RAM 2500 (2019 year). Instruction — part 15

SAFETY

237

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 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate,

grasp and twist the seat 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 and the seat belt is no longer twisted.

Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage
In the driver and outboard front passenger seats, the top of

the shoulder belt can be adjusted upward or downward to

position the seat belt away from your neck. Push or squeeze

the anchorage button to release the anchorage, and move it

up or down to the position that serves you best.

Adjustable Anchorage

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will prefer

the shoulder belt anchorage in a lower position, and if you

are taller than average, you will prefer the shoulder belt

anchorage in a higher position. After you release the

anchorage button, try to move it up or down to make sure

that it is locked in position.

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238 SAFETY

NOTE:

The adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage is equipped

with an Easy Up feature. This feature allows the shoulder

belt anchorage to be adjusted in the upward position without

pushing or squeezing the release button. To verify the

shoulder belt anchorage is latched, pull downward on the

shoulder belt anchorage until it is locked into position.

First Row Center Seat Belt Operating Instructions
(Regular Cab Only)

The first row center seat belt (Regular Cab only) features a

seat belt with a mini-latch plate and buckle, which allows the

seat belt to detach from the lower anchor when the seat is

folded. The latch plate and regular latch plate can then be

stored out of the way in the seat for added convenience to

open up utilization of the storage areas behind the front seats

when the seat is not occupied.
1. Remove the mini-latch plate and regular latch plate from

its stowed position on the seat.

Connect Mini-Latch To Mini-Buckle

WARNING!

• Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your

injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer

internal injuries, or you could even slide out of the seat

belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt

safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.

• Position the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest

with minimal, if any slack so that it is comfortable and

not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw

any slack in the shoulder belt.

• Misadjustment of the seat belt could reduce the effec-

tiveness of the safety belt in a crash.

• Always make all seat belt height adjustments when the

vehicle is stationary.

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239

Mini-Latch And Mini-Buckle Connected

2. Grasp the mini-latch plate and pull the seat belt over the

seat.

3. Route the shoulder belt to the inside of the right head

restraint.

4. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the

mini-latch plate into the mini-buckle until you hear a

“click.”

5. Sit back in seat. Slide the regular latch plate up the

webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat belt to go

around your lap.

6. When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch

plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”

7. Position the lap belt so that it is snug and lies low across

your hips, 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, pull on the lap belt. A snug

seat belt reduces the risk of sliding under the seat belt in

a collision.

8. 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 seat belt.

9. To release the seat belt, push the red button on the buckle.

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240 SAFETY

10. To disengage the mini-latch plate from the mini-buckle

for storage, insert the regular latch plate into the center

red slot on the mini-buckle. The seat belt will automati-

cally retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the

latch plate down the webbing to allow the seat belt to

retract fully. Insert the mini-latch plate and regular latch

plate into its stowed position.

Detaching Mini-Buckle With Seat Belt Tongue

WARNING!

• If the mini-latch plate and mini-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 a collision.

• When reattaching the mini-latch plate and

mini-buckle, ensure the seat belt webbing is not

twisted. If the webbing is twisted, follow the preceding

procedure to detach the mini-latch plate and

mini-buckle, untwist the webbing, and reattach the

mini-latch plate and mini-buckle.

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241

First Row Center Lap Belt Operating Instructions — If
Equipped

The center seating position for the Mega Cab and Crew Cab

front seat has a lap belt only. To buckle 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 upright in the

seat, then adjust the seat belt as tightly as is comfortable.

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is not long enough to fit properly, even when the

webbing is fully extended and the adjustable upper shoulder

belt anchorage (if equipped) is in its lowest position, an

authorized dealer can provide you with a Seat Belt Extender.

The Seat Belt Extender should be used only if the existing

seat belt is not long enough. When the Seat Belt Extender is

not required for a different occupant, it must be removed.

WARNING!

• ONLY use a Seat Belt Extender if it is physically

required in order to properly fit the original seat belt

system. DO NOT USE the Seat Belt Extender if, when

worn, the distance between the front edge of the Seat

Belt Extender buckle and the center of the occupant’s

body is LESS than 6 inches.

• Using a Seat Belt Extender when not needed can

increase the risk of serious injury or death in a colli-

sion. Only use the Seat Belt Extender when the lap belt

is not long enough and only use in the recommended

seating positions. Remove and store the Seat Belt

Extender when not needed.

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242 SAFETY

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Pregnant Women And Seat Belts

Seat belts must be worn by all occupants including pregnant

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 outboard seat belt system is equipped with preten-

sioning 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 place-

ment 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

The front outboard seat belt system is equipped with an

Energy Management feature 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 controlled manner.

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243

Switchable Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) — If
Equipped

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions may be

equipped with a Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

(ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint system. For

additional information, refer to “Installing Child Restraints

Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child Restraints”

section of this instruction. The figure below illustrates the

locking feature for each seating position.

Regular Cab Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations

Mega Cab/Crew Cab Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

Locations

If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR

and is being used for normal usage, only pull the seat 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 clicking sound as the seat

belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in this

case and then carefully pull out only the amount of webbing

necessary to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s

mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you

hear a "click."

ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

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244 SAFETY

In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is automati-

cally pre-locked. The seat belt will still retract to remove any

slack in the shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode

anytime a child restraint is installed in a seating position that

has a seat belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and

under should always be properly restrained in the rear seat

of a vehicle with a 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 seat belt is extracted.

3. Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you

will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the seat 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!

• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger 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.

• Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front

seat of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child restraint

in the rear seat. If the vehicle does not have a rear seat,

do not transport a rear-facing child restraint in that

vehicle.

WARNING!

• The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the switch-

able Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or any

other seat belt function is not working properly when

checked according to the procedures in the Service

Instruction.

• Failure to replace the seat belt assembly could increase

the risk of injury in collisions.

• Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to restrain

occupants who are wearing the seat belt or children

who are using booster seats. The locked mode is only

used to install rear-facing or forward-facing child

restraints that have a harness for restraining the child.

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245

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)

Some of the safety features described in this section may be

standard equipment on some models, or may be optional

equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized

dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a colli-

sion. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors the

internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated with

the electrical Air Bag System Components. Your vehicle may

be equipped with the following Air Bag System Compo-

nents:
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
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags

• Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Seat Track Position Sensors
Air Bag Warning Light

The ORC monitors the readiness of the elec-

tronic 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 instru-

ment 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 Warning 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.

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246 SAFETY

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 diagnostics

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.

WARNING!

Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument

panel could mean you won’t have the air bag system 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 air bag

system immediately.

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247

Front Air Bags

This vehicle has front air bags and lap/shoulder belts for

both the driver and front passenger. The front air bags are a

supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver

front air bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel.

The passenger front air bag is mounted in the instrument

panel, above the glove compartment. The words “SRS

AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” are embossed on the air bag covers.

Front Air Bag/Knee Bolster Locations

Driver And Passenger Front Air Bag Features

2500 Series Truck
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver

and front passenger air bags. This system provides output

appropriate to the severity and type of collision as deter-

mined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which

may receive information from the front impact sensors (if

equipped) or other system components.

1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags

2 — Driver And Passenger Knee Impact Bolsters

WARNING!

• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument

panel during front air bag 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.

• Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an

air bag. A deploying passenger 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.

• Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat

of a vehicle. Only use a rear-facing child restraint in the

rear seat. If the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do not

transport a rear-facing child restraint in that vehicle.

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248 SAFETY

The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an

impact that requires air bag deployment. A low energy

output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy

output is used for more severe collisions.
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 buckled. The seat belt

buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced

Front Air Bags.
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 Air Bags based upon

seat position.
3500 Series Truck
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver

and front passenger air bags. This system provides output

appropriate to the severity and type of collision as deter-

mined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which

may receive information from the front impact sensors (if

equipped) or other system components.
The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an

impact that requires air bag deployment. A low energy

output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy

output is used for more severe collisions.
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 buckled. The seat belt

buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced

Front Air Bags.

WARNING!

• No objects should be placed over or near the air bag on

the instrument panel or steering wheel because any

such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a colli-

sion severe enough to cause the air bag to inflate.

• Do not put anything on or around the air bag covers or

attempt to open them instructionly. You may damage the

air bags and you could be injured because the air bags

may no longer be functional. The protective covers for

the air bag cushions are designed to open only when

the air bags are inflating.

• Relying on the air bags alone could lead to more severe

injuries in a collision. The air bags work with your seat

belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, air

bags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belts

even though you have air bags.

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249

Front Air Bag Operation

Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional protection

by supplementing the seat belts. Front air bags are not

expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover

collisions. The front air bags 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, front air bags may deploy in crashes with little

vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial

deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over

time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not good

indicators of whether or not an air bag should have

deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions,

and also are needed to help keep you in position, away from

an inflating air bag.

When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front air bags,

it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas

is generated to inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper passenger

side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way

as the air bags inflate to their full size. The front air bags fully

inflate in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. The front

air bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the

driver and front passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters

The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the driver

and front passenger, and position the front occupants for

improved interaction with the front air bags.

WARNING!

• Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact

bolsters in any way.

• Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact

bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band

radios, etc.

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250 SAFETY

Supplemental Side Air Bags

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted

Side Air Bags (SABs).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs) are

located in the outboard side of the front seats. The SABs are

marked with “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or on

the seat trim on the outboard side of the seats.
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occupant injury

during certain side impacts, in addition to the injury reduc-

tion potential provided by the seat belts and body structure.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label

When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on the outboard

side of the seatback’s trim cover. The inflating SAB deploys

through the seat seam into the space between the occupant

and the door. The SAB moves at a very high speed and with

such a high force that it could injure occupants if they are not

seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where

the SAB inflates. Children are at an even greater risk of injury

from a deploying air bag.

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251

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag

Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs) are

located above the side windows. The trim covering the

SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG.”

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC)

Label Location

SABICs may help reduce the risk of head and other injuries

to front and rear seat outboard occupants in certain side

impacts, in addition to the injury reduction potential

provided by the seat belts and body structure.
The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side windows.

An inflating SABIC pushes the outside edge of the headliner

out of the way and covers the window. The SABICs inflate

with enough force to injure occupants if they are not belted

and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area

where the SABICs inflate. Children are at an even greater

risk of injury from a deploying air bag.

WARNING!

Do not use accessory seat covers or place objects between

you and the Side Air Bags; the performance could be

adversely affected and/or objects could be pushed into

you, causing serious injury.

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252 SAFETY

(Continued)

The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete

ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in

certain side impact events.

Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in certain side

impacts. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) deter-

mines whether the deployment of the Side Air Bags in a

particular impact event is appropriate, based on the severity

and type of collision. 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. 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 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.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt restraint

system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time than it takes to

blink your eyes.

WARNING!

• Do not mount equipment, or stack luggage or other

cargo up high enough to block the deployment of the

SABICs. The trim covering above the side windows

where the SABIC and its deployment path are located

should remain free from any obstructions.

• In order for the SABICs to work as intended, do not

install any accessory items in your vehicle which could

alter the roof. Do not add an aftermarket sunroof to

your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require perma-

nent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation on

the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle

for any reason.

WARNING!

• Occupants, including children, who are up against or

very close to Side Air Bags can be seriously injured or

killed. Occupants, including children, should never

lean on or sleep against the door, side windows, or area

where the side air bags inflate, even if they are in an

infant or child restraint.