ignition Ram 1500 2011 Owner's Guide

windows. There is a single opening and closing switch on
the front passenger door for passenger window control
and on the rear doors of Quad Cab, Mega Caband
Crew Cab models. The windows will operate when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN or ACC posi-
tion, and for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned
OFF or until a front door is opened.
NOTE: The Key Off Power Delay feature will allow the
power windows to operate for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned OFF. This feature is cancelled when
either front door is opened.WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Auto-Down
Both the driver and front passenger window switch have
an Auto-Down feature. Press the window switch past the
first detent, release, and the window will go down
automatically. To cancel the Auto-Down movement, op-
erate the switch in either the up or down direction and
release the switch.
To stop the window from going all the way down during
the Auto-Down operation, pull up on the switch briefly.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 35

accident. These devices may improve the performance of
the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight around the
occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all
size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE:These devices are not a substitute for proper seat
belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be
worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC). Like the airbags, the pretension-
ers are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a
deployed airbag must be replaced immediately.
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert)
BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the driver to
fasten their seatbelt. This feature is active whenever the
ignition is on. If the driver is unbelted, the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the
driver seatbelt is fastened. BeltAlert triggers within60 seconds of vehicle speed over 5 mph (8 km/h). The
reminder sequence lasts for 96 seconds or until the driver
seatbelt is fastened. After the sequence completes, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until the
driver front belt is fastened. The driver should instruct all
other occupants to fasten their seatbelts. If the driver
seatbelt is unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h), BeltAlert
will chime as a single
notification and illuminate the Seat Belt Reminder Light,
then will proceed to the 96 second reminder sequence.
BeltAlert can be enabled or disabled by your authorized
dealer or by performing the following procedure:
NOTE: The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the
ON/RUN or START position. Chrysler Group LLC does
not recommend deactivating the BeltAlert.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

1. With all doors closed and the ignition switch in any
position except ON/RUN or START, buckle the driver’s
seat belt.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position and
wait for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn off.
3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver’s seat belt at least three
times within 60 seconds, ending with the seat belt
buckled.
NOTE:Watch for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn
on while the seat belt retracts and turn off while re-
buckling the seat belt.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. A
single chime will sound to signify that you have success-
fully completed the programming.
BeltAlert can be reactivated by repeating this procedure. NOTE:
Although BeltAlert has been deactivated, the
Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled or
unretracted.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts
throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is an accident.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short even when fully extended, and
the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if so
equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized
dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Based on the impact sensor’s signals, a central electronic
ORC deploys the Advanced Front Airbags, SABIC air-
bags — if equipped, and front seat belt pretensioners —
if equipped, as required, depending on the severity and
type of impact.
Advanced Front Airbags are designed to provide addi-
tional protection by supplementing the seat belts in
certain frontal collisions depending on the severity and
type of collision. Advanced Front Airbags are not ex-
pected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, rollover, or side
collisions.
The Advanced Front Airbags will not deploy in all frontal
collisions, including some that may produce substantial
vehicle damage — for example, some pole collisions,
truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other
hand, depending on the type and location of impact,Advanced Front Airbags may deploy in crashes with
little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe
initial deceleration.
The side airbags will not deploy in all side collisions. Side
airbag deployment will depend on the severity and type
of collision.
Because airbag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over
time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not
good indicators of whether or not an airbag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all acci-
dents, and also are needed to help keep you in position,
away from an inflating airbag.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the airbag system whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the key is in the LOCK
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
airbag system is not on and the airbags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag 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 Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Airbag 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 Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction.WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags 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
airbag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Airbag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Airbag Infla-
tor Units are located in the center of the steering wheel
and on the right side of the instrument panel. When the
ORC detects a collision requiring the Advanced Front
Airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front
Airbags. Different airbag inflation rates are possible,
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag 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.
If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Airbags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.NOTE:
Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in all
collisions. 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
abrasions 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 non-toxic gas used for
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your airbag
system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may
not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
airbag system service. If your seat, including 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 airbag system for persons with dis-
abilities, contact your authorized dealer.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Airbag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associatedwith airbag system electrical components. While the
airbag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any
of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer ser-
vice the airbag system immediately.
•The Airbag 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 Airbag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Airbag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

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.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
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.
Airbag 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
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83

▫Sunroof Maintenance ................. 161
▫ Ignition Off Operation ................. 161
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 162
 Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped .......................... 166
 Power Inverter — If Equipped ............ 167
 Cupholders .......................... 169
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
(40–20–40 Seats) ..................... 169
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Mounted Shifter ..................... 170
▫ Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab .......... 170
▫ Rear Cupholder — Crew Cab ........... 171
 Storage ............................. 171 ▫
Glove Box Storage ................... 171
▫ Door Storage ....................... 173
▫ Center Storage Compartment —
If Equipped ........................ 174
▫ Second Row In-Floor Storage Bin — If
Equipped .......................... 176
▫ Seatback Storage ..................... 177
▫ Storage (Regular Cab) ................. 178
▫ Storage And Seats (Crew Cab) ........... 178
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers (Regular Cab
Models) ........................... 179
 Rear Window Features .................. 180
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 180
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

8. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
9. Press and release the LOCK button on one of the RKE
transmitters.
10. Repeat the above steps to set the next memory
position using the other numbered memory button or to
link another RKE transmitter to memory.
Memory Position Recall
NOTE:
•The vehicle must be in PARK to recall the memory
positions.
•Not all motors may be moved at one time. Refer to the
“Seats/Eight-Way Power Seat” in this section for fur-
ther information.
To recall the memory settings for driver one, press
MEMORY button number 1 on the driver’s seat or the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter linked to
memory position 1. To recall the memory setting for driver two, press
MEMORY button number 2 on the driver’s seat or the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter linked to
memory position 2.
A recall can be cancelled by pressing any of the
MEMORY buttons on the driver’s seat during a recall (S,
1, or 2), or pressing any one of the power seat buttons,
pressing the adjustable pedals button, or pressing either
the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
when not in the ignition switch. When a recall is can-
celled, the driver’s seat and the pedals stop moving. A
delay of one second will occur before another recall can
be selected.
NOTE:
A chime sound may be heard if setting memory
was inhibited for any reason.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE