light RAM CHASSIS CAB 2011 User Guide

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 front occu-
pants for the best interaction with the Advanced Front
Airbags. Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying airbag:
Children 12 years old and under 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
Advanced Front Airbag. An airbag deployment can
cause severe injury or death to infants in that posi-
tion.
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 should52 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 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, 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 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 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,
based on the collision type and severity. The steering
wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55

instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the
airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in
about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time
it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly
deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front
passenger.
The Advanced 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 front 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. The
Airbag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with 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
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)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder
(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will
assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were operating; 2 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

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
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. Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot well of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
WARNING!Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per-
sonal injury.
• Always make sure that floor mats are properly
attached to the floor mat fasteners.
(Continued)74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ General Information .................. 118
 Voice Command — If Equipped ........... 118
▫ Voice Command System Operation ........ 118
▫ Commands ........................ 119
▫ Voice Training ...................... 122
 Seats .............................. 123
▫ Manual Seat Adjuster — If Equipped ...... 123
▫ Manual Reclining Seats — If Equipped ..... 124
▫ Head Restraints ..................... 126
▫ Power Seats — If Equipped ............. 127
▫ Power Lumbar — If Equipped ........... 130
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ............ 130
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped .......... 133 ▫ 40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped . . . 134
 Driver Memory Seat — If Equipped ........ 134
▫ Setting Memory Positions And Linking RKE
Transmitter To Memory ................ 135
▫ Memory Position Recall ................ 136
▫ To Disable a RKE Transmitter Linked To
Memory ........................... 137
▫ Self-Limiting Control .................. 137
▫ Driver Easy Exit And Easy Entry Control . . . 138
 To Open And Close The Hood ............ 138
 Lights ............................. 140
▫ Headlights ......................... 141
▫ Automatic Headlights ................. 141
▫ Headlight Delay ..................... 14278 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫ Parking Lights And Panel Lights ......... 142
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped .............. 142
▫ Interior Lights ...................... 143
▫ Cargo Light ........................ 144
▫ Lights-On Reminder .................. 144
▫ Battery Saver ....................... 144
▫ Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped .... 145
▫ Multifunction Lever .................. 145
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 146
▫ Windshield Wipers ................... 146
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 147
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 148
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 148  Driver Adjustable Pedals — If Equipped ..... 149
▫ Adjustment ........................ 150
 Heated Steering Wheel — If Equipped ...... 151
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 152
▫ To Activate ......................... 153
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 153
▫ Deactivating Electronic Speed Control ...... 153
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 153
▫ Varying The Speed Setting .............. 154
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 154
 Overhead Console — If Equipped .......... 155
▫ Courtesy/Reading Lights .............. 155
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 1573 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79

 Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped .......................... 160
 Power Inverter — If Equipped ............ 160
 Cupholders .......................... 162
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
(40–20–40 Seats) ..................... 162
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Storage Bin ......................... 163
▫ Rear Cupholder — Crew Cab ........... 163
 Storage ............................. 164
▫ Glove Box Storage ................... 164
▫ Door Storage ....................... 165 ▫ Center Storage Compartment —
If Equipped ........................ 166
▫ Seatback Storage ..................... 168
▫ Storage (Regular Cab) ................. 169
▫ Storage And Seats (Crew Cab) ........... 169
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers
(Regular Cab Models) ................. 170
 Rear Window Features .................. 171
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 171
▫ Power Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 172
▫ Manual Sliding Rear Window —
If Equipped ........................ 17280 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

MIRRORS
Inside Day/Night Mirror
Headlight glare can be reduced by moving the small
control lever under the mirror to the night position (lever
flipped toward the rear of vehicle). The mirror should be adjusted with the lever set in the
day position (lever flipped toward the windshield). The
mirror should be adjusted to center on the view through
the rear window.
Adjusting Rearview Mirror
3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81