Occupant restraints
Some of the most important safety features in your vehicle are the restraint systems: • Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the driver and all passengers • Front seat belts may incorporate pretensioners that may enhance occupant protection by managing occu- pant energy during an impact event
Advanced Front Airbags for driver and front passen- ger
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) if equipped
An energy-absorbing steering column and steering wheel
Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants • All seat belt systems (except driver’s and second row
center position) include Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the seat belt webbing into position by extending the belt all the way out and then adjust- ing the belt to the desired length to restrain a child seat or secure a large item in a seat if equipped If you will be carrying children too small for adult-sized seat belts, the seat belts or the Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) feature also can be used to hold infant and child restraint systems. For more information on LATCH, refer to Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH).
NOTE: The Advanced Front Airbags have a multistage inflator design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of inflation based on the severity and type of collision. Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly, to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.
WARNING! In an accident, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause an accident that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street. Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in an accident. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions except the Quad Cab , Mega Cab and Crew Cab front center seating position have combi- nation lap/shoulder belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or accidents. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. However, in an accident the belt will lock and reduce the risk of you striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out.
WARNING!
Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of an accident best.
Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in an accident, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.
It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In an accident, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.
Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in an accident much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instruc- tions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat. 2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front seat, next to your arm in the rear seat. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around your lap.
3. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
Pulling Out Latch Plate And Webbing
Latch Plate To Buckle
WARNING!
A belt buckled into the wrong buckle will not
protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.
A belt that is too loose will not protect you properly. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
A belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous.
Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in an accident, increasing head and neck injury. A belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.
A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during an accident. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together.
4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in an accident.
WARNING!
A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of internal injury in an accident. The belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it snug.
A twisted belt will not protect you properly. In a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in a vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immedi- ately and have it fixed.
5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt.
Removing Slack From Belt
6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the belt to retract fully.
WARNING! A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in an accident and leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing, etc.) or if the airbag deployed.
Regular Cab Front Center Three Point Belt
1. The front center seat belt on the Regular Cab may be disconnected to open up utilization of the storage areas behind the front seats. The black latch plate can be detached from the black keyed seat belt buckle located on the inboard side of the passenger seat. Insert the seat belt tongue into the center red slot on the black buckle. The black buckle latch plate can be removed when the seat belt tongue is pressed into the buckle. Allow the retractor to take up the extra webbing, and the buckles will hang vertically from the cab back exit bezel, thus freeing up all the area behind the front seats.
2. To reattach the seat belt to the front center seat, pull the black buckle latch plate forward from the cab back panel and insert it into the black keyed buckle until there is an audible “click”. For proper seatbelt usage, refer “Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions”.
WARNING!
If the black latch and black buckle are not properly connected when the seat belt is used by an occupant, the seat belt will not be able to provide proper restraint and will increase the risk of injury in an accident.
When reattaching the black latch and black buckle, ensure the seat belt webbing is not twisted. If the webbing is twisted, follow the preceding procedure to detach the black latch and black buckle, untwist the webbing, and reattach the black latch and black buckle.
Detaching Buckle With Seat Belt Tongue
Inserting Latch Plate
In Use Position
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/ shoulder belt. 1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point. 2. At about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the belt webbing 180 degrees to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate. 3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate. 4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing.
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
In the front row outboard seats, the shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward to help position the belt away from your neck. Squeeze the anchorage button
located on the upper belt guide to release the anchorage, and then move it up or down to the position that fits you best.
Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt
As a guide, if you are shorter than average you will prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average you will prefer a higher position. When you release the anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that it is locked in position.
Center Lap Belts
The center seating position for the Quad Cab , Mega Cab and Crew Cab front seat has a lap belt only. To fasten the lap belt, slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a click. To lengthen the lap belt, tilt the latch plate and pull. To remove slack, pull the loose end of the webbing. Wear the lap belt snug against the hips. Sit back and erect in the seat, then adjust the belt as tightly as is comfortable.
WARNING!
A lap belt worn too loose or too high is dangerous.
A belt worn too loose can allow you to slip down and under the belt in a collision.
A belt that is too loose or too high will apply crash forces to the abdomen, not to the stronger hip bones. In either case, the risk of internal injuries is greater. Wear a lap belt low and snug.
Energy Management Feature
This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management feature in the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on accident. This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant’s chest.
WARNING!
The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced
if the seat belt assembly “Automatic Locking Re- tractor (ALR)” feature or any other seat belt func- tion is not working properly when checked ac- cording to the procedures in the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in accidents.
Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) which are used to secure a child restraint system. For additional information, refer to “Installing Child Re- straints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child Restraints” section. The chart below defines the type of feature for each seating position.
N/A Not Applicable
ALR Automatic Locking Retractor
If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR and is being used for normal usage: Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfort- ably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode – If EquippedIn this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-
locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.
When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode
Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a seating position that has a belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in the rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt. 2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted. 3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
WARNING!
The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced
if the seat belt assembly Automatic Locking Re- tractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt func- tion is not working properly when checked ac- cording to the procedures in the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Seat Belt Pretensioners If Equipped
The seat belts for both front seating positions may be equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of an accident. These devices may improve the performance of the seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight around 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 Occupant Re- straint Controller (ORC). Like the airbags, the pretension- ers are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed airbag must be replaced immediately.
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)
BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the driver to fasten their seatbelt. This feature is active whenever the ignition is on. If the driver is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on and remain on until the driver seatbelt is fastened. BeltAlert triggers within
60 seconds of vehicle speed over 5 mph (8 km/h). The reminder sequence lasts for 96 seconds or until the driver seatbelt is fastened. After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until the driver front belt is fastened. The driver should instruct all other occupants to fasten their seatbelts. If the driver seatbelt is unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), BeltAlert will chime as a single notification and illuminate the Seat Belt Reminder Light, then will proceed to the 96 second reminder sequence. BeltAlert can be enabled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by performing the following procedure:
NOTE: The following steps must occur within the first 60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON/RUN or START position. Chrysler Group LLC does not recommend deactivating the BeltAlert .
1. With all doors closed and the ignition switch in any position except ON/RUN or START, buckle the driver’s seat belt. 2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position and wait for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn off. 3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle and then re-buckle the driver’s seat belt at least three times within 60 seconds, ending with the seat belt buckled.
NOTE: Watch for the Seat Belt Reminder Light to turn on while the seat belt retracts and turn off while re- buckling the seat belt. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. A single chime will sound to signify that you have success- fully completed the programming. BeltAlert can be reactivated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE: Although BeltAlert has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled or unretracted.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will takethe force if there is an accident.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short even when fully extended, and the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if so equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This extender should be used only if the existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex- tender and store it.
WARNING! Using a seat belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury in an accident. Only use the seat belt extender when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn low and snug, and in the recommended seating positions. Remove and store the extender when not needed.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – Airbags
This vehicle has Advanced Front Airbags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air- bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s Advanced Front Airbag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.
NOTE: These airbags are certified to the new Federal regulations for Advanced Airbags.
Advanced Front Airbag And Knee Bolster Locations
1 Driver And Passenger Ad- vanced Front Airbags
2 Knee Bolster
The Advanced Front Airbags have a multistage inflator design. This allows the airbag to have different rates of inflation based on the severity and type of collision. This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Airbags based upon seat position. This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Airbags. This vehicle may also be equipped with Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next to a win- dow. If the vehicle is equipped with SABIC airbags, they are located above the side windows and their covers are also labeled: SRS AIRBAG.
NOTE:
Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,
but they will open during airbag deployment. • After any accident, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Airbag System Components
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following airbag system components: • Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) • Airbag Warning Light • Steering Wheel and Column • Instrument Panel • Knee Impact Bolster • Driver Advanced Front Airbag • Passenger Advanced Front Airbag
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) • Front and Side Impact Sensors • Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch, and Seat Track Position Sensors
Advanced Front Airbag Features
The Advanced Front Airbag system has multistage driver and front passenger airbags. This system provides output appropriate to the severity and type of collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive information from the front impact sensors (if equipped). The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an impact that requires airbag deployment. This low output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is used for more severe collisions.
WARNING!
No objects should be placed over or near the airbag on the instrument panel, because any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to open them manually. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags may no longer be functional. The protective covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags are inflat- ing.
Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in any way.
Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) If Equipped
SABIC airbags may offer side-impact protection to front and rear seat outboard occupants in addition to that provided by the body structure. Each airbag features inflated chambers placed adjacent to the head of each outboard occupant that reduce the potential for side- impact head injuries. The curtains deploy downward, covering both windows on the impact side.
NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during airbag deployment. The system includes side impact sensors that are cali- brated to deploy the side airbags during impacts that require airbag occupant protection.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Label Location
WARNING!
If your vehicle is equipped with left and right
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of the SABIC. The area where the SABIC is located should re- main free from any obstructions.
Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects between you and the side airbags; the performance could be adversely affected and/or objects could be pushed into you, causing serious injury.
If your vehicle is equipped with SABIC airbags,
do not have any accessory items installed which will alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for instal- lation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle for any reason.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the driver and the front passenger, and position front occu- pants for the best interaction with the Advanced Front Airbags. Along with seat belts and pretensioners, Advanced Front Airbags work with the knee bolsters to provide improved protection for the driver and front passenger. Side airbags also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying airbag: Children 12 years old and under should always ride buckled up in a rear seat.
WARNING! Infants in rear-facing child restraints should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger Advanced Front Airbag. An airbag deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in that posi- tion.
Children that are not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly (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. If a child from 1 to 12 years old (not in a rear facing child seat) must ride in the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible and use the proper child restraint. (Refer to “Child Restraints”) You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical to allow the Advanced Front Airbags room to inflate.
Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side airbags, and deployment occurs, the side airbags will inflate forcefully into the space between you and the door. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided under If You Need Assistance.
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 Advanced Front Airbag deployment could cause serious injury, including death. Air- bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) also need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
The
ORC is part of a Federally regulated safety system required for this vehicle. The ORC determines if deployment of the front and/or side airbags in a frontal or side collision is required.
Based on the impact sensor’s signals, a central electronic ORC deploys the Advanced Front Airbags, SABIC air- bags if equipped, and front seat belt pretensioners if equipped, as required, depending on the severity and type of impact. Advanced Front Airbags are designed to provide addi- tional protection by supplementing the seat belts in certain frontal collisions depending on the severity and type of collision. Advanced Front Airbags are not ex- pected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, rollover, or side collisions. The Advanced Front Airbags will not deploy in all frontal collisions, including some that may produce substantial vehicle damage for example, some pole collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and location of impact,
Advanced Front Airbags may deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial deceleration. The side airbags will not deploy in all side collisions. Side airbag deployment will depend on the severity and type of collision. Because airbag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not good indicators of whether or not an airbag should have deployed. Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all acci- dents, and also are needed to help keep you in position, away from an inflating airbag. The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the airbag system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If the key is in the LOCK 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, based on the collision type and severity. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The Advanced Front Airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Inflator Units If Equipped
During collisions where the impact is confined to a particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may deploy the SABIC airbags, depending on the severity and type of collision. In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the side curtain airbag inflates. This especially applies to children. The side curtain airbag is only about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated. Because airbag sensors estimate deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of whether or not an airbag should have deployed.
Front And Side Impact Sensors If Equipped
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the ORC in determining appropriate response to impact events.
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 airbag 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 in- structions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the airbags have de- ployed. If you are involved in another collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING! Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot protect you in another collision. Have the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and the front seat belt retrac- tor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer im- mediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Con- troller (ORC) system serviced as well.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is 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 add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
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 an airbag system.
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 associated
with 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 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)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems per- formed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: • How various systems in your vehicle were operating; • Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
How fast the vehicle was traveling. These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no per- sonal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law en- forcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equip- ment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
Child Restraints
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the time, 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. Children 12 years or under should ride properly buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING! In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby, can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The force required to hold even an infant on your lap can become so great that you could not hold the child, no matter how strong you are. The child and others could be badly injured. Any child riding in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s size.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.
Infants And Small Children
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and convertible child seats. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/ shoulder belt.
The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up to about 20 lbs (9 kg). Convertible child seats can be used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
LATCH child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”.
WARNING! Rearward-facing child seats must never be used in the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe injury or death to infants in this position.
Older Children And Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who
are older than one year can ride forward-facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older than one year. These child seats are also held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system. Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)”.
The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weigh- ing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back is against the seat back, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The child and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
NOTE: For additional information, refer to www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana- dian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s web- site for additional information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/ roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/index.htm
WARNING!
Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex- actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
A rearward-facing child restraint should only be used in a rear seat.
A rearward-facing infant restraint in the front seat may be struck by a deploying a passenger airbag which may cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.
Children Too Large For Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat. • Make sure that the child is upright in the seat. • The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible. • Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position. • If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your child restraint:
Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. Chrysler Group LLC also recommends that you make sure that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle where you will use it before you buy it.
The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for weight and height limits.
Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may not work when you need it.
In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the release button facing out.
If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the latch plate around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure, try a different seating position.
Buckle the child into the seat according to the child restraint manufacturer’s directions.
WARNING!
Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex- actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle. Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or accident, it could strike the occu- pants or seatbacks and cause serious personal injury.
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)
Each vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor- age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren. The LATCH system provides for the installation of the child restraint without using the vehicle seat belt, instead securing the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle structure. LATCH child restraint anchorage systems are installed in the Quad Cab , Mega Cab and Crew Cab rear seat outboard positions. LATCH equipped seating positions feature both lower anchor bars, located at the back of the seat cushion, and tether strap anchorages, located behind the seat back (refer to “Child Restraint Tether Anchor”).
Child restraint systems having attachments designed to connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection to the seat back tether anchorage have been available for
Quad Cab /Mega Cab /Crew Cab Rear Outboard Seats Driver Side
some time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will provide add-on tether strap kits for some of their older products. Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child restraint systems having attachments for those anchor- ages will continue to have features for installation in vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage of all of the available attachments provided with your child restraint in any vehicle.
NOTE:
When using the LATCH attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out of reach of children. It is recommended that before installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are not toys and should not be played with, and never leave your child unattended in the vehicle.
If your child restraint seat is not LATCH-compatible, install the restraint using the vehicle seat belting.
Installing The Child Restraint System
WARNING! Do not install child restraint systems equipped with LATCH mechanisms in the center position of a Quad Cab
rear seat, or Crew Cab model with a bench rear seat. A child may be placed in the rear center seating position of a Quad Cab , or Crew Cab bench model using the seat belt and child tether anchorage. The LATCH anchorages in the rear seat are designed for the two outboard seating positions for Quad Cab , Crew Cab
with a full bench rear seat, and all three positions for Mega Cab
and Crew Cab
with a split bench rear seat. Failure to follow this may result in serious or fatal injury.
We urge you to carefully follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Many, but not all, restraint systems will be equipped with separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or connector, and a means for adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a hook and means for adjusting the tension in the strap. In general, you will first loosen the child seat adjusters on the lower straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach the hook or connector to the lower anchor- ages and tether anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the child restraint rearward and downward into the seat. Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc- tions that come with the child restraint system.
WARNING! Improper installation of a child restraint to the LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are equipped with either an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) or a cinching latch plate or both. Both types of seat belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a ratcheting noise if you extract the entire belt from the retractor and
then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. For additional information on ALR, refer to “Automatic Locking Mode”. To install a child restraint, first, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor to route it through the belt path of the child restraint and slide the latch plate into the buckle. Next, extract all the seat belt webbing out of the retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the retractor. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten the lap portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasion- ally, and pull it tight if necessary.
Child Restraint Tether Anchor
Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for con- nection to tether anchors have been available for some time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will provide add-on tether strap kits for their older products. Regular Cab models have two tether anchorages, one each behind the front center and right seats. Quad Cab , Mega Cab and Crew Cab models have three anchor- ages, one behind each of the rear seats.
WARNING! An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to seat failure and injury to the child. In a collision, the seat could come loose and allow the child to crash into the inside of the vehicle or other passengers, or even be thrown from the vehicle. Use only the anchor positions directly behind the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether strap. Follow the instruc- tions below. See your authorized dealer for help if necessary.
Tether Anchorage Points at the Right and Center Front Seat (Regular Cab - All Seats)
1. Place the child restraint on the seat and adjust the tether strap so that it will reach over the seat back under the head restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the seat. 2. Lift the cover (if so equipped), and attach the hook to the square opening in the sheet metal. 3. Install the child restraint and remove the slack in the tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regular Cab Tether Strap Mounting
1 Tether Strap Hook 2 Tether Strap to Child Restraint 3 Tether Anchor
Multiple Child Restraint Installation Sequence (Quad Cab /Crew Cab/Mega Cab
- Rear Seats) Mega Cab
1. Place a child restraint on each outboard rear seat and adjust the tether strap so that it will reach under the head restraint to the tether anchor directly behind the seat and then to the anchor directly behind the center rear seat. 2. Lift the cover, and attach the hook to the square opening in the sheet metal.
3. Install the child restraint and remove the slack in the tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mega Cab Tether Strap Mounting
Quad Cab /Crew Cab
1. The tether straps loops are located between the rear glass and the rear seat. There is a tether strap loop located behind each seating position. You can gain access to the center seating position tether strap loop by raising the head restraint and reaching between the rear glass and rear seat.
2. Place a child restraint on each outboard rear seat and adjust the tether strap so that it will reach under the head restraint, through the outboard tether strap loop, then route it to the tether strap loop located directly behind the center rear seat.
Head Restraint Adjustment
3. Pass each tether strap hook under the head restraint and through the loop of webbing behind the child seat. 4. Route each tether strap to the anchor behind the center seat, and attach the hooks to the anchor loop. 5. Place a child restraint on the center rear seat and adjust the tether strap so that it will reach under the head restraint through the center seat tether strap loop and anchor to the tether strap loop located behind either outboard seating positions. 6. Install each child restraint and remove the slack in the tether strap according to the child restraint manufactur- er’s instructions.
Multiple Child Restraint Quad Cab /Crew Cab
1 Anchor Loops 2 Snap Hook 3 Tether Strap 4 Passenger’s Side Rear Child Seat 5 Rear Center Child Seat 6 Driver’s Side Rear Child Seat
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in an accident. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
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