run flat RAM CHASSIS CAB 2009 Owners Manual

Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
•AIRBAG Readiness Light
•Driver Airbag
•Passenger Airbag (if equipped)
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Crash Sensor
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Knee Impact Bolsters
•Passenger’s Side Front Airbag ON/OFF Switch (Regu-
lar Cab Vehicles Only ) (if equipped)
How The Airbag System Works
•
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate.
•The ORC will not detect rollover, or rear collisions.
•The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or RUN positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the knee bolsters, the instru-
ment panel, and the steering wheel and column. If the
key is in the OFF position, in the ACC position, or not
in the ignition, the airbags are not on and will not
inflate.
•The ORC also turns on the Airbag Warning Light in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, and then turns the light off.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the car in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or cross a road or a path where water
is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road or path’s surface
and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

When adjusting inflation pressure to a tire and wheel
assembly mounted on a vehicle, use Remote Mount
Automatic Inflation Kit (similar to model number #27-
cc1021234, available from TEAM PSE (PENTASTAR Ser-
vice Equipment-Phone number 1-800-734-4334).
NOTE:Never attempt to re-inflate a tire and wheel
assembly which has been run flat or is extremely under-
inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel
assembly for inspection.
Personnel trained, supervised, and equipped according
to Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administra-
tion (OSHA) should perform this work. Inflation Pressure Adjustment When Not Mounted to
Vehicle
When adjusting inflation pressure to a tire and wheel
assembly not mounted on a vehicle, use a Remote Mount
Automatic Inflation Kit and a Tire Inflation Cage similar
to model number #174-2240 available from TEAM PSE
(PENTASTAR Service Equipment – 1-800-223-5623).
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high-speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
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