2009 DODGE RAM 3500 DIESEL airbag disable

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 theIf
You Need Customer Assistance section later in this
owner’s manual.
WARNING!
•
Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you have
airbags.
•
Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during airbag deployment could cause seri-
ous injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back,
comfortably extending your arms to reach the
steering wheel or instrument panel.
•
If the vehicle has window bags, they also need
room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Airbag System ComponentsThe airbag system consists of the following:•
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
•
Side Remote Acceleration Sensors (if equipped)
•
Airbag Warning Light
•
Driver Airbag
•
Passenger Airbag
•
Window Bags above Side Windows (if equipped)
•
Steering Wheel and Column
•
Instrument Panel
•
Interconnecting Wiring
•
Knee Impact Bolsters
•
Front Acceleration Sensors (1500 Vehicles Only)
•
Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners (if
equipped)
•
Driver Seat Track Position Sensor (if equipped)
•
Passenger Side Frontal Airbag ON/OFF Switch (2500/
3500 Regular Cab Vehicles Only)
•
Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
(2500/3500 Regular Cab Vehicles Only)
How the Airbag System Works
•
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 information provided by the ORC. The ORC will
not detect rollover or rear collisions.
The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is inTHINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2

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.
•
The ORC also turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for six to eight
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 startup.
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.•
The Passenger 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 light illuminates the words PASS
AIR BAG OFF to 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/OFF switch (2500/3500 Regular Cab Vehicles
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Only). See Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch – (2500/
3500 Regular Cab Vehicles Only) in this section for
additional information.
•
TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
may be possible based on collision severity and occu-
pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size.
The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70 milliseconds.
This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes.
The bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver’s front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.
•
The
Side Impact SRS Window Bags are designed to
activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC
(with side impact option) detects a collision requiring
Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
2

NOTE:
Perchlorate Material – special handling may
apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Enhanced Accident Response SystemIf the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately five seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•
The Airbag Warning Light does not come on or flickers
during the six to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
•
The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight-
second interval.
•
The 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
authorized dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near
deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed
deceleration data during and/or after airbag deploy-
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. Used in defense of litigation involving a Chrysler LLC
product.
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant.
4. Otherwise required by law.
Data parameters that may be recorded:•
Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
•
Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
•
Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•
Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•
Impact acceleration and angle
•
Seat belt status
•
Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•
Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•
Engine control status (including engine speed)
•
Transmission gear selection
•
Cruise control status
•
Traction/stability control status
•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System status
Child RestraintsEveryone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times, including babies and children. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
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
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With A KeySTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transmission Ignition Interlock SystemSENTRY KEY Replacement
KeysCustomer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationVEHICLE SECURITY ALARM - IF EQUIPPED Rearming of the SystemTo Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - IF EQUIPPED To
Unlock the DoorsTo Lock the DoorsUsing the Panic AlarmProgramming Additional RKE TransmittersGeneral InformationRKE Transmitter Battery ServiceREMOTE STARTING SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED How to Use Remote StartDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LocksPower
Door Locks - If EquippedChild Protection Door LockWINDOWS Power Windows-If Equipped Wind BuffetingOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageAutomatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode - If EquippedCenter Lap Belts
Seat Belt Pretensioners - If EquippedEnhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbags Event Data Recorder (EDR)Child Restraints
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Transporting PassengersExhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside the VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside the VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
MIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorAutomatic Dimming Mirror - If EquippedOutside MirrorsOutside Mirrors Folding FeaturePower Mirrors - If EquippedHeated Mirrors - If EquippedTrailer Towing Mirrors - If Equippeduconnect phone - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call
Featuresuconnect phone FeaturesAdvanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your uconnect phoneGeneral InformationVOICE RECOGNITION (VR) SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Voice Recognition (VR) System OperationCommandsVoice TrainingSEATS
Manual Seat Adjuster - If EquippedReclining Seats (Quad Cab Models)Reclining Seats (2500/3500 Models)Adjustable Head RestraintsManual Lumbar Support - If EquippedPower Seats - If EquippedRear Seat FeaturesHeated Seats - If EquippedTO OPEN AND CLOSE
THE HOOD LIGHTS Interior LightsBattery SaverHeadlight DelayHeadlights, Parking Lights and Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only and Fleet Vehicles)Lights-on ReminderFog Lights - If EquippedCargo Light - If EquippedMultifunction LeverWINDSHIELD
WIPERS AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemWindshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS - IF EQUIPPED AdjustmentELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set 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 ButtonReset ButtonGlobal ResetStep
ButtonAverage Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)Distance To Empty (DTE)Trip Odometer (ODO)Elapsed Time (ET)C/T ButtonAutomatic 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 ModeClosing 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
(40-20-40 Seats) - Automatic TransmissionFront Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats)Rear Cupholder (Quad Cab) - If EquippedSTORAGE Center Storage Compartment (40-20-40 Seat) - If EquippedCenter Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) - If EquippedStorage
and Seats (Quad Cab Models)Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Defroster and Heated Outside Mirrors - If EquippedPower Sliding Rear Window - If EquippedSliding Rear Window - If EquippedFOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR
- IF EQUIPPED PICKUP BOX SLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper ApplicationsEASY-OFF TAILGATE UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES RAM TRUCK POWER WAGON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - BASE INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL uconnect studios (SATELLITE RADIO), uconnect phone, AND VIDEO
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 REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL uconnect studios (SATELLITE RADIO) AND uconnect phone CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions - CD Mode
Operating Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - uconnect phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - uconnect studios (Satellite Radio) - If EquippedSALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH uconnect gps (NAVIGATION) Operating Instructions
- uconnect studios (Satellite Radio) - If EquippedREC Setting the Clockuconnect studios (SATELLITE RADIO) - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting uconnect studios (Satellite) Mode in REF, RAQ, And
RAK RadiosSelecting A ChannelStoring And Selecting Preset ChannelsUsing The PTY (Program Type) Button - If EquippedPTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityVIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (VES) - IF EQUIPPED REMOTE SOUND
SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCD/DVD MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Heater Only - If Equipped Air Conditioning and Heating - If Equipped Air Conditioning with Dual Zone
Temperature Control - If EquippedOperating TipsOperating Tips Chart STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Normal StartingAutomatic TransmissionIf Engine Fails To StartAfter StartingENGINE BLOCK HEATER - IF EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION Automatic Transmission with OverdriveFOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/PrecautionsShifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer Case Transfer Case Position Indicator Light
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (Five Position Switch) - If EquippedShifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer CaseElectronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions (Four Position Switch) - If Equipped
Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted Transfer CaseAXLE LOCKER SYSTEM - POWER WAGON ONLY STABILIZER/SWAY BAR SYSTEM - POWER WAGON ONLY SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING - POWER WAGON ONLY 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-RoadLIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON
SLIPPERY SURFACES DRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterDRIVING OFF-ROAD - RAM TRUCK ONLY WINCH USAGE - IF EQUIPPED (POWER WAGON ONLY) Things To Know Before Using Your WinchUnderstanding The Features
Of Your Winch Winch AccessoriesOperating Your WinchRigging TechniquesPOWER STEERING Power Steering Fluid CheckPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models OnlyFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake SystemELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)Traction Control System (TCS)Brake Assist System (BAS)Hill Start Assist (HSA)Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)TSC (Trailer Sway Control)TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings
Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresTire Pressures for High Speed OperationRadial Ply TiresTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresSUPPLEMENTAL
TIRE PRESSURE
INFORMATION - IF EQUIPPED TIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS Dual Rear Wheels TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Tire Light Load Inflation Switch Description
- If EquippedTire Pressure Monitor System ComponentsGeneral InformationFUEL REQUIREMENTS Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel VehiclesMMT In GasolineMaterials Added To FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide
WarningsADDING FUEL Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) MessageVEHICLE LOADING Certification LabelTRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and Tongue WeightTowing
RequirementsTowing TipsSNOWPLOW RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Recreational Towing - Two-Wheel Drive ModelsRecreational Towing - Four-Wheel Drive ModelsEQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER JACKING INSTRUCTIONS Jack LocationRemoving The Spare TireTire Changing ProcedurePreparationsInstructionsHub Caps/Wheel CoversHOISTING JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE EMERGENCY TOW
HOOKS - IF EQUIPPED TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles2-Wheel Drive VehiclesMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT- 5.7L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenanceFront Prop Shaft Lubrication -
2500/3500 (4X4) ModelsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesAdding Washer FluidExhaust SystemCooling SystemBrake SystemRear Axle And 4x4 Front Driving Axle Fluid LevelTransfer CaseAutomatic TransmissionAppearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
FUSES Integrated Power ModuleVEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlight (Halogen)/Front Park and Turn LightsFog LightsTail, Stop, Turn and Backup LightsCenter High-Mounted Stoplight (CHMSL) With Cargo LightCab Top
Clearance Lights - If EquippedTailgate ID Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) - If EquippedRear Light Bar ID Marker (Dual Rear Wheel) - If EquippedSide Marker Lights (Dual Rear Wheels) FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassis
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS 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 Chrysler LLC Customer CenterChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service Contract
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX