RAM 4500 Chassis Cab (2022 year). Manual in english — page 18

SAFETY

283

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

Ú

page 300.

The figures below illustrate the locking feature for

each seating position.

Regular Cab Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations

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."
In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is

automatically 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. Grab 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.

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

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.

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284

SAFETY

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.

S

UPPLEMENTAL

R

ESTRAINT

S

YSTEMS

(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 collision. 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 Components:

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 — If Equipped



Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped



Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped

Air Bag Warning Light

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

monitors the readiness of the electronic

parts of the air bag system whenever the

ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN

position. If the ignition switch is in the OFF position

or in the ACC position, the air bag system is not on

and the air bags will not inflate.

The ORC contains a backup power supply system

that may deploy the air bag system even if the

battery loses power or it becomes disconnected

prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the

instrument panel for approximately four to eight

seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch is

first in the ON/RUN position. After the self-check,

the Air Bag 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.
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 igni

-

tion 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 intermit

-

tently or remains on while driving.

WARNING!



The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the

switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)

feature or any other seat belt function is not

working properly when checked according to

the procedures in the Service Manual.



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.

SAFETY

285

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.

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light

If a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light is

detected, which could affect the

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS),

the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will

illuminate on the instrument panel. The

Redundant Air Bag Warning Light will stay on until

the fault is cleared. In addition, a single chime will

sound to alert you that the Redundant Air Bag

Warning Light has come on and a fault has been

detected. If the Redundant Air Bag Warning Light

comes on intermittently or remains on while driving

have an authorized dealer service the vehicle

immediately

Ú

page 94.

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

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 determined by the Occupant

Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive

information from the front impact sensors (if

equipped) or other system components.

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.

1 — Driver And Passenger Front Air Bags
2 — Driver And Passenger Knee Impact Bolsters

WARNING!



Being too close to the steering wheel or instru

-

ment panel during front air bag deployment

could cause serious injury, including death. Air

bags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfort

-

ably 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.

6

286

SAFETY

(Continued)

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.

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 Occupant Restraint Controller (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!



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 collision 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 manually. 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.

WARNING!

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.

SAFETY

287

Supplemental Side Air Bags

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags

(SABs) — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with Supplemental

Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs). If your vehicle is

equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air

Bags (SABs), please refer to the information below.
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.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label

The SABs (if equipped with SABs) may help to

reduce the risk of occupant injury during certain

side impacts, in addition to the injury reduction

potential provided by the seat belts and body

structure.

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.

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains

(SABICs) — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with Supplemental

Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs). If your

vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side Air Bag

Inflatable Curtains (SABICs), please refer to the

information below.
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 (if equipped with 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.
The SABICs (if equipped with SABICs) may help

reduce the risk of partial or complete ejection of

vehicle occupants through side windows in certain

side impact events.

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 seri

-

ous injury.

6

288

SAFETY

(Continued)

Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in

certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint

Controller (ORC) determines 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 after

-

market sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add

roof racks that require permanent attach

-

ments (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.



Seat belts (and child restraints where appro

-

priate) are necessary for your protection in all

collisions. They also help keep you in position,

away from an inflating Side Air Bag. To get the

best protection from the Side Air Bags, occu

-

pants must wear their seat belts properly and

sit upright with their backs against the seats.

Children must be properly restrained in a child

restraint or booster seat that is appropriate for

the size of the child.

WARNING!



Side Air Bags need room to inflate. Do not lean

against the door or window. Sit upright in the

center of the seat.



Being too close to the Side Air Bags during

deployment could cause you to be severely

injured or killed.



Relying on the Side Air Bags alone could lead

to more severe injuries in a collision. The Side

Air Bags work with your seat belt to restrain

you properly. In some collisions, Side Air Bags

won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt

even though you have Side Air Bags.

WARNING!

SAFETY

289

NOTE:

Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior

trim, but they will open during air bag deployment.
Rollover Events (If Equipped With Rollover

Sensing)
Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners (if

equipped) are designed to activate in certain

rollover events (if equipped with rollover sensing).

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)

determines whether deployment in a particular

rollover event is appropriate, based on the severity

and type of collision. Vehicle damage by itself is not

a good indicator of whether or not Side Air Bags

and seat belt pretensioners should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners will

not deploy in all rollover events. The rollover

sensing system determines if a rollover event may

be in progress and whether deployment is

appropriate. In the event the vehicle experiences a

rollover or near rollover event, and deployment is

appropriate, the rollover sensing system will deploy

the Side Air Bags and seat belt pretensioners on

both sides of the vehicle.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or

complete ejection of vehicle occupants through

side windows in certain rollover or side impact

events.

Air Bag System Components

NOTE:

The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) monitors

the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring

associated with electrical Air Bag System Compo

-

nents listed below:



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 — If Equipped



Front and Side Impact Sensors — If Equipped



Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped

If A Deployment Occurs

The front air bags are designed to deflate

immediately after deployment.

NOTE:

Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all colli

-

sions. This does not mean something is wrong with

the air bag system.

If you do have a collision which deploys the air

bags, any or all of the following may occur:



The air bag material may sometimes cause

abrasions and/or skin reddening to the occu

-

pants as the air bags deploy and unfold. The

abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or

those you might get sliding along a carpet or

gymnasium floor. They are not caused by

contact with chemicals. They are not permanent

and normally heal quickly. However, if you

haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or

if you have any blistering, see your doctor imme

-

diately.



As the air bags deflate, you may see some

smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal

by-product of the process that generates the

non-toxic gas used for air bag inflation. These

airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes,

nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,

rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat

irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation

continues, see your doctor. If these particles

settle on your clothing, follow the garment

manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have

deployed. If you are involved in another collision,

the air bags will not be in place to protect you.

6

290

SAFETY

NOTE:



Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior

trim, but they will open during air bag deploy

-

ment.



After any collision, the vehicle should be taken

to an authorized dealer immediately.

Enhanced Accident Response System

In the event of an impact, if the communication

network remains intact, and the power remains

intact, depending on the nature of the event, the

ORC will determine whether to have the Enhanced

Accident Response System perform the following

functions:



Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped).



Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if

equipped).



Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has

power.



Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as

long as the battery has power or for 15 minutes

from the intervention of the Enhanced Accident

Response System.



Unlock the power door locks.

Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any

of these other functions in response to the

Enhanced Accident Response System:



Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC

Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door



Cut off battery power to the:



Engine



Electric Motor (if equipped)



Electric power steering



Brake booster



Electric park brake



Automatic transmission gear selector



Horn



Front wiper



Headlamp washer pump (if equipped)

NOTE:

After an accident, remember to place the ignition

to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the

key from the ignition switch to avoid draining the

battery. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in

the engine compartment and on the ground near

the engine compartment and fuel tank before

resetting the system and starting the engine. If

there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle

electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an

accident, reset the system by following the

procedure described below. If you have any doubt,

contact an authorized dealer.

Enhanced Accident Response System

Reset Procedure

In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response

System functions after an event, the ignition switch

must be changed from ignition START or ON/RUN

to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel

leaks in the engine compartment and on the

ground near the engine compartment and fuel

tank before resetting the system and starting the

engine.
After an accident, if the vehicle will not start after

performing the reset procedure, the vehicle must

be towed to an authorized dealer to be inspected

and to have the Enhanced Accident Response

System reset.

WARNING!

Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners

cannot protect you in another collision. Have the

air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and the seat

belt retractor assemblies replaced by an

authorized dealer immediately. Also, have the

Occupant Restraint Controller System serviced

as well.

SAFETY

291

Maintaining Your Air Bag System

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 performed. 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 oper

-

ating;



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 condi

-

tions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age,

and crash location) are recorded. However, other

parties, such as law enforcement, 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 equipment,

can read the information if they have access to the

vehicle or the EDR.

C

HILD

R

ESTRAINTS

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at

all times, including babies and children. Every

state in the United States, and every Canadian

province, requires that small children ride in

proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you

can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years or younger 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!



Modifications to any part of the air bag system

could cause it to fail when you need it. You

could be injured if the air bag system is not

there to protect you. Do not modify the compo

-

nents or wiring, including adding any kind of

badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub

trim cover or the upper passenger side of the

instrument panel. Do not modify the front

fascia/bumper, vehicle body structure, or add

aftermarket side steps or running boards.



It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the air

bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who

works on your vehicle that it has an air bag

system.



Do not attempt to modify any part of your air

bag system. The air bag may inflate accidentally

or may not function properly if modifications are

made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer

for any air bag 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 an authorized dealer. Only

manufacturer approved seat accessories may

be used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag

system for persons with disabilities, contact an

authorized dealer.

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child can become

a projectile inside the vehicle. The force required

to hold even an infant on your lap could become

so great that you could not hold the child, no

matter how strong you are. The child and others

could be badly injured or killed. Any child riding

in your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for

the child’s size.

6

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SAFETY

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 make sure you have the correct seat for your child. Carefully read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the child restraint

Owner’s Manual and on all the labels attached to the child restraint.
Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. You should also make sure that you can

install it in the vehicle where you will use it.

NOTE:



For additional information, refer to http://www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers or call: 1–888–327–4236



Canadian residents should refer to Transport Canada’s website for additional information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/child-car-seat-safety.html

Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles

Child Size, Height, Weight Or Age

Recommended Type Of Child Restraint

Infants and Toddlers

Children who are two years old or younger and who

have not reached the height or weight limits of their

child restraint

Either an Infant Carrier or a Convertible Child

Restraint, facing rearward in a rear seat of the

vehicle

Small Children

Children who are at least two years old or who have

outgrown the height or weight limit of their

rear-facing child restraint

Forward-Facing Child Restraint with a five-point

Harness, facing forward in a rear seat of the

vehicle

Larger Children

Children who have outgrown their forward-facing

child restraint, but are too small to properly fit the

vehicle’s seat belt

Belt Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle seat

belt, seated in a rear seat of the vehicle

Children Too Large for Child Restraints

Children 12 years old or younger, who have

outgrown the height or weight limit of their booster

seat

Vehicle Seat Belt, seated in a rear seat of the

vehicle

SAFETY

293

(Continued)

(Continued)

Infant And Child Restraints

Safety experts recommend that children ride

rear-facing in the vehicle until they are two years

old or until they reach either the height or weight

limit of their rear-facing child restraint. Two types of

child restraints can be used rear-facing: infant

carriers and convertible child seats.
The infant carrier is only used rear-facing in the

vehicle. It is recommended for children from birth

until they reach the weight or height limit of the

infant carrier. Convertible child seats can be used

either rear-facing or forward-facing in the vehicle.

Convertible child seats often have a higher weight

limit in the rear-facing direction than infant carriers

do, so they can be used rear-facing by children who

have outgrown their infant carrier but are still less

than at least two years old. Children should remain

rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or

height allowed by their convertible child seat.

Older Children And Child Restraints

Children who are two years old or who have

outgrown their rear-facing convertible child seat

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 are over two years old or who have

outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of

their rear-facing convertible child seat. Children

should remain in a forward-facing child seat with a

harness for as long as possible, up to the highest

weight or height allowed by the child seat.
All children whose weight or height is above the

forward-facing limit for the child seat should use a

belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s

seat belts fit properly. If the child cannot sit with

knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while

the child’s back is against the seatback, they

should use a belt-positioning booster seat. The

child and belt-positioning booster seat are held in

the vehicle by the seat belt.

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!

Do not install a rear-facing car seat using a rear

support leg in this vehicle. The floor of this

vehicle is not designed to manage the crash

forces of this type of car seat. In a crash, the

support leg may not function as it was designed

by the car seat manufacturer, and your child may

be more severely injured as a result.

WARNING!

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 child restraint manufac

-

turer’s directions exactly when installing an

infant or child restraint.

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SAFETY

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

seat belt in a rear seat. Use this simple 5-step test

to decide whether the child can use the vehicle’s

seat belt alone:
1. Can the child sit all the way back against the

back of the vehicle seat?

2. Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over

the front of the vehicle seat while the child is

still sitting all the way back?

3. Does the shoulder belt cross the child’s

shoulder between the neck and arm?

4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible,

touching the child’s thighs and not the

stomach?

5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole

trip?

If the answer to any of these questions was “no”,

then the child still needs to use a booster seat in

this vehicle. If the child is using the lap/shoulder

belt, check seat belt fit periodically and make sure

the seat belt buckle is latched. 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, or use

a booster seat to position the seat belt on the child

correctly.



After a child restraint is installed in the

vehicle, do not move the vehicle seat forward

or rearward because it can loosen the child

restraint attachments. Remove the child

restraint before adjusting the vehicle seat

position. When the vehicle seat has been

adjusted, reinstall the child restraint.



When your child restraint is not in use, secure

it in the vehicle with the seat belt or LATCH

anchorages, or remove it from the vehicle. Do

not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden

stop or accident, it could strike the occupants

or seatbacks and cause serious personal

injury.

WARNING!

WARNING!

Never allow a child to put the shoulder belt

under an arm or behind their back. In a crash,

the shoulder belt will not protect a child properly,

which may result in serious injury or death. A

child must always wear both the lap and

shoulder portions of the seat belt correctly.

SAFETY

295

Recommendations For Attaching Child Restraints

Lower Anchors And Tethers For CHildren

(LATCH) Restraint System

LATCH Label

Your vehicle is equipped with the child restraint

anchorage system called LATCH, which stands for

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. The

LATCH system has three vehicle anchor points for

installing LATCH-equipped child seats. There are

two lower anchorages located at the back of the

seat cushion where it meets the seatback and one

top tether anchorage located behind the seating

position. These anchorages are used to install

LATCH-equipped child seats without using the

vehicle’s seat belts. Some seating positions may

have a top tether anchorage but no lower

anchorages. In these seating positions, the seat

belt must be used with the top tether anchorage to

install the child restraint. Please see the following

table for more information.

Restraint Type

Combined Weight of

the Child + Child

Restraint

Use Any Attachment Method Shown With An “X” Below

LATCH – Lower Anchors

Only

Seat Belt Only

LATCH – Lower Anchors

+ Top Tether Anchor

Seat Belt + Top Tether

Anchor

Rear-Facing Child

Restraint

Up to 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

X

X

Rear-Facing Child

Restraint

More than 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

X

Forward-Facing Child

Restraint

Up to 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

X

X

Forward-Facing Child

Restraint

More than 65 lbs

(29.5 kg)

X

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SAFETY

LATCH Positions For Installing Child

Restraints In This Vehicle

Regular Cab LATCH Positions

Crew Cab 60/40 Split Bench LATCH Positions

Crew Cab Full Bench LATCH Positions

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

Lower Anchorage Symbol (2 Anchorages Per

Seating Position)

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

Lower Anchorage Symbol (2 Anchorages Per

Seating Position)

Top Tether Anchorage Symbol

SAFETY

297

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With LATCH

What is the weight limit (child’s weight + weight of the child

restraint) for using the LATCH anchorage system to attach the

child restraint?

65 lbs (29.5 kg)

Use the LATCH anchorage system until the combined weight

of the child and the child restraint is 65 lbs (29.5 kg). Use the

seat belt and tether anchor instead of the LATCH system once

the combined weight is more than 65 lbs (29.5 kg).

Can the LATCH anchorages and the seat belt be used together

to attach a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint?

No

Do not use the seat belt when you use the LATCH anchorage

system to attach a rear-facing or forward-facing child

restraint.
Booster seats may be attached to the LATCH anchorages if

allowed by the booster seat manufacturer. See your booster

seat owner’s manual for more information.

Can a child seat be installed in the center position using the

inner LATCH lower anchorages from the outboard seating

positions?

N/A – Regular / Crew Split

Rear Bench

No – Crew Full Rear Bench

Regular Cab Front/Full Bench Rear Seat: Use the seat belt

and tether anchor to install a child seat in the center seating

position.
Split Bench Rear Seat: Use the supplied center lower

anchorages to install a child restraint in the center position.

Can two child restraints be attached using a common lower

LATCH anchorage?

No

Never “share” a LATCH anchorage with two or more child

restraints. If the center position does not have dedicated

LATCH lower anchorages, use the seat belt to install a child

seat in the center position next to a child seat using the

LATCH anchorages in an outboard position.

Can the rear-facing child restraint touch the back of the front

passenger seat?

Yes

The child seat may touch the back of the front passenger

seat if the child restraint manufacturer also allows contact.

See your child restraint owner’s manual for more information.

Can the rear head restraints be removed?

Yes

The head restraints can be removed in every rear seating

position if they interfere with the installation of the child

restraint

Ú

page 35.

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SAFETY

Locating The LATCH Anchorages —

Crew Cab Only

The lower anchorages are round bars

that are found at the rear of the seat

cushion where it meets the seatback.

They are just visible when you lean into

the rear seat to install the child restraint. You will

easily feel them if you run your finger along the gap

between the seatback and seat cushion.

Crew Cab Rear Outboard Seats (Driver Side)

Locating The Upper Tether Anchorages

Regular Cab models have tether strap

anchorages behind the front center and

right seats. Crew Cab models have tether

strap anchorages located behind each of

the rear seats.

Regular Cab Tether Anchorages (Behind Covers)

Crew Cab Outboard Tether Anchorage

Crew Cab Center Tether Anchorage With Head Restraint In

Raised Position

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will be

equipped with a rigid bar or a flexible strap on each

side. Each will have a hook or connector to attach

to the lower anchorage and a way to tighten the

connection to the anchorage. Forward-facing child

restraints and some rear-facing child restraints will

also be equipped with a tether strap. The tether

strap will have a hook at the end to attach to the

top tether anchorage and a way to tighten the strap

after it is attached to the anchorage.

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