating
position and press a second time in the same direction to
turn the heated seats OFF. If you do not purposefully
turn the switch OFF, the heating element in the seat will
remain activated until the ignition is turned off. The
indicators on the switch will illuminate when the heated
seats are in the (HI or LOW) position. Flashing telltale
lights on the switch indicate that the Heated Seat system
needs servicing.TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull
the hood release lever located below the steering wheel at
the base of the instrument panel. Once the hood is
released you must reach into the opening beneath the
center of the grille and push up the latch to release the
safety catch before raising the hood.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
3

turn on the cargo light located on the back of the cab.
When a door is open and the interior lights are on,
rotating the dimmer control all the way down to the OFF
detent will cause all the interior lights to go out. This is
also known as the9Party9mode because it allows the
doors to stay open for extended periods of time without
discharging the vehicle's battery.
The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be
regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or
down (dimmer). When the headlights are ON you can
supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom-
eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control
up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the
ªParadeº mode and is useful when headlights are re-
quired during the day.Battery Saver
To protect the life of your vehicle's battery, Load Shed-
ding is provided for both the interior and exterior lights.
If the ignition is off and any door is left ajar for 15
minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for 15
minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off.
If the headlamps remain on while the ignition is cycled
off, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after 5
minutes. After 5 minutes timeout, if the headlamp switch
is turned off and then turned on, the exterior lights will
automatically turn off after 15 minutes.
If the dimmer control is rotated to the cargo lamp
position with the ignition off, the cargo lamps will
automatically turn off after 15 minutes.
NOTE:Battery Saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is
ON.
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Headlamp Delay Ð If Equipped
To aid in your exit, your vehicle, if equipped, can be
programmed by your dealer with a headlamp delay that
will leave the headlamps on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds.
This delay is initiated when the ignition is turned OFF
while the headlamp switch is on, and then the headlamp
switch is cycled off. The headlamps will remain on for 60
seconds. Headlamp delay can be cancelled by either
turning the headlamp switch ON then OFF or by turning
the ignition ON.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights
When the headlight switch is rotated to the first
position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker
lights, license plate light and instrument panel
lights are all turned on. Rotating the headlight switch to
the first position will also turn on the cab top clearance
lights, flare lights, and tailgate lights if the vehicle is
equipped with these lights. The headlights will turn ON
when the switch is rotated to the second position. The9LAMP OUT9indicator will be illuminated in the instru-
ment cluster if a defective bulb or wiring circuit is
detected for the headlamp system.
Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses
that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage
than glass headlights.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
3

ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for in
cab accessories designed for use with the standard ªcigar
lighterº plug. The outlet is located in the instrument
panel below the ash receiver. A cap is attached to the
outlet base indicating ªPower Outletº 12V-20A.
There is an additional Power Outlet in the center console
of a 40/20/40 seat (if equipped).
The outlet(s) has/have a fused direct feed from the
battery so it/they receive power whether the ignition is
ON or OFF.
All accessories connected to this/these outlet(s) should
be removed or turned OFF when the vehicle is not in use
to protect the battery against discharge.CAUTION!
Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not
in use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will discharge the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE