2008 DODGE RAM 2500 POWER WAGON airbag disable

Window Lockout Switch (4 Door Models Only)
The window lockout switch on the driver's door allows
you to disable the window control on the other doors. To
disable the window controls on the other doors, press the
window lock button. To enable the window controls,
press the window control button again.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down or partially open positions. This is a
normal occurrence and can be minimized. If the buffeting
occurs with the rear windows open, open the front and
rear windows together to minimize the buffeting.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the front
and rear seat belts for the driver and all passengers, front
airbags for both the driver and front passenger and, if so
equipped, window bags for the driver and passengers
seated next to a window. If you will be carrying children
too small for adult-size belts, your seat belts also can be
used to hold infant and child restraint systems.
Window Lockout Switch
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seat Belt Pretensioners Ð If Equipped
The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt system in the event of a
collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the
occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all
size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE:These devices are not a substitute for proper seat
belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be
worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the airbag control
module. Like the airbags, the pretensioners are single use
items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy
the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced.
Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert)
If the driver's seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle their seat
belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts. If the driver unbuckles the seat
belt while the vehicle is in motion an immediate chime
will be heard and, the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) will continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt
Warning Light for 96 seconds or until the driver's seat
belt is buckled. The Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert) will be reactivated if the ignition is cycled,
driver's seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) can be en-
abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
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3. 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.
4. All occupants should use their lap and shoulder belts
properly.5. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbag room to inflate.
6. If your vehicle has window bags, do not lean against
the door or window, airbags will inflate forcefully into
the space between you and the door.
7. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the
Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided in the9If
You Need Customer Assistance9section later in this
owner's manual.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners (If
Equipped)
²Driver Seat Track Position Sensor (If Equipped)
²Passenger Side Frontal Airbag ON/OFF Switch (2500/
3500 Standard Cab Vehicles Only)
²Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(2500/3500 Standard Cab Vehicles Only)
How the Airbag System Works
²
TheOccupant Restraint Controller (ORC)determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The front airbag inflators are de-
signed to provide different rates of airbag inflation
from direction provided by the ORC. The ORC will not
detect roll over or rear collisions.The ORC 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 steering wheel and
column, and knee bolsters. 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.
Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warn-
ing light in the instrument panel for 6 to 8
seconds for a self-check when the ignition is
first turned on. After the self-check, the
AIRBAG warning light will turn off. If the ORC detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the
AIRBAG warning light either momentarily or continu-
ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment 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.
²ThePassenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(If Equipped)(an amber light located in the center of
the instrument panel) tells the driver and front pas-
senger when the front passenger airbag is turned off.
The PAD Indicator lamp illuminates the words9PASS
AIR BAG OFF9to show that the passenger airbag will
not inflate during a collision requiring airbags. The
PAD light will illuminate when the passenger frontal
airbag has been turned off by using the manual on/offswitch (2500/3500 Standard Cab Vehicles Only). See
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ± (2500/3500 Stan-
dard Cab Vehicles Only) in this section for additional
information.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
2

²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The 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
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block
for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of
the fuse block cover for the proper airbag fuses. See your
dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to 5-seconds of specific vehicle data parameters
(see the following list) in an event data recorder prior to
the moment of airbag deployment and up to a quarter
second of high-speed deceleration data during and/or
after airbag deployment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if
an airbag deploys and are otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete 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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2

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
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidentialdata will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation 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:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
²Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VAN CONVERSIONS/CAMPERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
POWER WAGON: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE FeaturesInstrument Panel and ControlsOperationEmergenciesA WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeySENTRY KEY Replacement KeysCustomer Key
ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming
of the SystemTo Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To unlock the doorsTo lock the doorsUsing the Panic AlarmGeneral InformationTransmitter Battery Service REMOTE
STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED DOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows-If EquippedWind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt
AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap BeltsSeat Belt Pretensioners - If EquippedEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)-Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersLock Your VehicleExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehicleSafety Checks You Should
Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE POWER WAGON FEATURES Locking Front and Rear Differentials4.56:1 GearsElectronically Disconnecting Stabilizer/Sway BarIncreased Ride Height12,000 lb. WinchHigh-Pressure
Monotube Shocks/New Front and Rear SpringsOff-Road TiresSkid Plates And Underbody ProtectionWheel FlaresWheelsStandard package featuresMoparOptionsMIRRORS Inside MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsExterior Mirrors Folding Feature
Electronic Power Mirrors - If Equipped Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System Features
Advanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS 40-20-40 Front Seat Reclining SeatsAdjustable Head RestraintsManual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedHeated Seats
- If EquippedTO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior Lights Battery SaverHeadlamp DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights, Panel LightsDaytime RunningLights (Canada Only and Fleet Vehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCargo Light - If Equipped
Multifunction Control LeverWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield Wipers Windshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IFEQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The
Speed SettingTo Accelerate For PassingOVERHEAD CONSOLE - IF EQUIPPED Courtesy/Reading LightsOVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - IF EQUIPPED US/M Button RESET Button Global ResetStep Button Average
Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T Button Automatic Compass CalibrationManual Compass CalibrationRecalibrating The CompassOutside TemperatureGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED Programming
HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Open Sunroof - Express ModeComfort StopClosing Sunroof - ExpressPinch
Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceSunroof Fully ClosedELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
Rear Cupholder - Quad Cab - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment - If Equipped Storage and Seats - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Side view Mirrors - If EquippedPower Sliding Rear Window - If Equipped
Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedFOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR - IF EQUIPPED PICKUP BOX SLIDE-IN CAMPERS EASY-OFF TAILGATE UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureRADIO GENERAL INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO
WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions
- Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions
- (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE RAK - AM/FM/CASSETTE/CD (6-DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, VIDEO, MP3, and WMA CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions- Tape PlayerSeek ButtonFast Forward (FF)Rewind (RW)Tape EjectScan ButtonChanging Tape
DirectionMetal Tape SelectionPinch Roller ReleaseNoise ReductionOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Audio Play)
LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 and WMA Play)SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio (If Equipped)REC Setting the ClockAudio Clock DisplaySATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED
System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, RAQ, and RAK RadiosSelectinga ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCAN
PTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationTape PlayerCD PlayerCASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR
PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Heater Only - Fleet Vehicles Air Conditioning and Heating - If Equipped Air Conditioning with Dual Zone Temperature Control -If EquippedOperating TipsOperating Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES -
GAS ENGINES Manual Transmission - If EquippedAutomatic Transmission - If EquippedNormal StartingIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with OverdriveMANUAL
TRANSMISSION Manual Transmission - 6 Speed (G56)Recommended Vehicle Shift SpeedsDownshifting - All Manual TransmissionsFOUR-WHEEL- DRIVE OPERATION Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually
Shifted Transfer Case Transfer Case Reminder LightLIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Axle Locker System Stabilizer/Sway Bar System POWER WAGON - SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING Off-Road Driving Tips and Vehicle
CharacteristicsDriving in Snow, Mud and SandCrossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High Points)Hill ClimbingDriving Through WaterAiring Down For Off-Road DrivingVehicle RecoveryAfter Driving Off-RoadWINCH USAGE - IF EQUIPPED Things To Know Before Using
Your WinchUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR WINCH WINCH ACCESSORIESOPERATING YOUR WINCHRIGGING TECHNIQUESPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Brake NoiseFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) - If EquippedPOWER STEERING MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L Engine Only TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare
Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And BalanceSUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Light Load Reset Switch Description - If EquippedTire Pressure Monitor System ComponentsGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineSulfur In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Adding Fuel (Gas Engines)VEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common
Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsTrailer Towing Mirrors - If EquippedSNOWPLOW RECREATIONAL TOWING - 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing Procedure - Manual Shift Transfer Case - If EquippedReturning to Normal Operation - Manual Shift Transfer CaseEQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING All Models - If EquippedJACKING INSTRUCTIONS Removing The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedureHOISTING JUMP-STARTING FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED
VEHICLE 4-Wheel-Drive VehiclesWINCH USAGE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L GAS ENGINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterDrive Belts - Check Condition and TensionSpark Plugs (Gas Engines)Engine Air Cleaner FilterEngine Fuel FilterCatalytic ConverterEmission-Related Components
Maintenance Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsSteering Linkage - InspectionFrontProp Shaft LubricationBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesWindshield WashersExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses
And Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesBrake SystemClutch Hydraulic SystemClutch LinkageRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer CaseFront Drive ShaftManual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionFront Wheel BearingsNoise Control System Required
Maintenance and WarrantyAppearance Care and Protection from CorrosionFUSES (INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) VEHICLE STORAGE EPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsTail, Stop, Turn and Backup
LightsCenter High-Mounted Stoplight With Cargo LightCab Top Clearance Lights - If EquippedFog LightsFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS ANDGENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU
NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction Grades
Temperature GradesINDEX