2011 Ram 1500 ignition

position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the
airbag system is not on and the airbags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four 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 continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction.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 as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
airbag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Airbag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Airbag Infla-
tor Units are located in the center of the steering wheel
and on the right side of the instrument panel. When the
ORC detects a collision requiring the Advanced Front
Airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of
non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front
Airbags. Different airbag inflation rates are possible,
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing airbag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Airbags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.NOTE:
Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the airbag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
•As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your airbag
system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may
not function properly if modifications are made.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any
airbag system service. If your seat, including your
trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any
way (including removal or loosening/tightening of
seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your
authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved
seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to
modify the airbag system for persons with dis-
abilities, contact your authorized dealer.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Airbag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associatedwith airbag system electrical components. While the
airbag system is designed to be maintenance free. If any
of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer ser-
vice the airbag system immediately.
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned to the ON/RUN position.
•The Airbag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Airbag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine
related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. The airbags may
not be ready to inflate for your protection. Promptly
check the fuse block for blown fuses. Refer to the label
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
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.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 83

▫Sunroof Maintenance ................. 161
▫ Ignition Off Operation ................. 161
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 162
 Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver —
If Equipped .......................... 166
 Power Inverter — If Equipped ............ 167
 Cupholders .......................... 169
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
(40–20–40 Seats) ..................... 169
▫ Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Floor
Mounted Shifter ..................... 170
▫ Rear Cupholder — Quad Cab .......... 170
▫ Rear Cupholder — Crew Cab ........... 171
 Storage ............................. 171 ▫
Glove Box Storage ................... 171
▫ Door Storage ....................... 173
▫ Center Storage Compartment —
If Equipped ........................ 174
▫ Second Row In-Floor Storage Bin — If
Equipped .......................... 176
▫ Seatback Storage ..................... 177
▫ Storage (Regular Cab) ................. 178
▫ Storage And Seats (Crew Cab) ........... 178
▫ Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers (Regular Cab
Models) ........................... 179
 Rear Window Features .................. 180
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 180
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

8. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
9. Press and release the LOCK button on one of the RKE
transmitters.
10. Repeat the above steps to set the next memory
position using the other numbered memory button or to
link another RKE transmitter to memory.
Memory Position Recall
NOTE:
•The vehicle must be in PARK to recall the memory
positions.
•Not all motors may be moved at one time. Refer to the
“Seats/Eight-Way Power Seat” in this section for fur-
ther information.
To recall the memory settings for driver one, press
MEMORY button number 1 on the driver’s seat or the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter linked to
memory position 1. To recall the memory setting for driver two, press
MEMORY button number 2 on the driver’s seat or the
UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter linked to
memory position 2.
A recall can be cancelled by pressing any of the
MEMORY buttons on the driver’s seat during a recall (S,
1, or 2), or pressing any one of the power seat buttons,
pressing the adjustable pedals button, or pressing either
the LOCK or UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
when not in the ignition switch. When a recall is can-
celled, the driver’s seat and the pedals stop moving. A
delay of one second will occur before another recall can
be selected.
NOTE:
A chime sound may be heard if setting memory
was inhibited for any reason.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Disable A RKE Transmitter Linked To Memory
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and
remove the key.
2. Press and release the memory SET button located on
the driver’s seat.
3. Within 10 seconds, press and release the UNLOCK
button on the RKE transmitter.
To disable another RKE transmitter linked to either
memory position, repeat Steps 1-3 for each RKE trans-
mitter.
NOTE:The capability to link RKE transmitters to
memory is enabled when delivered from the factory. The
capability to link RKE transmitters to memory can be
disabled (or later re-enabled) by an authorized dealer. For vehicles equipped with the Electronic vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)/Customer-Programmable Features”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Self-Limiting Control
The memory system includes a self-limiting control for
full travel positioning of power seat and adjustable pedal
movement (all directions). This self-limiting control may,
however, develop an unintended movement limitation if
an obstruction is encountered sometime during usage.
One example of such an occurrence may include a box or
package obstructing the full rearward movement of the
driver’s seat. Once the obstruction is removed, the self-
limiting control may store a new maximum position. the
self-limiting control may be reset by reaching the new
stored position, then press and release MEMORY button 1
or 2. Continued seat travel beyond the new stored posi-
tion will indicate the self-limiting control has been reset.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119

Driver Easy Exit And Easy Entry Control
This additional feature provides automatic driver’s seat
positioning which will enhance driver mobility into and
out of the vehicle. The seat cushion will move rearward
approximately 2.5 in (60 mm) when the key is removed
from the ignition switch. The seat will move forward
approximately 2.5 in (60 mm) when the key is placed into
the ignition and turned out of the LOCK position. Each
stored memory setting will have an associated Easy Exit
and Easy Entry position. The Easy Exit and Easy Entry
feature may be automatically disabled if the seat is
positioned rearward enough and there is no benefit in
moving the seat any farther rearward.
NOTE:The Easy Entry/Easy Exit feature can be en-
abled or disabled through the programmable features in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Customer-Programmable Features” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
To open the hood, two latches must be released.
1. Pull the hood release lever located below the steering
wheel at the base of the instrument panel.
Hood Release
120 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE