Dodge 2500-3500 (Diesel) (2006 year). Instruction — part 3

WARNING!

•

Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt
to instructionly open them. You may damage the airbags and you
could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect
you. These protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.

•

Do not mount any aftermarket equipment such as trailer brake
controllers, snowplow controllers, auxiliary light switches, ra-
dios, etc. on or behind the knee bolster. Knee bolsters are
designed to work with the air bag and seat belt to protect you.
Mounting any additional equipment on or behind the knee
bolster can cause injury during a crash.

•

If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not stack
luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of
the window bag. The area where the window bag is located
should remain free from any obstructions.

•

If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not have any
accessory items installed which will alter the roof, including
adding a 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.

Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along
with the seatbelts, front airbags work with the instrument
panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection for
the driver and front passenger. Window bags also work
with seat belts to improve occupant protection.

The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is so equipped,
the window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is
triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain
types of collisions, both the front and side airbags may be
triggered. But even in collisions where the airbags work,
you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position
for the airbags to protect you properly.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some simple steps you can follow to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.

• Children 12 years and under should ride buckled up in

a rear seat, if available.

• Infants in rear facing child restraints must NEVER

ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front
airbag unless the airbag is turned off (Standard Cab
Vehicles Only). An airbag deployment can cause se-
vere injury or death to infants in that position. See the
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch section.

• If your vehicle does not have a rear seat, see the

Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch section.

• Children that are not big enough to properly wear the

vehicle seat belt (see section on Child Restraints)
should be secured in the rear seat in child restraints or
belt-positioning booster seats. Older children who do
not use child restraints or belt-positioning booster
seats should ride properly buckled up in the rear seat.
Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind
them or under their arm.

• All occupants should use their seat belts properly.
• The driver and front passenger seats should be moved

back as far as practical to allow the airbag room to
inflate.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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2

WARNING!

• Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more

severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.

• Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-

ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.

• If the vehicle has window airbags, they also need

room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.

Airbag System Components

The airbag system consists of the following:

• Airbag Control Module
• AIRBAG Readiness Light
• Driver Airbag
• Passenger Airbag
• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Crash Sensor
• Interconnecting Wiring
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Passenger Side Frontal Airbag ON/OFF Switch (Stan-

dard Cab Vehicles Only)

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Window Airbag System, on vehicles equipped,
consists of the following:

• AIRBAG Readiness Light (shared with the front airbag

system)

• Window Bags Above the Side Windows.
• Airbag Control Module (shared with the front airbag

system)

• Side impact sensors
• Interconnecting Wiring

How The Airbag System Works

• The airbag control module determines if a frontal

collision is severe enough to require the airbags to
inflate.

• The airbag control module will not detect roll over, or

rear collisions.

• The airbag control module also monitors the readiness

of the electronic parts of the system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or RUN positions.
These include all of the items listed above except the
knee bolsters, the instrument panel, and the steering
wheel and column. If the key is in the

⬙Off⬙ position, in

the ACC position or not in the ignition, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate

• The airbag control module also turns on the AIR BAG

light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when
the ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off.

• If it detects a malfunction in any part of the

system, it turns on the light either momen-
tarily or continuously. The instrument clus-
ter will flash the seat belt indicator if it

detects a fault with the airbag indicator.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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WARNING!

Ignoring the AIR BAG light in your instrument
panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked
right away.

• When the airbag control module detects a collision

requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A
large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of

the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The
airbags fully inflate in milliseconds. This is less time
than it takes you to blink your eyes. The airbags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger. The driver’s front airbag deflates
through vents towards the instrument panel. The
passenger’s front airbag is deflated through vent holes
in the sides of the airbag. In this way the airbags do
not interfere with your control of the vehicle.

• The knee impact bolsters help protect the knees and

position you for the best interaction with the front
airbag.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch – (Standard Cab
Vehicles Only)

The passenger front airbag is to be turned off only if the
passenger:

• is an infant (less than 1 year old) who must ride in the

front seat because there is no rear seat, because the rear
seat is too small for a rear-facing infant restraint or
because the infant has a medical condition which
makes it necessary for the driver to be able to see the
infant,

• is a child, age 1 to 12 who must ride in the front seat

because there is no rear seat, because there is no rear
seat position available, or because the child has a
medical condition which makes it necessary for the
driver to be able to see the child,

• has a medical condition which makes passenger airbag

inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger
than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument
panel) or windshield in a crash.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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WARNING!

Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.

To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag (Standard Cab Ve-
hicles Only)

Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch, push the key in and turn clockwise, and remove
the key from the switch. This will shut off the passenger
side airbag. The “Off” light near the switch will illumi-
nate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.

To Turn On the Passenger Airbag (Standard Cab Ve-
hicles Only)

Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch, push the key in and turn counterclockwise, and
remove the key from the switch. This will turn on the
passenger airbag. The “Off” light near the switch will be
off when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.

If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the air bag
control module detects a moderate-to-severe frontal col-
lision, and then immediately to deflate.

NOTE:

A frontal collision that is not severe enough to

need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:

• The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-

sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.

• As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like

particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
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.

• It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the

airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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2

Window Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)—If Equipped
The window airbag control module determines if a side
collision is severe enough to require the side airbags to
inflate. The window airbag control module will not
detect roll over, front or rear collisions.

The airbag control module monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition
switch is in the

⬙START⬙ or ⬙RUN⬙ positions. These

include all of the items listed above. The airbag control
module also turns on the AIRBAG light in the instrument
panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition is first turned
on as a diagnostic or system check, then turns the light
off. If it detects a malfunction in any part of the system,
it turns on the light either momentarily or continuously.

The side (window) impact SRS Airbags are designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the airbag
control module detects a collision requiring the window

bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of
the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag
pushes the side pillar molding out of the way and covers
the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds
(about one-quarter of the time it takes to blink your eyes)
with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and
seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to
children. The window bag is only about 3

1

⁄

2

inches (8.9

cm) thick when it is inflated.

Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 10 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag Systems

WARNING!

• Modifications to any part of the airbag system

could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are 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 right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.

• You need proper knee impact protection in a

collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolster.

• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the

airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.

Airbag Light

You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have

an authorized dealer service the system promptly:

• The airbag light does not come on or flickers during

the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.

• The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second

interval.

• The light flickers or comes on and remains on while

driving.

NOTE:

If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine

related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse num-
bers 52 and 53 in the fuse and relay center. See your
dealer if the fuse is good.

Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an airbag deployment, your vehicle is
designed to record up to 2-seconds of specific vehicle
data parameters (see the following list) in the event data
recorder prior to the moment of airbag deployment.
Please note that such data are ONLY recorded if an airbag
deploys, and are otherwise unavailable. In conjunction
with other data gathered during a complete accident
investigation, the electronic data may be used by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn more
about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, such investigations may

be requested by customers, insurance carriers, govern-
ment officials, and professional crash researchers, such as
those associated with universities, and with hospital and
insurance organizations.

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation (regardless of initiative),
the company or its designated representative will first
obtain permission of the appropriate custodial entity for
the vehicle (usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before
accessing the electronic data stored, unless ordered to
download data by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e.,
pursuant to a warrant). A copy of the data will be
provided to the custodial entity upon request. General
data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes
may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the US govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler Corpora-
tion to any third party except when:

1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved

2. Used

in

defense

of

litigation

involving

a

DaimlerChrysler Corporation product

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant

4. Otherwise required by law

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

• Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status

for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system

• Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
• ⬙Time⬙ of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition

cycles and vehicle mileage)

• Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
• Seatbelt status
• Brake status (service and parking brakes)
• Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
• Engine control status (including engine speed)
• Cruise control status

Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time — babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.

Infants and Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is
correct for your child:

• Safety experts recommend that children ride

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and

⬙convertible⬙ child seats. Both types of

child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt.

• The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the

vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg).

⬙Convertible⬙ child seats can be

used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old.

• Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in

the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag
unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag deployment
could cause severe injury or death to infants in this
position.

• Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who

are older than one year 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 weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who
are older than one year. These child seats are also held
in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.

• The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weigh-

ing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small
to fit the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child
cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat
cushion while the child’s back is against the seat back,
they should use a belt-positioning-booster seat. The
child and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the
lap/shoulder belt. (Some booster seats are equipped
with a front shield and are held in the vehicle by the
lap portion.) For further information refer to
www.seatcheck.org.

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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 manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

• A rearward facing child restraint should only be

used in a rear seat, or in the front seat if the
passenger’s front airbag is Off. If the airbag is left
On, a rearward facing child restraint in the front
seat may be struck by a deploying passenger
airbag which may cause severe or fatal injury to
the infant.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your child
restraint:

• Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it

has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.

• The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s

weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.

• Carefully follow the instructions that come with the

restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.

• The passenger seat belts are equipped with Automatic

Locking Retractors (ALR), which are designed to keep
the lap portion tight around the child restraint so that
it is not necessary to use a locking clip.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Pull the belt from the retractor until there is enough to
allow you to pass through the child restraint and slide
the latch plate into the buckle. Then pull on the belt
until it is all removed from the retractor. Allow the belt
to return to the retractor, pulling on the excess web-
bing to tighten the lap portion about the child re-
straint. Refer to the

⬙Automatic Locking Retractors

(ALR) Mode

⬙ earlier in this section.

• In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the

lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt
several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle with the release button facing out.

• If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and

pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle, turn the latch plate
around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,
try a different seating position.

• Buckle the child into the seat according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s directions.

• When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the

vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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