2017 Ram 3500 seat belt tensioner

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including preg-
nant women: the risk of injury in the event of an accident
is reduced for the mother and the unborn child if they are
wearing a seat belt.
Position the lap belt snug and low below the abdomen and
across the strong bones of the hips. Place the shoulder belt
across the chest and away from the neck. Never place the
shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm.
Seat Belt Pretensioner
The front seat belt system is equipped with pretensioning
devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt
in the event of a collision. These devices may improve the
performance of the seat belt by removing slack from the
seat belt 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 Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the pretensioners are
single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed air
bag must be replaced immediately.
Energy Management Feature — If Equipped
This vehicle may be equipped with a seat belt system with
an Energy Management feature in the front seating posi-
tions that may help further reduce the risk of injury in the
event of a collision. The seat belt system has a retractor
assembly that is designed to release webbing in a con-
trolled manner.
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53

•Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If
the ignition switch is in the OFF position or in the
ACC position, the air bag system is not on and the air bags
will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds
for a self-check when the ignition switch is first in the
ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warn-
ing Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in
any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime
will sound to alert you if the light comes on again after
initial startup. The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
detected that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-
tics also record the nature of the malfunction. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the air
bag system immediately.
•
The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the
four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first in
the ON/RUN position.
• The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
• The Air Bag 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. In this condition
the air bags may not be ready to inflate for your protection.
Have an authorized dealer service the air bag system
immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

NOTE:Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior
trim, but they will open during air bag deployment.
Side Impacts
In side impacts, the side impact sensors aid the ORC in
determining the appropriate response to impact events.
The system is calibrated to deploy the Side Air Bags on the
impact side of the vehicle during impacts that require Side
Air Bag occupant protection. In side impacts, the Side Air
Bags deploy independently; a left side impact deploys the
left Side Air Bags only and a right side impact deploys the
right Side Air Bags only.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side collisions,
including some collisions at certain angles, or some side
collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger
compartment. The Side Air Bags may deploy during
angled or offset frontal collisions where the front air bags
deploy. Rollover Events
Side Air Bags are designed to activate in certain rollover
events. The ORC determines whether the deployment of
the Side Air Bags in a particular rollover event is appro-
priate, based on the severity and type of collision. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of whether or not
Side Air Bags should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all rollover events. The
rollover sensing-system determines if a rollover event may
be in progress and whether deployment is appropriate. A
slower-developing event may deploy the seat belt preten-
sioners on both sides of the vehicle. A faster-developing
event may deploy the seat belt pretensioners as well as the
Side Air Bags on both sides of the vehicle. The rollover
sensing-system may also deploy the seat belt pretension-
ers, with or without the Side Air Bags, on both sides of the
vehicle if the vehicle experiences a near rollover event.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete
ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in
certain rollover or side impact events.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors the
internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with electrical Air Bag System Components listed below:
Air Bag System Components
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate immediately after
deployment. NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the
air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any
or all of the following may occur:
• The air bag material may sometimes cause abrasions
and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the air bags
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 air bags 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 air bag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing,
follow the garment manufacturer ’s instructions for
cleaning.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have deployed.
If you are involved in another collision, the air bags will
not be in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the air bags, seat
belt pretensioners, and the seat belt retractor assem-
blies replaced by an authorized dealer immediately.
Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller System
serviced as well.
NOTE:
• Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during air bag deployment.
• After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, 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 following functions:
• Cut off fuel to the engine.
• Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the hazard light button is pressed. The hazard
lights can be deactivated by pressing the hazard light
button.
• Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power.
• Unlock the power door locks.
66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ParkSense System, Rear...................156, 163
Passing Light ............................ .147
Passive Entry ..............................36
Pedals, Adjustable ......................... .152
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .349
Personal Settings .......................... .275
Pickup Box ....................... .206, 209, 223
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ........513, 514
Power Distribution Center (Fuses) ..................680
Door Locks ..............................33
Mirrors ................................114
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........184, 189
Seats .................................118
Sliding Rear Window ..................... .201
Steering ........................ .490, 491, 492
Sunroof .............................. .182
Windows ...............................39
Power Seats Down .................................119
Forward ............................119,120
Rearward ...........................119,120
Recline ................................119
Tilt...................................119
Up ...................................119 Power Steering Fluid
....................... .701
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts .................53
Pretensioners Seat Belts ...............................53
Programmable Electronic Features ...............275
Programming Key Fobs (Remote Keyless Entry) ......21
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .520
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .........662, 664
Radio Frequency General Information .............17, 19, 28, 31, 38
Radio Operation .......................... .328
Radio (Sound Systems) ..................... .326
Rain Sensitive Wiper System ...................149
Ramp Travel Index ........................ .458
Rear Axle (Differential) ..................... .668
Rear Cargo Area Utility Rails ..................219
Rear ParkSense System ...................156, 163
Rear Seat, Folding ...................... .126,
127
Rear Window Features ...................... .200
Rear Window, Sliding ...................... .202
Reclining Rear Seats ........................ .125
Recreational Towing ........................ .572
Shifting Into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .........574
Shifting Out Of Transfer Case Neutral (N) .......576
10
INDEX 725

Reformulated Gasoline...................... .542
Refrigerant ........................... .649, 650
Reminder, Seat Belt ..........................43
Remote Control Starting System ...........................29
Remote Keyless Entry ..................... .21, 22
Programming Additional Key Fobs .............18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........327
Remote Starting Uconnect Customer Programmable
Features ........................... .297, 317
Uconnect Settings .....................297, 317
Remote Starting System .......................29
Replacement Bulbs ........................ .688
Replacement Keys ...........................18
Replacement Parts ......................... .639
Replacement Tires ......................... .527
Reporting Safety Defects .....................713
Restraint, Head ........................... .129
Restraints, Child ............................69
Rotation, Tires ............................ .530
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ...................95
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ..................98
Safety Defects, Reporting .....................713 Safety, Exhaust Gas
..........................95
Safety Information, Tire ..................... .508
Safety Tips ................................94
Schedule, Maintenance ...................... .704
Seat Belt Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage .......48
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) ............54
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation .................47
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting ................48
Pregnant Women .........................53
Seat Belt Extender .........................52
Seat Belt Pretensioner ......................53
Seat Belt Reminder ........................43
Seat Belt Maintenance ...................... .677
Seat Belt Reminder ..........................43
Seat Belts ............................. .43, 95
Adjustable Shoulder Belt ....................48
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ..........48
Child Restraint ...........................69
Extender ...............................52
Front Seat ........................... .43,
47
Inspection ..............................95
Operating Instructions ......................47
Pregnant Women .........................53
Pretensioners ............................53
726 INDEX