light Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2011 User Guide

The Advanced Front Airbags have a multistage inflator
design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of
inflation based on the severity and type of collision.
NOTE:Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior
trim; but they will open during airbag deployment.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
•Airbag Warning Light
•Driver Front Airbag
•Front Passenger Airbag — if equipped
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Knee Impact Bolster
Advanced Front Airbag Features
The Advanced Front Airbag system has multistage driver
and front passenger (if equipped) airbags. This system
provides output appropriate to the severity and type of
collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC).
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an
impact that requires airbag deployment. The timing of
the second stage determines whether the output force is
low, medium, or high. If a low output is sufficient to meet
the need, the remaining gas in the inflator is expended.
WARNING!
•No objects should be placed over or near the
airbag on the instrument panel, because any such
objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a crash
severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
(Continued)
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag
covers or attempt to open them manually. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags may no longer be functional.
The protective covers for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are inflat-
ing.
•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 everyone for
the best interaction with the Advanced Front Airbag.Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying airbag:
Children 12 years old and younger 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
front airbag. An airbag deployment can cause severe
injury or death to infants in that position.
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
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 six 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. 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, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.
Driver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel (if equipped). When the
ORC detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals
the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is
generated to inflate the Advanced Front Airbags. Differ-
ent airbag inflation rates are possible, based on the
collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim
cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

separate and fold out of the way as the bags inflate to
their full size. The bags fully inflate in about 50 to 70
milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to
blink your eyes. The bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
The driver front airbag gas is vented through the vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger front
airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.
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 airbags are designed to deflate immediately after
deployment.
NOTE:Front airbags will not deploy in all collisions.
This does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system immediately.
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on for
approximately six to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
•The light remains on after the approximate four to
six-second interval.
•The light comes on and 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 located on the inside of the fuse block cover for the
proper airbag fuses. See your authorized dealer if the
fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see list below) in an event data recorder prior to the
moment of airbag deployment, or near deployment (if
applicable), and up to a quarter second of either high-
speed deceleration data or change in velocity during
and/or after airbag deployment or near-deployment.
EDR data is ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys, or
nearly deploys, and is otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant.
4. Otherwise required by law.
Data parameters that are recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•Vehicle speed
•Engine RPM
•Brake switch status
•Pedal position
•And other parameters depending on vehicle
configuration
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, including babies and children. Every state in theUnited States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

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 six 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.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
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. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper 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.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

▫General Information .................. 116
 Voice Command — If Equipped ........... 116
▫ Voice Command System Operation ........ 116
▫ Commands ........................ 118
▫ Voice Training ...................... 121
 Seats .............................. 121
▫ Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ...... 122
▫ Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped ..... 123
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ............. 124
▫ Eight-Way Power Seats — If Equipped ..... 127
▫ Power Lumbar — If Equipped ........... 128
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 129
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .......... 131▫
40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped . . . 131
 Driver Memory Seat — If Equipped ........ 132
▫ Setting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory ................ 133
▫ Memory Position Recall ................ 134
▫ To Disable a RKE Transmitter Linked To
Memory ........................... 134
▫ Self-Limiting Control .................. 135
▫ Driver Easy Exit And Easy Entry Control . . . 135
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 136
 Lights ............................. 138
▫ Headlights ......................... 139
▫ Automatic Headlights ................. 139
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 140
78 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Parking Lights And Panel Lights ......... 140
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 140
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 141
▫ Cargo Light ........................ 142
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 143
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 143
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 143
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 143
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 145
▫ Windshield Wipers ................... 145
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 146
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 147
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 147 
Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ..... 148
▫ Adjustment ........................ 148
 Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 149
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 150
▫ To Activate ......................... 151
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 152
▫ Deactivating Electronic Speed Control ...... 152
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 152
▫ Varying The Speed Setting .............. 152
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 153
 Overhead Console — If Equipped .......... 154
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights .............. 154
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 156
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped .......................... 159
 Power Inverter — If Equipped ............ 160
 Cupholders .......................... 161
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
(40–20–40 Seats) ..................... 161
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Storage Bin ......................... 162
▫ Rear Cupholder — Crew Cab ........... 162
 Storage ............................. 163
▫ Glove Box Storage ................... 163
▫ Door Storage ....................... 165
▫ Center Storage Compartment —
If Equipped ........................ 166 ▫
Seatback Storage ..................... 168
▫ Storage (Regular Cab) ................. 168
▫ Storage And Seats (Crew Cab) ........... 169
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Regular Cab Models) ................. 170
 Rear Window Features .................. 170
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 170
▫ Power Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 171
▫ Manual Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 172
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE