2006 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL trailer

WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt
to manually 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.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•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.
NEW ENGINE BREAK-IN
Your Cummins 24 Valve Turbo Diesel engine does not
require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal
operation is allowed, provided the following recommen-
dations are followed:
NOTE:Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation, will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
•Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
•Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
•Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
•Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
•Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
•Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carry-
ing or towing significant weight.
Because of the construction of the Cummins Diesel
engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded operating
conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final
finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
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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.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Mirrors...............................78
▫Inside Mirror.........................78
▫Automatic Dimming Mirror— If Equipped....79
▫Outside Mirrors.......................79
▫Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature...........80
▫Electronic Power Mirrors — If Equipped......80
▫Electric Rear Window Defroster And Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped...........81
▫Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped.......81
Hands–Free Communication (UConnect™) —
If Equipped............................83
▫Operations...........................85
▫Phone Call Features....................92
▫UConnect™ System Features..............94
▫Advanced Phone Connectivity.............99
▫Things You Should Know About Your
UConnect™ System....................101

Seats................................106
▫40-20-40 Front Seat....................107
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Set the top switch to the left or right for the left or right
mirror, and set it to the center off position to prevent
accidentally moving a mirror when you are finished
adjusting the mirror. To adjust a mirror, select left or right
with the top switch, and press one of the four arrows for
the direction you want the mirror to move.
Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped
The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated
side view mirrors are activated by pressing the
heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel,
with the ignition On. Turning Off the rear window
defroster or the ignition will deactivate the Electric Rear
Window Defroster and Heated side view mirrors feature.
These features also turn off after activation, when 15
minutes have elapsed. To reactivate, simply press the
button again.
Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are designed with an adjustable mirror
head to provide a greater vision range when towing
extra-wide loads. To change position inboard or out-
board, the mirror head should be rotated (flipped Out or
In). A small blindspot mirror is integrated onto the main
mirror surface.Power Mirror Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
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NOTE: Fold the7x10inch trailer towing mirrors
rearward prior to entering an automated car wash.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to fold the7x10inch trailer towing
mirrors forward. The7x10inch trailer towing
mirrors are not designed to be folded forward and
doing so will damage the mirrors and/or vehicle.
Blindspot Mirror
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

HANDS–FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect™) —
IF EQUIPPED
UConnect™ is a voice-activated, hands-free, in- vehicle
communications system. UConnect™ allows you to dial
a phone number with your cellular phone using simple
voice commands (e.g.,Call”“Mike””WorkorDial”
“248-555-1212). Your cellular phone’s audio is trans-
mitted through your vehicle’s audio system; the system
will automatically mute your radio when using the
UConnect™ system.
NOTE:The UConnect™ system use requires a cellular
phone equipped with the BluetoothHands-Free Profile,
version 0.96 or higher. See www.chrysler.com/uconnect
for supported phones.
UConnect™ allows you to transfer calls between the
system and your cellular phone as you enter or exit your
vehicle, and enables you to mute the system’s micro-
phone for private conversation.
Trailer Towing Position
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
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NOTE:If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of
the gauge, the “Check Gages” indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound.
10. Transfer Case Position
(See page 273 for more information.)
11 .TOW HAUL
The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear
shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW
HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once. (See page 269 for
more information.)
12.OD/OFF
the OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift
lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL
OD/OFF button is pushed twice. (See page 269 for more
information.)13. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a
trailer. If the needle rises to the “245°F” mark, stop the
vehicle, shift into N (Neutral), and increase the engine
idle speed for 2 to 3 minutes. If the temperature reading
does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and
allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. See
Cooling System information in the section on “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle.”
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
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