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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
(if equipped) 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2
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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 (if equipped) 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.62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 64 of 532
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)
Each vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor-
age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. LATCH child restraint
anchorage systems are installed in the Standard Cab
passenger seat position and the Quad Cab rear seat
outboard positions. LATCH equipped seating positions
feature both lower anchor bars, located at the back of the
seat cushion, and tether strap anchorages, located behind
the seatback (refer to Child Restraint Tether Anchor later
in this section).
Identification dots are located above the standard cab
front seat lower anchorages as a guide for locating lower
anchors.
NOTE: For children riding in the front seat of a Stan-
dard Cab model refer to the “Passenger Airbag On/Off
Switch” (If Equipped) located in this section. Standard Cab Passenger Seat64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper air flow through all defroster ducts. If
there are any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer
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 your
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.76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 131 of 532
Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10
inches (254 mm) away from the airbag located in the
center of the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, in the
direction you desire to move the pedals.
4. The pedals cannot be adjusted when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse) or when the Speed Control is SET. CAUTION!Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become
limited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in
the adjustable pedal’s path. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
3
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3. Turn Signal Indicators
Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn
signals are operating.
4. Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
CAUTION!Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
pointer at high rpm for extended periods. Engine
damage may occur.
5. Airbag Indicator Light
The indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8 seconds
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light stays on,
flickers or comes on while driving, have the airbag
system checked by an authorized dealer. 6. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that headlights are on high
beam.
7. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer to Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert™) in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information. (See page 34 for more
information.)
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per
hour and/or kilometers per hour. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
4
Page 356 of 532

NOTE: Before installation of a snowplow it is highly
recommended that the owner / installer obtain and
follow the recommendations contained within the cur-
rent Dodge BODY BUILDER’S GUIDE. See your dealer,
installer or snowplow manufacture for this information.
There are unique electrical systems that must be con-
nected to properly assure operator safety and prevent
overloading vehicle systems.
WARNING!Attaching a snowplow to this vehicle could ad-
versely affect performance of the airbag system in an
accident. Do not expect that the airbag will perform
as described earlier in this manual CAUTION!The “Lamp Out” indicator could illuminate if exte-
rior lamps are not properly installed.
Before plowing
• Check the hydraulic system for leaks and proper fluid
level.
• Check the mounting bolts and nuts for proper tight-
ness.
• Check the runners and cutting edge for excessive wear.
The cutting edge should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
ground in snow plowing position.
• Check that snowplow lighting is connected and func-
tioning properly.356 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 514 of 532

Adding Fuel ........................ 333,335
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 130
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter) .......................... 406,407,446
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 420
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............. 420,421
Air Conditioning System ................ 233,420
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 236
AirFilter .............................. 407
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 315,323
Airbag .............................. 48,53
Airbag Light ......................... 76,173
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 53
Alarm, Panic ............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm) ................. 18,175
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 322
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 226 Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .............. 428,429
Capacities ........................... 468
Anti-Lock Warning Light ............... 177,304
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ..................... 18,175
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Ashtray ............................... 151
Auto Unlock, Doors ...................... 145
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 84
Automatic Door Locks .................... 145
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ........................ 15
Automatic Transmission ........... 267,273,438,441
Fluid and Filter Changes .............. 440,443
Fluid Level Check ................ 439,441,442
FluidType ..................... 438,441,471
Shift Indicator ........................ 175
Special Additives ................... 441,444
Automatic Transmission (Diesel Engine Only) .... 438514 INDEX