RAM 5500 Chassis Cab (2017 year). Instruction — part 6

back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is now in
the Automatic Locking mode.

6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is

locked, you should not be able to pull out any webbing.
If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.

7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap

portion around the child restraint while you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle
seat.

8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the

seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the
tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether
strap. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using
the Top Tether Anchorage” for directions to attach a
tether anchor.

9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling

back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It
should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any
direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the
belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

Installing A Child Restraint With A Switchable
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

Crew Cab

1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating position.

Move the vehicle seat as far rearward as possible to keep
the child as far from the advanced passenger air bag as
possible.

2. Pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the retractor

to pass it through the belt path of the child restraint. Do
not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

“click.”

4. Pull on the webbing to make the lap portion tight

against the child seat.

5. To lock the seat belt, pull down on the shoulder part of

the belt until you have pulled all the seat belt webbing
out of the retractor. Then, allow the webbing to retract
back into the retractor. As the webbing retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This means the seat belt is now in
the Automatic Locking mode.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

85

6. Try to pull the webbing out of the retractor. If it is

locked, you should not be able to pull out any webbing.
If the retractor is not locked, repeat step 5.

7. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap

portion around the child restraint while you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle
seat.

8. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the

seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the
tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether
strap. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using
the Top Tether Anchorage” for directions to attach a
tether anchor.

9. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling

back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It
should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any
direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the
belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

Installing A Child Restraint With A Cinching Latch
Plate (CINCH) — If Equipped:

1. Place the child seat in the center of the seating position.

For some second row seats, you may need to recline the
seat and / or raise the head restraint to get a better fit. If
the rear seat can be moved forward and rearward in the
vehicle, you may wish to move it to its rear-most
position to make room for the child seat. You may also
move the front seat forward to allow more room for the
child seat.

2. Next, pull enough of the seat belt webbing from the

retractor to pass it through the belt path of the child
restraint. Do not twist the belt webbing in the belt path.

3. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

“click.”

4. Finally, pull up on any excess webbing to tighten the lap

portion around the child restraint while you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the vehicle
seat.

5. If the child restraint has a top tether strap and the

seating position has a top tether anchorage, connect the
tether strap to the anchorage and tighten the tether

86

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

strap. See the section “Installing Child Restraints Using
the Top Tether Anchorage” for directions to attach a
tether anchor.

6. Test that the child restraint is installed tightly by pulling

back and forth on the child seat at the belt path. It
should not move more than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in any
direction.

Any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the
belt occasionally, and pull it tight if necessary.

If the buckle or the cinching latch plate is too close to the
belt path opening of the child restraint, you may have
trouble tightening the seat belt. If this happens, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle and twist the short buckle-
end belt up to three full turns to shorten it. Insert the latch
plate into the buckle with the release button facing out,
away from the child restraint. Repeat steps 4 to 6, above, to
complete the installation of the child restraint.

If the belt still cannot be tightened after you shorten the
buckle, disconnect the latch plate from the buckle, turn the
buckle around one half turn, and insert the latch plate into
the buckle again. If you still cannot make the child restraint
installation tight, try a different seating position.

Installing Child Restraints Using The Top Tether
Anchorage

WARNING!

Do not attach a tether strap for a rear-facing car seat to
any location in front of the car seat, including the seat
frame or a tether anchorage. Only attach the tether
strap of a rear-facing car seat to the tether anchorage
that is approved for that seating position, located
behind the top of the vehicle seat. See the section
“Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
Restraint System” for the location of approved tether
anchorages in your vehicle.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

87

Regular and Mega Cab Trucks:

In the regular cab truck, the top tether anchorages are
located behind the center and right passenger seats. In the
mega cab truck, the top tether anchorages are located
behind each rear seating position. There is a plastic cover
over each anchorage. To attach the tether strap of the child
restraint:

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 and to the tether anchor directly behind
the seat.

1 — Tether Strap Hook
2 — Tether Strap to Child Restraint
3 — Tether Anchor

2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path

between the anchorage and the child seat. The tether
strap should go between the head restraint posts under-
neath the head restraint. You may need to adjust the
head restraint to the upward position to pass the tether
strap underneath the head restraint and between its
posts.

Regular Cab Tether Anchorages

88

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Lift the cover (if so equipped), and attach the hook to the

square opening in the sheet metal. Tighten the tether
strap according to the child seat manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.

WARNING!

Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an
air bag. A deploying Passenger Advanced Front Air
Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years
or younger, including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.

Crew Cab Trucks:

The top tether anchorages in this vehicle are tether strap
loops located between the rear glass and the back of the
rear seat. There is a tether strap loop located behind each
seating position. Follow the steps below to attach the tether
strap of the child restraint.

Right or Left Outboard Seats:

1. Raise the head restraint and reach between the rear seat

and rear glass to access the tether strap loop.

Head Restraint In Raised Position

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

89

2. Place a child restraint on the seat and adjust the tether

strap so that it will reach over the seat back, under the
head restraint, through the tether strap loop behind the
seat and over to the tether strap loop behind the center
seat.

3. Pass the tether strap hook under the head restraint

behind the child seat, though the tether strap loop
behind the seat and over to the center tether strap loop.

Tether Strap Loop With Center Head Restraint In Raised

Position

Tether Strap Through Outboard Tether Strap Loop

90

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Attach the hook to the center tether strap loop (see

diagram). Tighten the tether strap according to the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.

NOTE:

If there are child seats in both of the outboard (left

and right) seating positions, the tether strap hooks of both
child seats should be connected to the center tether strap
loop. This is the correct way to tether two outboard child
seats.

Center Seat:

1. Raise the head restraint and reach between the rear seat

and rear glass to access the tether strap loop.

2. Place a child restraint on the seat and adjust the tether

strap so that it will reach over the seat back, under the
head restraint, through the tether strap loop behind the
seat and over to the tether strap loop behind either the
right or left outboard seat.

Tether Strap Through Outboard Tether Strap Loop And

Attached To Center Tether Strap Loop

Tether Strap Loop With Head Restraint In Raised Position

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

91

3. Pass the tether strap hook under the head restraint

behind the child seat, though the tether strap loop
behind the seat and over to the right or left outboard
tether strap loop.

4. Attach the hook to the outboard tether strap loop (see

diagram). Tighten the tether strap according to the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Installing Three Child Restraints:

1. Place a child restraint on each outboard rear seat. Route

the tether straps following the directions for right and
left seating positions, above.

2. Attach both hooks to the center tether strap loop, but do

not tighten the straps yet.

3. Place a child restraint on the center rear seat. Route the

tether strap following the directions for the center
seating position, above.

Tether Strap Through Center Tether Strap Loop

Tether Strap Through Center Tether Strap Loop And

Attached To Outboard Tether Strap Loop

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Attach the hook to the outboard tether strap loop.

5. Tighten the tether straps according to the child seat

manufacturer’s instructions, tightening the right and
left tether straps before the center tether strap.

WARNING!

• An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to

increased head motion and possible injury to the

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

child. Use only the anchorage position directly be-
hind the child seat to secure a child restraint top
tether strap.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a split rear seat,

make sure the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack
in the strap.

Transporting Pets

Air Bags 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 a
collision.

Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or
pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.

Left Outboard And Center Seating Position Shown

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

93

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle.”

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem.

Diesel Engine

The Cummins turbocharged diesel engine does not require
a break-in period due to its construction. Normal operation
is allowed, providing the following recommendations are
followed:

• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine

lugging.

• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying

or towing significant weight.

NOTE:

Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or

no load operation will extend the time before the engine is
at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.

For additional vehicle break-in requirements, refer to
“Trailer Towing” in “Starting and Operating” of the Own-
er’s Instruction.

Because of the construction of the Cummins turbocharged
diesel engine, engine run-in is enhanced by loaded oper-
ating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles (10 000 km).

94

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS

Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.

WARNING!

• Do not leave children or animals inside parked

vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.

• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,

inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, 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.

Exhaust Gas

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can even-
tually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
• Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in

confined areas any longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.

• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/

rear doors 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.

• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the

engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.

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

2

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

95

vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the ex-
haust 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 seat 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 web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or
retractor condition, replace the seat belt.

Air Bag Warning Light

The Air Bag warning light

will turn on for four to

eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN position. If the light is either not
on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,

have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible. This light will illuminate with a single
chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has
been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If
the light comes on intermittently or remains on while
driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle
immediately. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” for further
information.

Defroster

Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.

Floor Mat Safety Information

Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals or
impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.

96

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

An improperly attached, damaged, folded, or stacked
floor mat, or damaged floor mat fasteners may cause
your floor mat to interfere with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals and cause a loss of vehicle control. To
prevent SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
• ALWAYS securely attach

your floor mat using

the floor mat fasteners. DO NOT install your floor
mat upside down or turn your floor mat over.
Lightly pull to confirm mat is secured using the
floor mat fasteners on a regular basis.

• ALWAYS REMOVE THE EXISTING FLOOR MAT

FROM THE VEHICLE

before installing any

other floor mat. NEVER install or stack an addi-
tional floor mat on top of an existing floor mat.

• ONLY install floor mats designed to fit your vehicle.

NEVER install a floor mat that cannot be properly
attached and secured to your vehicle. If a floor mat
needs to be replaced, only use a FCA approved floor
mat for the specific make, model, and year of your
vehicle.

• ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the driver’s

side floor area. To check for interference, with the

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

vehicle properly parked with the engine off, fully
depress the accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interference. If your
floor mat interferes with the operation of any pedal,
or is not secure to the floor, remove the floor mat
from the vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.

• ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat on the

passenger’s side floor area.

• ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into

the driver’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.

• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,

towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.

• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-

installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for

(Continued)

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

97

WARNING! (Continued)

interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.

• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water

to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.

98

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 MIRRORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror — If Equipped . . . . . .103
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . .104
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror With Rear View

Camera Display — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . .109

▫ Outside Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
▫ Outside Mirrors Folding Feature . . . . . . . . . . . .110
▫ Power Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
▫ Illuminated Vanity Mirror — If Equipped . . . . . .112
▫ “Slide-On-Rod” Features Of Sun Visor — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped . . . . . . . .113

䡵 SEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

▫ Driver’s Power Seat — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . .115

▫ Passenger’s Power Seat — If Equipped . . . . . . .116
▫ Power Lumbar — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
▫ Ventilated Seats — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
▫ Instruction Seat Adjuster — If Equipped . . . . . . . .119
▫ 40-20-40 Front Bench Seat — If Equipped . . . . .121
▫ Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

䡵 DRIVER MEMORY SEAT — IF EQUIPPED . . . . .124

▫ Programming The Memory Feature . . . . . . . . . .125
▫ Linking And Unlinking The Remote Keyless Entry

Key Fob To Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

▫ Memory Position Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
▫ Easy Entry/Exit Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

䡵 TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD . . . . . . . . . .128

3

䡵 LIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

▫ Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
▫ Automatic Headlights — If Equipped . . . . . . . .130
▫ Headlights On With Wipers (Available With

Automatic Headlights Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

▫ Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped . .131
▫ Headlight Delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131
▫ Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control — If

Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

▫ Parking Lights And Panel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . .133
▫ Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
▫ Lights-On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
▫ Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
▫ Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
▫ Cargo Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
▫ Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
▫ Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
▫ Lane Change Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

▫ Flash-To-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
▫ High/Low Beam Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

䡵 WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS . . . . . . .138

▫ Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
▫ Intermittent Wiper System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
▫ Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
▫ Mist Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
▫ Rain Sensing Wipers — If Equipped . . . . . . . . .140

䡵 TILT STEERING COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
䡵 DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS —

IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

䡵 HEATED STEERING WHEEL — IF EQUIPPED . .144
䡵 ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . .145

▫ To Activate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
▫ To Set A Desired Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
▫ To Deactivate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

100

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE