Get SAFETY -> Occupant Restraint Systems Guide for Ram Pickup 1500 Light Truck 2023

280 SAFETY

The system will be activated when a positive increase in

tire pressure is detected by the TPMS while inflating the

tire. The ignition must be in the RUN mode, with the

transmission in PARK.

Trailer Tire Pressure Sensor Pairing

Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TTPMS) — If Equipped

The Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TTPMS) is a

feature that displays the trailer tire pressure values and

warns the driver of a low tire pressure event based on the

driver’s set target tire pressure value, through TTPMS

settings found in the radio.

In order use this feature, the provided tire pressure

sensors must be installed in the desired trailer tires and

the sensors must be paired to the truck. If the target trailer

requires more than the provided four sensors, additional

sensors can be purchased at an authorized Ram

dealership.

NOTE:

It is not required to have the engine running to enter Tire

Fill Alert mode.

With the sensors installed and the trailer near or

connected to your Ram truck, initiate the pairing process

by entering the settings menu in the radio and selecting

trailer. Select the desired trailer profile to pair to, open the

“Tire Pressure” menu, and hit “Setup All Tires”

Ú page 191.

The hazard lamps will come on to confirm the vehicle is in

Tire Fill Alert mode.

The TTPMS monitors the pressure of each tire and warns

the driver through the instrument cluster, when either a

low tire pressure condition falls below 25% of the driver’s

set pressure or if a system malfunction occurs. The

instrument cluster will display the actual tire pressure or

dashes for each of the trailer tires in the correct trailer

position, based on trailer configuration. The TTPMS can

support up to 12 trailer tires per configured trailer on up to

four configurable trailers Ú page 191.

When Tire Fill Alert mode is entered, the tire pressure

display screen will be displayed in the instrument cluster.

If the hazard lamps do not come on while inflating the tire,

the TPMS sensor maybeout of range preventing the TPMS

sensor signal from being received. In this case, the vehicle

may need to be moved either forward or backward slightly

to exit the null spot.

NOTE:

The vehicle may not be driven until the pairing process is

complete.

Operation:

 The horn will sound once to let the user know when to

stop filling the tire, when it reaches recommended

pressure.

 The horn will sound three times if the tire is overfilled

and will continue to sound every five seconds if the

user continues to inflate the tire.

 The horn will sound once again when enough air is let

out to reach proper inflation level.

 The horn will also sound three times if the tire is then

underinflated and will continue to sound every five

seconds if the user continues to deflate the tire.

Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Trailer Tire Pressure Settings

SAFETY 281

Service TTPMS Warning

NOTE:

If the pairing process times out after three minutes of no

communication with a sensor, a double horn chip will

occur indicating the pairing has failed and a message will

display on the radio indicating the process was unsuc-

cessful. Under certain circumstances, the double horn

chirp may continue to happen every three minutes indi-

cating the failed pairing. If this happens, the horn chirping

may be canceled by cycling the ignition button OFF and

then back to RUN position.

If a system fault is detected, the instrument cluster will

display a “Trailer Tire Pressure System Service Required”

message for a minimum of five seconds.

Once the system fault is corrected the "Trailer Tire

Pressure System Service Required" message will no

longer be displayed. The vehicle may need to be driven for

up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the

TTPMS to receive the trailer tire pressure information.

Trailer Tire Pressure System Not Configured

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low Pressure Warnings

A “Trailer Tire Pressure System Not Configured” message

will be displayed in the instrument cluster on the TTPMS

instrument cluster graphic when a trailer number is

selected that has not had trailer tire pressure sensors

paired. To correct this condition, see Ú page 191.

When a tire pressure low in one or more of the active road

tires is detected, the instrument cluster will display a

message stating “Trailer Tire Pressure Low”.

The instrument cluster will then display the TTPMS graphic

showing the pressure values of each tire with the low tire

pressure values in a different color.

Trailer Tire Pressure Pairing

Follow the on screen prompts to select the number of

axles (1-3), the number of trailer tires (2, 4, 6, 8, or 12),

and the set trailer tire pressure. The range is selectable

anywhere between 25-125 psi (172-862 kPa).

Trailer Sensors Detected Do Not Match Active Trailer

6

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible

and inflate the tires with a low pressure condition (those in

a different color in the instrument cluster graphic) to the

customer programmed target tire pressure value as

shown at the top of the TTPMS instrument cluster graphic.

Once the tire(s) are inflated, the system will automatically

update the graphic display in the instrument cluster,

returning to its original color. The vehicle may need to be

driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in

order for the TTPMS to receive the updated information.

The “Trailer Sensors Detected Do Not Match Active

Trailer” message will be displayed in the instrument

cluster when the trailer sensors being received by the

TTPMS module do not match the trailer sensors paired to

the current trailer number selected. This message will be

displayed when the sensors being received completely

match the sensors paired to another trailer number

configured in the TTPMS module.

Once psi (kPa) is programmed, the pairing screen

appears. Tire sensors must be paired in order shown.

Starting with Tire 1, deflate tire by 5 psi (34 kPa) and wait

for a horn chirp. It may take up to three minutes for the

chirp to occur, indicating that the sensor has paired.

Repeat process on each tire, in order, until complete.

Do not exit the pairing screen until process is complete.

If pairing was unsuccessful, a double horn chirp will

sound, and a prompt on the touchscreen will allow you to

retry the procedure; “Retry” will only appear when setup

fails. Each tire must be successfully paired during a single

pairing process to receive the success screen.

To correct this condition, the correct trailer number must

be selected in the radio Ú page 191.

282 SAFETY

3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a rear-facing

child restraint) must ride in the front passenger seat,

move the seat as far back as possible and use the

proper child restraint Ú page 298.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

WARNING!

Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle

are the restraint systems:

 Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can

cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or

younger, including a child in a rear-facing child

restraint.

4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind

them or under their arm.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

FEATURES

5. You should read the instructions provided with your

child restraint to make sure that you are using it

properly.

 Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child

restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have

a rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child

restraint in that vehicle.

 Seat Belt Systems

 Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags

 Child Restraints

6. All occupants should always wear their lap and

shoulder belts properly.

Some of the safety features described in this section may

be standard equipment on some models, or may be

optional equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask an

authorized dealer.

7. The driver and front passenger seats should be

moved back as far as practical to allow the front air

bags room to inflate.

SEAT BELT SYSTEMS

8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle

has side air bags, and deployment occurs, the side air

bags will inflate forcefully into the space between

occupants and the door and occupants could be

injured.

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even

on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver

and could cause a collision that includes you. This can

happen far away from home or on your own street.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please pay close attention to the information in this

section. It tells you how to use your restraint system

properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as

possible.

Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they

can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some

of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from

the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection

and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the

vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all

times.

9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be

modified to accommodate a disabled person, see

Ú page 398 for customer service contact

information.

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the

risk of harm from a deploying air bag:

1. Children 12 years old and under should always

ride buckled up in the rear seat of a vehicle with

a rear seat.

2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat

belt properly mustbe secured in the appropriate child

restraint or belt-positioning booster seat in a rear

seating position Ú page 298.

SAFETY 283

The BeltAlert warning sequence may repeat based on

vehicle speed until the driver and occupied outboard front

seat passenger seat belts are buckled. The driver should

instruct all occupants to buckle their seat belts.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert)

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with lap/

shoulder belts.

Driver And Passenger BeltAlert — If Equipped

The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during very

sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the

shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely with you

under normal conditions. However, in a collision the seat

belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of

the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle.

BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the

driver and outboard front seat passenger (if

equipped with outboard front passenger seat

BeltAlert) to buckle their seat belts. The

Change Of Status

If the driver or outboard front seat passenger

(if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert)

unbuckles their seat belt while the vehicle is traveling, the

BeltAlert warning sequence will begin until the seat belts

are buckled again.

BeltAlert feature is active whenever the ignition switch is

in the START or ON/RUN position.

Initial Indication

WARNING!

The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not active

when the outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.

BeltAlert may be triggered when an animal or other items

are placed on the outboard front passenger seat or when

the seat is folded flat(if equipped). It is recommended that

pets be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet

harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts,

and cargo is properly stowed.

If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in

the START or ON/RUN position, a chime will signal for a

few seconds. If the driver or outboard front seat passenger

(if equipped with outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert)

is unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in the START

or ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn

on and remain on until both outboard front seat belts are

buckled. The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is

not active when an outboard front passenger seat is

unoccupied.

 Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more

severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with

your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some colli-

sions, the air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear

your seat belt even though you have air bags.

6

 In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer

much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled

up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other

passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle.

Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are

buckled up properly.

BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an authorized

dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend deactivating

BeltAlert.

BeltAlert Warning Sequence

NOTE:

The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when the

vehicle is moving above a specified vehicle speed range

and the driver or outboard front seat passenger is

unbuckled (if equipped with outboard front passenger

seat BeltAlert) (the outboard front passenger seat

BeltAlert is not active when the outboard front passenger

seat is unoccupied). The BeltAlert warning sequence

starts by blinking the Seat Belt Reminder Light and

sounding an intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert

warning sequence has completed, the Seat Belt Reminder

Light will remain on until the seat belts are buckled.

If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or

outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with outboard

front passenger seat BeltAlert) is unbuckled the Seat Belt

Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the driver

and outboard front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.

 It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or

outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in

these areas are more likely to be seriously injured

or killed.

(Continued)

284 SAFETY

WARNING!

 Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle

that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.

 A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of injury

in a collision. The seat belt forces won’t be at the

strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your

abdomen. Always wear the lap part of your seat belt

as low as possible and keep it snug.

 A seat belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous.

Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the

vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck

injury. A seat belt worn under the arm can cause

internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder

bones. Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that

your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.

 Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and

using a seat belt properly. Occupants, including the

driver, should always wear their seat belts whether or

not an air bag is also provided at their seating posi-

tion to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in

the event of a crash.

 A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly. In a

collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the seat

belt is flat against your body, without twists. If you

can’t straighten a seat belt in your vehicle, take it to

an authorized dealer immediately and have it fixed.

 A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you

from injury during a collision. You are more likely to

hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your

shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to

be used together.

 Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your

injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer

internal injuries, or you could even slide out of the

seat belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat

belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.

 A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will

not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride

too high on your body, possibly causing internal inju-

ries. Always buckle your seat belt into the buckle

nearest you.

 A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a collision

and leave you with no protection. Inspect the seat

belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or

loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced imme-

diately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat belt

system. If your vehicle is involved in a collision, or if

you have questions regarding seat belt or retractor

conditions, take your vehicle to an authorized FCA

dealer or authorized FCA Certified Collision Care

Program facility for inspection.

 Two people should never be belted into a single seat

belt. People belted together can crash into one

another in a collision, hurting one another badly.

Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more

than one person, no matter what their size.

 A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you prop-

erly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far

forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear

your seat belt snugly.

(Continued)

SAFETY 285

5. Position the shoulder belt across the shoulder and

chest with minimal, if any slack so that it is

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and

adjust the seat.

comfortable and not resting on your neck. The

retractor will withdraw any slack in the shoulder belt.

2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front

seat, and next to your arm in the rear seat (for

vehicles equipped with a rear seat). Grab the latch

plate and pull out the seat belt. Slide the latch plate

up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat

belt to go around your lap.

6. To release the seat belt, push the red button on the

buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract to its

stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate

down the webbing to allow the seat belt to retract

fully.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/

shoulder belt.

Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle

4. Position the lap belt so that it is snug and lies low

across your hips, below your abdomen. To remove

slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder

belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch

plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug seat belt

reduces the risk of sliding under the seat belt in a

collision.

1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the

anchor point.

2. At about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the

latch plate, grab and twist the seat belt webbing

180 degrees to create a fold that begins immediately

above the latch plate.

6

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.

The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of

the latch plate.

Pulling Out The Latch Plate

4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the

folded webbing and the seat belt is no longer twisted.

3. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the

latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”

Positioning The Lap Belt

286 SAFETY

NOTE:

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

Seat Belt Extender

The adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage is equipped

with an Easy Up feature. This feature allows the shoulder

belt anchorage to be adjusted in the upward position

without pushing or squeezing the release button. To verify

the shoulder belt anchorage is latched, pull downward on

the shoulder belt anchorage until it is locked into position.

In the driver and outboard front passenger seats, the top

of the shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward

to position the seat belt away from your neck. Push or

squeeze the anchorage button to release the anchorage,

and move it up or down to the position that serves you

best.

If a seat belt is not long enough to fit properly, even when

the webbing is fully extended and the adjustable upper

shoulder belt anchorage (if equipped) is in its lowest

position, an authorized dealer can provide you with a Seat

Belt Extender. The Seat Belt Extender should be used only

if the existing seat belt is not long enough. When the Seat

Belt Extender is not required for a different occupant, it

must be removed.

WARNING!

 Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your

injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer

internal injuries, or you could even slide out of the

seat belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat

belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.

WARNING!

 ONLY use a Seat Belt Extender if it is physically

required in order to properly fit the original seat belt

system. DO NOT USE the Seat Belt Extender if, when

worn, the distance between the front edge of the

Seat Belt Extender buckle and the center of the occu-

pant’s body is LESS than 6 inches.

 Position the shoulder belt across the shoulder and

chest with minimal, if any slack so that it is comfort-

able and not resting on your neck. The retractor will

withdraw any slack in the shoulder belt.

 Using a Seat Belt Extender when not needed can

increase the risk of serious injury or death in a

collision. Only use the Seat Belt Extender when the

lap belt is not long enough and only use in the

recommended seating positions. Remove and store

the Seat Belt Extender when not needed.

 Misadjustment of the seat belt could reduce the

effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.

Adjustable Anchorage

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will prefer

the shoulder belt anchorage in a lower position, and if you

are taller than average, you will prefer the shoulder belt

anchorage in a higher position. After you release the

anchorage button, try to move it up or down to make sure

that it is locked in position.

 Always make all seat belt height adjustments when

the vehicle is stationary.

SAFETY 287

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat Belt Pretensioner

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors

(ALR)

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are

equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

(ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint system

Ú page 306. The figure below illustrates the locking

feature for each seating position.

The front outboard seat belt system is equipped with

pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack

from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices

may improve the performance of the seat beltby removing

slack from the seat belt 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 Restraint

Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the pretensioners are

single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed

air bag must be replaced immediately.

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including

pregnant women: the risk of injury in the event of an

accident is reduced for the mother and the unborn child if

they are wearing a seat belt.

6

Energy Management Feature

The front outboard seat belt system is equipped with an

Energy Management feature that may help further reduce

the risk of injury in the event of a collision. The seat belt

system has a retractor assembly that is designed to

release webbing in a controlled manner.

Position the lap belt snug and low below the abdomen and

across the strong bones of the hips. Place the shoulder

belt across the chest and away from the neck. Never place

the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.

Automatic Locking Retractor — (ALR) Locations (All Models)

If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR

and is being used for normal usage, only pull the seat belt

webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the

occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the

ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound as the seat

belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in

this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of

webbing necessary to comfortably wrap around the

occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the

buckle until you hear a "click"

288 SAFETY

In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode

The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a

collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

monitors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring

associated with the electrical Air Bag System

Components. Your vehicle may be equipped with the

following Air Bag System Components:

automatically pre-locked. The seat belt will still retract to

remove any slack in the shoulder belt. Use the Automatic

Locking Mode anytime a child restraint is installed in a

seating position that has a seat belt with this feature.

Children 12 years old and under should always be properly

restrained in the rear seat of a vehicle with a rear seat.

Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it

to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking

Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency)

locking mode.

WARNING!

Air Bag System Components

 The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the

switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

feature or any other seat belt function is not working

properly when checked according to the procedures

in the Service Manual.

 Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

WARNING!

 Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can

cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or

younger, including a child in a rear-facing child

restraint.

 Air Bag Warning Light

 Steering Wheel and Column

 Instrument Panel

 Failure to replace the seat belt assembly could

increase the risk of injury in collisions.

 Knee Impact Bolsters

 Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags

 Seat Belt Buckle Switch

 Supplemental Side Air Bags

 Front and Side Impact Sensors

 Seat Belt Pretensioners

 Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child

restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have

a rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child

restraint in that vehicle.

 Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to restrain

occupants who are wearing the seat belt or children

who are using booster seats. Thelocked mode is only

used to install rear-facing or forward-facing child

restraints that have a harness for restraining the

child.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

 Seat Track Position Sensors

 Occupant Classification System

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

(SRS)

Some of the safety features described in this section may

be standard equipment on some models, or may be

optional equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask an

authorized dealer.

2. Grab the shoulder portion and pull downward until

the entire seat belt is extracted.

Air Bag Warning Light

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

monitors the readiness of the electronic parts

of the air bag system whenever the ignition

switch is in the START or ON/RUN position.

If the ignition switch is in the OFF position or in the ACC

position, the air bag system is not on and the air bags will

not inflate.

3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts,

you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the seat

belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

SAFETY 289

The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may

deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power

or it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.

NOTE:

Front Air Bags

If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine related

gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller

(ORC) may also be disabled. In this condition the air bags

may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an

authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.

This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder belts for

both the driver and front passenger. The front air bags are

a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver

front air bag is mounted in the center of the steering

wheel. The passenger front air bag is mounted in the

instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The

words “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air

bag covers.

The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the

instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds

for a self-check when the ignition switch is first in the

ON/RUN position. After theself-check, the Air Bag Warning

Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any

part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light,

either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will

sound to alert you if the light comes on again after initial

startup.

WARNING!

Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument

panel could mean you won’t have the air bag system 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 air bag

system immediately.

The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the

instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is

detected that could affect the air bag system. The

diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction.

While the air bag system is designed to be maintenance

free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized

dealer service the air bag system immediately.

6

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light

If a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light is

detected, which could affect the Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS), the Redundant Air Bag

 The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the

four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first in

the ON/RUN position.

Warning Light will illuminate on the instrument

Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations

panel. The Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay on

until the fault is cleared. In addition, a single chime will

sound to alert you that the Redundant Air Bag Warning

Light has come on and a fault has been detected. If the

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently

or remains on while driving have an authorized dealer

service the vehicle immediately Ú page 107.

 The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to

eight-second interval.

1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags

2 — Driver And Passenger Knee Impact Bolsters

 The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or

remains on while driving.

290 SAFETY

This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front

passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether

the driver or front passenger seat belt is buckled. The seat

belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the

Advanced Front Air Bags.

Front Air Bag Operation

Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional

WARNING!

 Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument

panel during front air bag deployment could cause

serious injury, including death. Air bags need room to

inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to

reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.

protection by supplementing the seat belts. Front air bags

are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side,

or rollover collisions. The front air bags 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.

This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front

passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the

inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon

seat position.

 Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can

cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or

younger, including a child in a rear-facing child

restraint.

On the other hand, depending on the type and location of

impact, front air bags may deploy in crashes with little

vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial

deceleration.

This vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger

Occupant Classification System (“OCS”) that is designed

to provide Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag output

appropriate to the occupant’s seated weight input, as

determined by the OCS.

Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration

over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are

not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should

have deployed.

 Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child

restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have

a rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child

restraint in that vehicle.

WARNING!

 No objects should be placed over or near the air bag

on the instrument panel or steering wheel because

any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in

a collision severe enough to cause the air bag to

inflate.

Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all

collisions, and also are needed to help keep you in

position, away from an inflating air bag.

Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag

Features

The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver

and front passenger air bags. This system provides output

appropriate to the severity and type of collision as

determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC),

which may receive information from the front impact

sensors (if equipped) or other system components.

When the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) detects a

collision requiring the front air bags, it signals the inflator

units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to

inflate the front air bags.

 Do not put anything on or around the air bag covers

or attempt to open them manually. You may damage

the air bags and you could be injured because the air

bags may no longer be functional. The protective

covers for the air bag cushions are designed to open

only when the air bags are inflating.

The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper

passenger side of the instrument panel separate and fold

out of the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The

front air bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink

your eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate while

helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.

The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an

impact that requires air bag deployment. A low energy

output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy

output is used for more severe collisions.

 Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more

severe injuries in a collision. The air bags work with

your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some colli-

sions, air bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your

seat belts even though you have air bags.

SAFETY 291

Occupant Classification Module (OCM) And Sensor

The OCS will NOT prevent deployment of the Passenger

Advanced Front Air Bag. The OCS may reduce the inflation

rate of the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag if the OCS

estimates that:

Occupant Classification System (OCS) —

Front Passenger Seat

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is part of a

Federally regulated safety system for this vehicle. It is

designed to provide Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag

output appropriate to the occupant’s seated weight, as

determined by the OCS.

The Occupant Classification Module (OCM) is located

underneath the front passenger seat. The Sensor is

located beneath the passenger seat cushion foam.

Any weight on the seat will be sensed by the Sensor.

The OCM uses input from the Sensor to determine the

front passenger’s most probable classification. The OCM

communicates this information to the ORC. The ORC may

reduce the inflation rate of the Passenger Advanced Front

Air Bag deployment based on occupant classification. In

order for the OCS to operate as designed, it is important

for the front passenger to be seated properly and properly

wearing the seat belt.

 The front passenger seat is unoccupied or has very

light objects on it; or

 The front passenger seat is occupied by a small

passenger, including a child; or

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) consists of the

following:

 The front passenger seat is occupied by a rear-facing

child restraint; or

 Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

 The front passenger is not properly seated or his or her

weight is taken off of the seat for a period of time.

 Occupant Classification Module (OCM) and Sensor

located in the front passenger seat

 Air Bag Warning Light

6

Front Passenger Seat Occupant Status

Rear-facing child restraint

Front Passenger Air Bag Output

Reduced-power deployment

Child, including a child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat*

Reduced-power deployment OR full-power deployment

Properly seated adult

Unoccupied seat

Full-power deployment OR reduced-power deployment

Reduced-power deployment

* It is possible for a child to be classified as an adult, allowing a full-power Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag deployment. Never allow children to ride in the front passenger seat and

never install a child restraint system, including a rear-facing child restraint, in the front passenger seat.

292 SAFETY

 Sitting in the center of the seat with their feet comfort-

ably on or near the floor

This does not mean that the OCS is working improperly.

Decreasing the front passenger’s seated weight on the

front passenger seat may result in a reduced-power

deployment of the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag.

Increasing the front passenger’s seated weight on the

front passenger seat may result in a full-power

WARNING!

 Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can

cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years

or younger, including a child in a rear-facing

child restraint.

 Sitting with their back against the seatback and the

seatback in an upright position

deployment of the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag.

Examples of improper front passenger seating include:

 Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child

restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have

a rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child

restraint in that vehicle.

 The front passenger’s weight is transferred to another

part of thevehicle (likethe door, arm rest or instrument

panel).

 The front passenger leans forward, sideways, or turns

to face the rear of the vehicle.

 Children 12 years or younger should always ride

buckled up in the rear seat of a vehicle with a

rear seat.

 The front passenger’s seatback is not in the full upright

position.

Seated Properly

 The front passenger carries or holds an object while

seated (e.g., backpack, box, etc.).

The OCS determines the front passenger’s most probable

classification.TheOCS estimates the seated weight on the

front passenger seat and where that weightis located. The

OCS communicates the classification status to the ORC.

The ORC uses the classification to determine whether the

Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag inflation rate should be

adjusted.

Lighter Weight Passengers (Including Small Adults)

 Objects are lodged under the front passenger seat.

When a lighter weight passenger, including a small adult,

occupies the front passenger seat, the OCS may reduce

the inflation rate of the Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag.

This does not mean that the OCS is working improperly.

 Objects are lodged between the front passenger seat

and center console.

 Accessories that may change the seated weight on the

front passenger seat are attached to the front

passenger seat.

Do not decrease OR increasethefrontpassenger’s seated

weight on the front passenger seat

In order for the OCS to operate as designed, it is important

for the front passenger to be seated properly and properly

wearing the seat belt. Properly seated passengers are:

 Anything that may decrease or increase the front

passenger’s seated weight.

The front passenger’s seated weight must be properly

positioned on the front passenger seat. Failure to do so

may result in serious injury or death. The OCS determines

the most probable classification of the occupant that it

detects. The OCS will detect the front passenger’s

decreased or increased seated weight, which may result in

an adjusted inflation rate of the Passenger Advanced

Front Air Bag in a collision.

 Sitting upright

 Facing forward

SAFETY 293

The OCS determines the front passenger’s most probable

classification. If an occupant in the front passenger seat is

seated improperly, the occupant may provide an output

signal to the OCS that is different from the occupant’s

properly seated weight input, for example:

WARNING!

 If a child restraint system, child, small teenager or

adult in the front passenger seat is seated improp-

erly, the occupant may provide an output signal to

the OCS that is differentfrom the occupant’s properly

seated weight input. This may result in serious injury

or death in a collision.

 Always wear your seat belt and sit properly, with the

seatback in an upright position, your back against

the seatback, sitting upright, facing forward, in the

center of the seat, with your feet comfortably on or

near the floor.

Not Seated Properly

 Do not carry or hold any objects (e.g., backpacks,

boxes, etc.) while seated in the front passenger seat.

Holding an object may provide an output signal tothe

OCS that is different than the occupant’s properly

seated weight input, which may result in serious

injury or death in a collision.

Not Seated Properly

6

 Placing an object on the floor under the front

passenger seat may prevent the OCS from working

properly, which may result in serious injury or death

in a collision. Do not place any objects on the floor

under the front passenger seat.

Not Seated Properly

294 SAFETY

 Do not replace the seat cover or cushion with an after-

market seat cover or cushion.

Knee Impact Bolsters

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the

driver and front passenger, and position the front

occupants for improved interaction with the front air bags.

The Air Bag Warning Light

in the instrument panel will

turn on whenever the OCS is unable to classify the front

passenger seat status. A malfunction in the OCS may

affect the operation of the air bag system.

 Do not add a secondary seat cover or mat.

 At no time should any Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) component or SRS related component or

fastener be modified or replaced with any part except

those which are approved by FCA US LLC.

If the Air Bag Warning Light

does not come on, or stays

WARNING!

on after you start the vehicle, or it comes on as you drive,

take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for service

immediately.

 Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact

bolsters in any way.

WARNING!

The passenger seat assembly contains critical OCS

components that may affect the Passenger Advanced

Front Air Bag inflation. In order for the OCS to properly

classify the seated weight of a front seat passenger, the

OCS components must function as designed. Do not make

any modifications to the front passenger seat

components, assembly, or to the seat cover. If the seat,

trim cover, or cushion needs service for any reason, take

the vehicle to an authorized dealer. Only FCA US LLC

approved seat accessories may be used.

 Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact

bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band

radios, etc.

 Unapproved modifications or service procedures to

the passenger seat assembly, its related compo-

nents, seat cover or cushion may inadvertently

change the air bag deployment in case of a frontal

collision. This could result in death or serious injury

to the front passenger if the vehicle is involved in a

collision. A modified vehicle may not comply with

required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

(FMVSS) and/or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards (CMVSS).

Supplemental Side Air Bags

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted

Side Air Bags (SABs).

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs) are

located in the outboard side of the front seats. The SABs

are marked with “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or

on the seat trim on the outboard side of the seats.

The following requirements must be strictly followed:

 If it is necessary to modify the air bag system

for persons with disabilities, contact an authorized

dealer.

 Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or

components in any way.

 Do not use prior or future model year seat covers or

cushions not designated by FCA US LLC for the specific

model being repaired. Always use the correct seat

cover and cushion specified for the vehicle.

The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occupant injury

during certain side impacts, in addition to the injury

reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body

structure.

SAFETY 295

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs)

are located above the side windows. The trim covering the

SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”

WARNING!

 Do not mount equipment, or stack luggage or other

cargo up high enough to block the deployment of the

SABICs. The trim covering above the side windows

where the SABIC and its deployment path are located

should remain free from any obstructions.

 In order for the SABICs to work as intended, do not

install any accessory items in your vehicle which

could alter the roof. Do not add an aftermarket

sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that

require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for

installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the

roof of the vehicle for any reason.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label

When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on the outboard

side of the seatback’s trim cover. The inflating SAB

deploys through theseat seam into the space between the

occupant and the door. The SAB moves at a very high

speed and with such a high force that it could injure

occupants if they are not seated properly, or if items are

positioned in the area where the SAB inflates. Children are

at an even greater risk of injury from a deploying air bag.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Label

Location

Side Impacts

6

The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in certain side

impacts. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

determines whether the deployment of the Side Air Bags

in a particular impact event is appropriate, based on the

severity and type of collision. The side impact sensors aid

the ORC in determining the appropriate response to

impact events. The system is calibrated to deploy the Side

Air Bags on the impact side of the vehicle during impacts

that require Side Air Bag occupant protection. In side

impacts, the Side Air Bags deploy independently; a left

side impact deploys the left Side Air Bags only and a

right-side impact deploys the right Side Air Bags only.

Vehicle damage by itself is not a good indicator of whether

or not Side Air Bags should have deployed.

SABICs mayhelp reducetherisk of head and other injuries

to front and rear seat outboard occupants in certain side

impacts, in addition to the injury reduction potential

provided by the seat belts and body structure.

WARNING!

The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side windows.

An inflating SABIC pushes the outside edge of the

headliner out of the way and covers the window. The

SABICs inflate with enough force to injure occupants if

they are not belted and seated properly, or if items are

positioned in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children

are at an even greater risk of injury from a deploying air

bag.

Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects

between you and the Side Air Bags; the performance

could be adversely affected and/or objects could be

pushed into you, causing serious injury.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs)

This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag

Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).

The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete

ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in

certain side impact events.

296 SAFETY

The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side collisions,

including some collisions at certain angles, or some side

collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger

compartment. The Side Air Bags may deploy during angled

or offset frontal collisions where the front air bags deploy.

In the event the vehicle experiences a rollover or near

rollover event, and deployment is appropriate, the rollover

sensing system will deploy the side air bags and seat belt

pretensioners on both sides of the vehicle.

WARNING!

 Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door or window. Sit upright in the center

of the seat.

The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete

ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in

certain rollover or side impact events.

Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt restraint

system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time than it takes to

blink your eyes.

 Being too close to the Side Air Bags during deploy-

ment could cause you to be severely injured or killed.

Air Bag System Components

NOTE:

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors the

internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated

with electrical Air Bag System Components listed below:

 Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could lead to more

severe injuries in a collision. The Side Air Bags work

with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some

collisions, Side Air Bags won’t deploy at all. Always

wear your seat belt even though you have Side

Air Bags.

WARNING!

 Occupants, including children, who are up against or

very close to Side Air Bags can be seriously injured or

killed. Occupants, including children, should never

lean on or sleep against the door, side windows, or

area where the side air bags inflate, even if they are

in an infant or child restraint.

 Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

 Air Bag Warning Light

NOTE:

 Steering Wheel and Column

 Instrument Panel

Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but

they will open during air bag deployment.

 Seat belts (and child restraints where appropriate)

are necessary for your protection in all collisions.

They also help keep you in position, away from an

inflating Side Air Bag. To get the best protection from

the Side Air Bags, occupants must wear their seat

belts properly and sit upright with their backs against

the seats. Children must be properly restrained in a

child restraint or booster seat that is appropriate for

the size of the child.

Rollover Events

 Knee Impact Bolsters

Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners are designed to

activate in certain rollover events. The Occupant Restraint

Controller (ORC) determines whether deployment in a

particular rollover event is appropriate, based on the

severity and type of collision. Vehicle damage by itself is

not a good indicator of whether or not Side Air Bags and

seat belt pretensioners should have deployed.

 Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags

 Seat Belt Buckle Switch

 Supplemental Side Air Bags

 Front and Side Impact Sensors

 Seat Belt Pretensioners

 Seat Track Position Sensors

 Occupant Classification System

The Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners will not

deploy in all rollover events. The rollover sensing system

determines if a rollover event may be in progress and

whether deployment is appropriate.

SAFETY 297

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have deployed.

If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will not

be in place to protect you.

 Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as

the battery has power or for 15 minutes from the inter-

vention of the Enhanced Accident Response System

If A Deployment Occurs

The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately

after deployment.

 Unlock the power door locks

NOTE:

WARNING!

Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any of these

other functions in response to the Enhanced Accident

Response System:

Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all collisions.

This does not mean something is wrong with the air bag

system.

Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot

protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat

belt pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor

assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer

immediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint

Controller System serviced as well.

 Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC Blower

Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door

If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any

or all of the following may occur:

 Cut off battery power to the:

 Engine

 The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions

and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the air bags

deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction

ropeburns or thoseyou mightget 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 signifi-

cantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering,

see your doctor immediately.

 Electric Motor (if equipped)

 Electric power steering

 Brake booster

NOTE:

 Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,

but they will open during air bag deployment.

 After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an

authorized dealer immediately.

 Electric park brake

 Automatic transmission gear selector

 Horn

6

Enhanced Accident Response System

 As the air bags 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 air

bag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the

skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irrita-

tion, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat

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.

In the event of an impact, if the communication network

remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending

on the nature of the event, the Occupant Restraint

Controller (ORC) will determine whether to have the

Enhanced Accident Response System perform the

following functions:

 Front wiper

 Headlight washer pump (if equipped)

NOTE:

After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to the

STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key from the

ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Carefully

check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine compartment

and on the ground near the engine compartment and fuel

tank before resetting the system and starting the engine.

If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle elec-

trical devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset the

system by following the procedure described below. If you

have any doubt, contact an authorized dealer.

 Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)

 Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if equipped)

 Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power

298 SAFETY

These data can help provide a better understanding of the

circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

Enhanced Accident Response System

Reset Procedure

WARNING!

 Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag

system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or may

not function properly if modifications are made. Take

your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any air bag

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 an authorized

dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accesso-

ries may be used. If it is necessary to modify the air

bag system for persons with disabilities, contact an

authorized dealer.

NOTE:

In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System

functions after an event, the ignition switch must be

changed from ignition START or ON/RUN to ignition OFF.

Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine

compartment and on the ground near the engine

compartment and fuel tank before resetting the system

and starting the engine. After an accident, if the vehicle

will not start after performing the reset procedure, the

vehicle must be towed to an authorized dealer to be

inspected and to have the Enhanced Accident Response

System reset.

EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial

crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR

under normal driving conditions and no personal data

(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded.

However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could

combine the EDR data with the type of personally identi-

fying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is

required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed.

In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties,

such as law enforcement, that have the special

equipment, can read the information if they have access

to the vehicle or the EDR.

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

WARNING!

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 performed. 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:

CHILD RESTRAINTS

 Modifications to any part of the air bag system could

cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured

if the air bag system is 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 passenger side of

the instrument panel. Do not modify the front fascia/

bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket

side steps or running boards.

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all

times, including babies and children. Every state in the

United States, and every Canadian province, requires that

small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the

law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

Children 12 years or 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.

 How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

 It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air bag

system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on

your vehicle that it has an air bag system.

 Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts

were buckled/fastened;

 How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the acceler-

ator and/or brake pedal; and,

(Continued)

 How fast the vehicle was traveling.

SAFETY 299

There are different sizes and types of restraints for

children from newborn size to the child almost large

enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child

seat Owner’s Manual to make sure you have the correct

seat for your child. Carefully read and follow all the

instructions and warnings in the child restraint Owner’s

Manual and on all the labels attached to the child

restraint.

Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has

a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety

Standards. You should also make sure that you can install

it in the vehicle where you will use it.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child can become a

projectile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold

even an infant on your lap could become so great that

you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you

are. The child and others could be badly injured or

killed. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a

proper restraint for the child’s size.

NOTE:

 For additional information, refer to http://

www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers or call:

1–888–327–4236

 Canadian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s

website for additional information: https://

www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/

child-car-seat-safety.html

Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles

Child Size, Height, Weight Or Age

Recommended Type Of Child Restraint

Children who are two years old or younger and who have

not reached the height or weight limits of their child

restraint

6

Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible Child Restraint,

facing rearward in a rear seat of the vehicle

Infants and Toddlers

Small Children

Children who are at least two years old or who have

outgrown the height or weight limit of their rear-facing

child restraint

Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a five-point Harness,

facing forward in a rear seat of the vehicle

Children who have outgrown their forward-facing child

restraint, but are too small to properly fit the vehicle’s

seat belt

Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle seat belt,

seated in a rear seat of the vehicle

Larger Children

Children 12 years old or younger, who have outgrown the

height or weight limit of their booster seat

Children Too Large for Child Restraints

Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in a rear seat of the vehicle

300 SAFETY

convertible child seat. Children should remain in a

forward-facing child seat with a harness for as long as

possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the

child seat.

Infant And Child Restraints

WARNING!

Safety experts recommend thatchildren ride rear-facing in

the vehicle until they are two years old or until they reach

either the height or weight limit of their rear-facing child

restraint. Two types of child restraints can be used

rear-facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats.

Do not install a rear-facing car seat using a rear support

leg in this vehicle. The floor of this vehicle is not

designed to manage the crash forces of this type of car

seat. In a crash, the support leg may not function as it

was designed by the car seat manufacturer, and your

child may be more severely injured as a result.

All children whose weight or height is above the

forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a

belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belts

fit properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over the

vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against the

seatback, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat.

The child and belt-positioning booster seat are held in the

vehicle by the seat belt.

The infant carrier is only used rear-facing in the vehicle. It

is recommended for children from birth until they reach

the weight or height limit of the infant carrier. Convertible

child seats can be used either rear-facing or

forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often

have a higher weight limit in the rear-facing direction than

infant carriers do, so they can be used rear-facing by

children who have outgrown their infant carrier but are still

less than at least two years old. Children should remain

rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height

allowed by their convertible child seat.

WARNING!

 Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant

or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision.

The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the

child restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly

when installing an infant or child restraint.

WARNING!

 After a child restraint is installed in the vehicle, do

not move the vehicle seat forward or rearward

because it can loosen the child restraint attach-

ments. Remove the child restraint before adjusting

the vehicle seat position. When the vehicle seat has

been adjusted, reinstall the child restraint.

 Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger front air bag can

cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or

younger, including a child in a rear-facing child

restraint.

 Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child

restraint in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have

a rear seat, do not transport a rear-facing child

restraint in that vehicle.

 When your child restraintis not in use, secureit in the

vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH anchorages, or

remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in

the vehicle. In a sudden stop or accident, it could

strike the occupants or seatbacks and cause serious

personal injury.

Older Children And Child Restraints

Children who are two years old or who have outgrown their

rear-facing convertible child seat can ride forward-facing

in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible

child seats used in the forward-facing direction are for

children who are over two years old or who have outgrown

the rear-facing weight or height limit of their rear-facing

SAFETY 301

3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s shoulder

between the neck and arm?

Children Too Large For Booster Seats

WARNING!

Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt

comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over

the front of the seat when their back is against the

seatback, should use the seat belt in a rear seat. Use this

simple 5-step test to decide whether the child can use the

vehicle’s seat belt alone:

Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an

arm or behind their back. In a crash, the shoulder belt

will not protect a child properly, which may result in

serious injury or death. A child must always wear both

the lap and shoulder portions of the seat belt correctly.

4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching

the child’s thighs and not the stomach?

5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If the answer to any of these questions was “no,” then the

child still needs to use a booster seat in this vehicle. If the

child is using the lap/shoulder belt, check seat belt fit

periodically and make sure the seat belt buckle is latched.

A child’s squirming or slouching can move the belt out of

position. If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck,

move the child closer to the center of the vehicle, or use a

booster seat to position the seat belt on the child correctly.

1. Can the child sit all the way back against the back of

the vehicle seat?

2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front

of the vehicle seat while the child is still sitting all the

way back?

Recommendations For Attaching Child Restraints

6

Use Any Attachment Method Shown With An “X” Below

Combined Weight of the

Restraint Type

LATCH – Lower Anchors

LATCH – Lower Anchors +

Top Tether Anchor

Seat Belt + Top Tether

Anchor

Child + Child Restraint

Seat Belt Only

Only

Rear-Facing Child Restraint

Up to 65 lb (29.5 kg)

X

More than 65 lb (29.5 kg)

Forward-Facing Child

Restraint

Up to 65 lb (29.5 kg)

X

Forward-Facing Child

Restraint

More than 65 lb (29.5 kg)

302 SAFETY

Lower Anchors And Tethers For CHildren

(LATCH) Restraint System

LATCH Positions For Installing Child

Restraints In This Vehicle

Crew Cab Full Bench, Quad Cab Full Bench And Quad Cab

60/40 Split Bench LATCH Positions

LATCH Label

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

Your vehicle is equipped with thechild restraint anchorage

system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and

Tethers for CHildren. The LATCH system has three vehicle

anchor points for installing LATCH-equipped child seats.

There are two lower anchorages located at the back of the

seat cushion where it meets the seatback and one top

tether anchorage located behind the seating position.

These anchorages are used to install LATCH-equipped

child seats without using the vehicle’s seat belts. Some

seating positions may have a top tether anchorage but no

lower anchorages. In these seating positions, the seat belt

must be used with the top tether anchorage to install the

child restraint. Please see the following table for more

information.

Crew Cab 60/40 Split Bench LATCH Positions

Lower Anchorage Symbol

(2 Anchorages Per Seating Position)

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

Lower Anchorage Symbol

(2 Anchorages Per Seating Position)

SAFETY 303

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With LATCH

Use the LATCH anchorage system until the combined

What is the weight limit (child’s weight + weight of the child

restraint) for using the LATCH anchorage system to attach

the child restraint?

weight of the child and the child restraint is 65 lb

(29.5 kg). Use the seat belt and tether anchor instead of

the LATCH system once the combined weight is more than

65 lb (29.5 kg).

65 lb (29.5 kg)

Do not use the seat belt when you use the LATCH

anchorage system to attach a rear-facing or forward-facing

child restraint.

Can the LATCH anchorages and the seat belt be used

together to attach a rear-facing or forward-facing child

restraint?

No

Booster seats may be attached to the LATCH anchorages if

allowed by the booster seat manufacturer. See your

booster seat owner’s manual for more information.

Can a child seat be installed in the center position using

the inner LATCH lower anchorages from the outboard

seating positions?

Quad Cab or Crew with Full bench rear seat: Use the seat

belt and tether anchor to install a child seat in the center

seating position.

No

6

Never “share” a LATCH anchorage with two or more child

restraints. If the center position does not have dedicated

LATCH lower anchorages, use the seat belt to install a child

seat in the center position next to a child seat using the

LATCH anchorages in an outboard position.

Can two child restraints be attached using a common

lower LATCH anchorage?

The child seat may touch the back of the front passenger

seat if the child restraint manufacturer also allows

contact. See your child restraint owner’s manual for

more information.

Can the rear-facing child restraint touch the back of the

front passenger seat?

Yes

No

Can the rear head restraints be removed?

Head restraints may not be removed.

304 SAFETY

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will be equipped

with a rigid bar or a flexible strap on each side. Each will

have a hook or connector to attach to the lower anchorage

and a way to tighten the connection to the anchorage.

Forward-facing child restraints and some rear-facing child

restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap. The

tether strap will have a hook at the end to attach to the top

tether anchorage and a way to tighten the strap after it is

attached to the anchorage.

Locating The LATCH Anchorages

Locating The Upper Tether Anchorages

The lower anchorages are round bars that are

found at the rear of the seat cushion where it

meets the seatback, below the anchorage

There are tether strap anchorages located

behind each of the rear seats.

symbols on the seatback. They are just visible

when you lean into the rear seat to install the child

restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger

along the gap between the seatback and seat cushion.

Center Seat LATCH

All Quad Cabs Or Crew Cab Full Bench Rear Seat: No

Lower Center LATCH Anchorages Available

WARNING!

 Do not install a child restraint in the center position

using the LATCH system. This position is not

approved for installing child seats using the LATCH

attachments. You must use the seat belt and tether

anchor to install a child seat in the center seating

position.

Outboard Tether Anchorage

Rear Outboard Seats Driver Side (Example Shown)

 Never use the same lower anchorage to attach more

than one child restraint Ú page 305.

Center Tether Anchorage Over Head Rest

SAFETY 305

Crew Cab Split Bench Rear Seat: Center LATCH

Anchorages Available

1. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the

tether strap of the child seat so that you can more

easily attach the hooks or connectors to the vehicle

anchorages.

How To Stow An Unused Switchable-ALR

(ALR) Seat Belt:

When using the LATCH attaching system to install a child

restraint, stow all ALR seat belts that are not being used

by other occupants or being used to secure child

restraints. An unused belt could injure a child if they play

with it and accidentally lock the seat belt retractor. Before

installing a child restraint using the LATCH system, buckle

the seat belt behind the child restraint and out of the

child’s reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the

child restraint installation, instead of buckling it behind

the child restraint, route the seat belt through the child

restraint belt path and then buckle it. Do not lock the seat

belt. Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts

are not toys and that they should not play with them.

If a child restraint installed in the center position blocks

the seat belt webbing or buckle for the outboard position,

do not use that outboard position. If a child seat in the

center position blocks the outboard LATCH anchors or

seat belt, do not install a child seat in that outboard

position.

2. Place the child seat between the lower anchorages

for that seating position. If the second row seat can

be reclined, you may recline the seat and/or raise the

head restraint (if adjustable) to get a better fit. If the

rear seat can be moved forward and rearward in the

vehicle, you may wish to move it to its rear-most

position to make room for the child seat. You may

also move the front seat forward to allow more room

for the child seat.

WARNING!

Never use the same lower anchorage to attach more

than one child restraint Ú page 305.

3. Attach the lower hooks or connectors of the child

restraint to the lower anchorages in the selected

seating position.

Always follow the directions of the child restraint

manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all

child restraint systems will be installed as described here.

WARNING!

4. If the child restraint has a tether strap, connect it to

the top tether anchorage. See Ú page 308 for

directions to attach a tether anchor.

6

To Install A LATCH-Compatible Child

Restraint

 Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH

anchorages can lead to failure of the restraint. The

child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the child

restraint manufacturer’s directions exactly when

installing an infant or child restraint.

5. Tighten all of the straps as you push the child

restraint rearward and downward into the seat.

Remove slack in the straps according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

If the selected seating position has a Switchable

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt, stow the seat

belt, following the instructions below. See Ú page 306 to

check what type of seat belt each seating position has.

 Child restraintanchorages are designed to withstand

only those loads imposed by correctly-fitted child

restraints. Under no circumstances are they to be

used for adult seat belts, harnesses, or for attaching

other items or equipment to the vehicle.

6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by

pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt

path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)

in any direction.

306 SAFETY

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are

equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

(ALR) that is designed to keep the lap portion of the seat

belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not

necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR retractor can be

“switched” intoa locked mode by pulling all of the webbing

out of the retractor and then letting the webbing retract

back into the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will make a

clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back into the

retractor.

Installing Child Restraints Using The

Vehicle Seat Belt

Child restraint systems are designed to be secured in

vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/

shoulder belt.

Lap/Shoulder Belt Systems For Installing

Child Restraints In This Vehicle

WARNING!

 Improper installation or failure to properly secure a

child restraint can lead to failure of the restraint.

The child could be badly injured or killed.

See the “Automatic Locking Mode” description

Ú page 287 for additional information on ALR.

 Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions

exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.

Please see the table below and the following sections for

more information.

Automatic Locking Retractor — (ALR) Locations (All Models)

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

SAFETY 307

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With Seat Belts

Weight limit of the Child Restraint

What is the weight limit (child’s weight +

weight of the child restraint) for using the

Tether Anchor with the seat belt to attach a

forward-facing child restraint?

Always use the tether anchor when using

the seat belt to install a forward-facing

child restraint, up to the recommended

weight limit of the child restraint.

Contact between the front passenger seat

and the child restraint is allowed, if the

child restraint manufacturer also allows

contact.

Can the rear-facing child restraint touch the

back of the front passenger seat?

Yes

Can the rear head restraints be removed?

No

Head restraints may not be removed.

Can the buckle stalk be twisted to tighten

the seat belt against the belt path of the

child restraint?

Do not twist the buckle stalk in a seating

position with an ALR retractor.

6

308 SAFETY

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

“click.”

Installing A Child Restraint With A

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

(ALR):

Child restraint systems are designed to be secured in

vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/

shoulder belt.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top

Tether Anchorage

4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight

against the child seat.

WARNING!

5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part

of the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt

webbing out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing

to retract back into the retractor. As the webbing

retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This means

the seat belt is now in the Automatic Locking mode.

Do not attach a tether strap for a rear-facing car seat to

any location in front of the car seat, including the seat

frame or a tether anchorage. Only attach the tether

strap of a rear-facing car seat to the tether anchorage

that is approved for that seating position, located

behind the top of the vehicle seat. For the location of

approved tether anchorages in your vehicle, see

Ú page 302.

WARNING!

 Improper installation or failure to properly secure a

child restraint can lead to failure of the restraint.

The child could be badly injured or killed.

6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is

locked, you should not be able to pull out any

webbing. If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.

 Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s directions

exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.

7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the

lap portion around the child restraint while you push

the child restraint rearward and downward into the

vehicle seat.

1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating

position. If the second row seat can be reclined, you

may recline the seat and/or raise the head restraint

(if adjustable) to get a better fit. If the rear seat can

be moved forward and rearward in the vehicle, you

may wish to move it to its rear-most position to make

room for the child seat. You may also move the front

seat forward to allow more room for the child seat.

8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the

seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect

the tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the

tether strap Ú page 308.

WARNING!

9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by

pulling back and forth on the child seat at the belt

path. It should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm)

in any direction.

Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an air

bag. A deploying Passenger Front Air Bag can cause

death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger,

including a child in a rear-facing child restraint.

2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the

retractor to pass it through the belt path of the

child restraint. Do not twist the belt webbing in

the belt path.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the

belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

SAFETY -> Occupant Restraint Systems for Your Ram Pickup 1500 Light Truck 2023

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