Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
• Airbag Control Module
• AIRBAG Readiness Light
• Driver Airbag
• Passenger Airbag (If Equipped)
• 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 ) (If Equipped) 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. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
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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. 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 structure, or frame.
• You need proper knee impact protection in a colli-
sion. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket equip-
ment 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.56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
less than 50% of normal intensity. If the parking brake is
applied the Daytime Running Lights will turn off.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights, parking lights, or cargo lights are left
on, after the ignition is turned off, a chime will sound
when the driver’s door is opened.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The foglights are turned ON by placing the head-
light rotary control in the parking light or head-
light position and pushing in the headlight rotary
control. The fog lights will operate only when the parking
lights are ON or when the vehicle headlights are ON low
beam. An indicator light located in the instrument cluster
will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog lights
will turn off when the switch is pushed a second time,
when the headlight switch is rotated to the OFF position,
or the high beam is selected. Multifunction Control Lever
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest
that the switch or indicator lamp is defective. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
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operation and return to “standard vehicle operation”
simply turn the up fitter provided on/off switch to the off
position.
To operate the PTO via a remote switch the customer
must make sure the above conditions are met. It is vital
for proper operation that the PTO and remote have been
installed correctly paying special attention to ensure the
vehicle provided wiring has been connected properly.
This is the responsibility of the installer of the PTO and
switches/remote system. It is the responsibility of the
PTO manufacturer to ensure that their electrical (switches
and remote) system is compatible with the vehicle’s
electrical architecture and software functionality.
Mobile Mode
To operate the PTO in this mode the vehicle must meet
the following conditions: • Dealer selected “mobile” mode activated via Dealer
proprietary service tool
• Upfitter provider (on/off) switch has been activated
• Vehicle must be in “park” or “drive” position (vehicles
equipped with automatic transmission)
• Parking brake must not be applied
• No vehicle, brake or clutch switch faults present
• Vehicle must be running
• PTO must be correctly installed using the vehicle
provided circuits
The customer may choose to use the PTO while the
vehicle is moving. To do so the PTO function must be
activated prior to taking the vehicle out of “park”. This is
accomplished by activating the up fitter provided PTO
on/off switch. At this point the customer may place the
vehicle in a forward or reverse gear and have PTO STARTING AND OPERATING 297
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operation. To disengage PTO operation and return to
“standard vehicle operation” simply turn the up fitter
provided on/off switch to the off position.
NOTE: For application specific information with respect
to PTO and pump requirements and additional vehicle
information (wiring schematics, preset idle values, en-
gine speed limits, and vehicle hardware and software
requirements) please refer to the Dodge Body Builders
Guide by accessing “www.dodge.com/bodybuilder” and
choosing the appropriate links.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed: 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the car in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Care should be taken when attempting to climb steep
hills or driving diagonally across a hill or slope. If natural
obstacles force you to travel diagonally up or down a hill,
choose a mild angle and keep as little side tilt as possible.
Keep the vehicle moving and make turns slowly and
cautiously.298 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness. STARTING AND OPERATING 351
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Snow Tires ........................... 324
Spinning ............................ 319
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 320
Wheel Mounting ....................... 372
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 376
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 346
Torque Converter Clutch ................ 272,278
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 386
Towing ............................... 341
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 387
Guide .............................. 346
Recreational .......................... 360
Weight .............................. 346
Traction .............................. 298
Traction Control ......................... 437
TrailerTowing .......................... 341
Cooling System Tips .................... 354
Hitches ............................. 345
Minimum Requirements ................. 347 Mirrors ........................... 86,354
Trailer and Tongue Weight ................ 346
Wiring .............................. 351
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 346
TrailerWeight .......................... 346
Transaxle
Automatic ............................ 12
Manual .............................. 14
Transfer Case
Electronically Shifted .................... 288
Fluid ............................... 471
Transmission
Automatic ................... 267,273,438,441
Fluid ............................... 471
Maintenance ....................... 438,441
Manual ..................... 248,252,279,438
Shifting ............................. 266
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 320 INDEX 529
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