2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS Owners Manual

Tether Anchorage Points at All Three Seating
Positions (Mega Cab)
1. Place the child restraint on the seat and adjust the
tether strap so that it will reach over the seat back under
the head restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the
seat.
2. Lift the cover, and attach the hook to the square
opening in the sheet metal.
3. Install the child restraint and remove the slack in the
tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Children Too Large for Booster Seats
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
seat back should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
•Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
Mega Cab Tether Strap Mounting
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 105
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•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. 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. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300
miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds
up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While
cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the limits
of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Avoid wide open throttle acceleration in low gear. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality, energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with the anticipated cli-
matic conditions under which vehicle operation will
occur. The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
discussed in Section 7 under Maintenance Procedures,
Engine Oil.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and is not an indication of difficulty.
106 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) your new
vehicle is driven, do not tow a trailer. Doing so
may damage your vehicle.
•Limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h) during the
first 500 miles (805 km) of towing.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
This vehicle is designed to carry passengers in the cab
only. For safety reasons, NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
It is extremely 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.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Lock Your Vehicle
Always remove the keys from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lighted area and never invite theft by leaving ar-
ticles of value exposed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 107
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Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a poten-
tially toxic gas that by itself is colorless and odorless.
To avoid inhaling these gases, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for more than a short period, adjust
your climate control system to force outside air into
the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed and the
controls in any position except OFF or MAX A/C.
•The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.
Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system;
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle; or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
mechanic inspect the complete exhaust system and adja-
cent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace or adjust as required.
108 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.)
or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any question
regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light the
seatbelt light will flash.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 109
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Mirrors ..............................116
▫ Inside Mirror ........................116
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror— If Equipped . . . 117
▫ Outside Mirrors ......................117
▫ Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature ..........118
▫ Electronic Power Mirrors — If Equipped .....118
▫ Electric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped ..........119
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ......119

Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) —
If Equipped ...........................121
▫ Operations ..........................123
▫ Phone Call Features ...................130
▫ UConnect™ System Features .............132
▫ Advanced Phone Connectivity ............137
▫ Things You Should Know About Your
UConnect™ System ....................139

Seats ................................144
▫ 40-20-40 Front Seat ....................145
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▫Reclining Seats (1500 Standard And Quad Cab
Models) ............................146
▫ Reclining Seats
(2500/3500/Mega Cab Models) ...........147
▫ Adjustable Head Restraints ..............147
▫ Manual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment —
If Equipped .........................148
▫ Power Seats (1500 Standard And Quad Cab
Models) — If Equipped .................149
▫ Power Seats (2500/3500/Mega Cab Models) —
If Equipped .........................151
▫ Rear Seat Features — Mega Cab Models .....153
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped .............158

To Open And Close The Hood .............160

Lights ...............................161 ▫
Interior Lights .......................162
▫ Battery Saver ........................163
▫ Headlamp Delay ......................163
▫ Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights .....164
▫ Daytime Running Lights
(Canada Only And Fleet Vehicles) ..........164
▫ Lights-On Reminder ...................165
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped ...............165
▫ Cargo Light — If Equipped ..............165

Multifunction Control Lever ...............166
▫ Turn Signals .........................166
▫ Passing Light ........................166
▫ High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch ......167
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE