RAM Chassis Cab (2021 year). Manual in english — page 16

250

SAFETY

SELECTABLE TIRE FILL ALERT (STFA) — IF

EQUIPPED

The Selectable Tire Fill Alert (STFA) system is an

optional feature that is included as part of the

normal Tire Fill Alert system. The system is

designed to allow the customer to select a

pressure to inflate or deflate the vehicle's front and

rear axle tires to and to provide feedback to the

customer while inflating or deflating the vehicle's

tires.
In the Selectable Tire Fill Alert application, which is

located in the apps menu of the Uconnect system,

the customer will be able to select a pressure

setting for both the front and rear axle tire

pressures by scrolling through a pressure range

from XX to 15 psi in 1 psi increments for each axle

setting. XX = the vehicle’s cold placard pressure

values for the front and rear axles as shown on the

vehicle placard pressure label.
The customer may also store the pressure values

chosen for each axle in the radio as a preset

pressure. The customer will be allowed to store up

to two sets of preset values in the radio for the

front and rear axle pressure values.
Once the customer selects the tire pressures for

the front and rear axles that they want to inflate or

deflate to, they can begin inflating or deflating one

tire at a time.

NOTE:

The STFA system will only support inflating or

deflating one tire at a time.
The customer may choose to disable or enable the

STFA feature through use of the TFA settings in the

radio. If STFA appears greyed out it must be turned

on prior to selecting.
The system will be activated when the TPMS

receiver module detects a change in tire pressure.

The ignition must be in the RUN mode, with the

transmission in PARK (P).
The hazard lamps will come on to confirm the

vehicle is in Tire Fill Alert mode.
If the hazard lamps do not come on while inflating

or deflating the tire, the TPMS sensor may be in a

null spot preventing the TPMS sensor signal from

being received. In this case, the vehicle may need

to be moved either forward or backward slightly to

exit the null spot.
When Tire Fill Alert mode is entered, the tire

pressure display screen will be displayed in the

instrument cluster.
Operation:



The horn will chirp once when the selected pres

-

sure is reached to let the user know when to

stop inflating or deflating the tire.



The horn will chirp three times if the tire is over

-

inflated or over deflated and will continue to

chirp every five seconds if the user continues to

inflate or deflate the tire.



The horn will chirp once again when enough air

is added or removed to reach proper selected

pressure level.

Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS)

3500/4500/5500 Series Trucks

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure

Information System (TPIS).
The Tire Pressure Information System (TPIS) uses

wireless technology with wheel rim mounted

electronic sensors to transmit tire pressure levels.

Sensors mounted to each wheel as part of the

valve stem transmit tire pressure readings to the

receiver module.
NOTE:

It is particularly important for you to check the tire

pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly

and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPIS consists of the following components:



Receiver module



Four TPMS sensors (Single Rear Wheel (SRW)

applications)



Six TPMS sensors (Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)

applications)



Pressure display in the instrument cluster

SAFETY

251

The TPIS system will display all four (Single Rear

Wheel (SRW) applications) or six (Dual Rear Wheel

(DRW) applications) tire pressure values in the

instrument cluster display.
If a system fault is detected, the instrument cluster

will display a "SERVICE TPM SYSTEM" message for

a minimum of five seconds and then display

dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value to

indicate which sensor is not being received.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will

repeat, providing the system fault still exists. If the

system fault no longer exists, the "SERVICE TPM

SYSTEM" message will no longer be displayed, and

a pressure value will display in place of the dashes.

A system fault can occur due to any of the

following:



Signal interference due to electronic devices or

driving next to facilities emitting the same radio

frequencies as the TPMS sensors.



Installing aftermarket window tinting that

contains materials that may block radio wave

signals.



Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels

or wheel housings.



Using tire chains on the vehicle.



Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS

sensors.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Some of the most important safety features in your

vehicle are the restraint systems:

O

CCUPANT

R

ESTRAINT

S

YSTEMS

F

EATURES



Seat Belt Systems



Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags



Child Restraints

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.

I

MPORTANT

S

AFETY

P

RECAUTIONS

Please pay close attention to the information in

this section. It tells you how to use your restraint

system properly, to keep you and your passengers

as safe as possible.
Here are some simple steps you can take to

minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should

always ride buckled up in the rear seat of a

vehicle with a rear seat.

2. A child who is not big enough to wear the

vehicle seat belt properly must be secured in

the appropriate child restraint or

belt-positioning booster seat in a rear seating

position

Ú

page 267.

3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a

rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the

front passenger seat, move the seat as far

back as possible and use the proper child

restraint

Ú

page 267.

4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt

behind them or under their arm.

5. You should read the instructions provided with

your child restraint to make sure that you are

using it properly.

6. All occupants should always wear their lap and

shoulder belts properly.

7. The driver and front passenger seats should

be moved back as far as practical to allow the

front air bags room to inflate.

8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your

vehicle has side air bags, and deployment

occurs, the side air bags will inflate forcefully

into the space between occupants and the

door and occupants could be injured.

9. If the air bag system in this vehicle needs to be

modified to accommodate a disabled person,

see

Ú

page 384 for customer service contact

information.

6

252

SAFETY

S

EAT

B

ELT

S

YSTEMS

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver,

even on short trips. Someone on the road may be

a poor driver and could cause a collision that

includes you. This can happen far away from home

or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and

they can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a

collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when

people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts

reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of

injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle.

Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all

times.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System

(BeltAlert)

Driver And Passenger BeltAlert — If Equipped

BeltAlert is a feature intended to remind the

driver and outboard front seat passenger (if

equipped with outboard front passenger seat

BeltAlert) to buckle their seat belts. The BeltAlert

feature is active whenever the ignition switch is in

the START or ON/RUN position.
Initial Indication
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch

is first in the START or ON/RUN position, a chime

will signal for a few seconds. If the driver or

outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with

outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is

unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in the

START or ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder

Light will turn on and remain on until both outboard

front seat belts are buckled. The outboard front

passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when an

outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.
BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when

the vehicle is moving above a specified vehicle

speed range and the driver or outboard front seat

passenger is unbuckled (if equipped with outboard

front passenger seat BeltAlert) (the outboard front

passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the

outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied). The

BeltAlert warning sequence starts by blinking the

Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an

intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert warning

sequence has completed, the Seat Belt Reminder

Light will remain on until the seat belts are

buckled. The BeltAlert warning sequence may

repeat based on vehicle speed until the driver and

occupied outboard front seat passenger seat belts

are buckled. The driver should instruct all

occupants to buckle their seat belts.
Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if

equipped with outboard front passenger seat

BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while the

vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning sequence

will begin until the seat belts are buckled again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not

active when the outboard front passenger seat is

unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered when an

animal or other items are placed on the outboard

front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat

(if equipped). It is recommended that pets be

restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet

harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat

belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an

authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not

recommend deactivating BeltAlert.

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.

SAFETY

253

(Continued)

(Continued)

(Continued)

NOTE:

If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or

outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with

outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is

unbuckled the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn

on and remain on until the driver and outboard

front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions except the Crew Cab front

center seating position have combination lap/

shoulder belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during

very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows

the shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely

with you under normal conditions. However, in a

collision the seat belt will lock and reduce your risk

of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown

out of the vehicle.

WARNING!



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, the air bags won’t deploy at all.

Always wear your seat belt even though you

have air bags.



In a collision, you and your passengers can

suffer much greater injuries if you are not prop

-

erly buckled up. You can strike the interior of

your vehicle or other passengers, or you can be

thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you

and others in your vehicle are buckled up prop

-

erly.



It is 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. Occupants, including

the driver, should always wear their seat belts

whether or not an air bag is also provided at

their seating position to minimize the risk of

severe injury or death in the event of a crash.



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.

WARNING!



Two people should never be belted into a

single seat belt. People belted together can

crash into one another in a collision, hurting

one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder

belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no

matter what their size.

WARNING!



A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of

injury in a collision. The seat belt forces won’t

be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but

across your abdomen. Always wear the lap part

of your seat belt as low as possible and keep it

snug.



A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly.

In a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure

the seat belt is flat against your body, without

twists. If you can’t straighten a seat belt in your

vehicle, take it to an authorized dealer immedi

-

ately and have it fixed.



A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle

will not protect you properly. The lap portion

could ride too high on your body, possibly

causing internal injuries. Always buckle your

seat belt into the buckle nearest you.

WARNING!

6

254

SAFETY

(Continued)

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back

and adjust the seat.

2. The seat belt latch plate is above the back of

the front seat, and next to your arm in the rear

seat (for vehicles equipped with a rear seat).

Grab the latch plate and pull out the seat belt.

Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as

necessary to allow the seat belt to go around

your lap.

Pulling Out The Latch Plate

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

the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

“click.”

Inserting Latch Plate Into Buckle



A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you

properly. In a sudden stop, you could move too

far forward, increasing the possibility of injury.

Wear your seat belt snugly.



A seat belt that is worn under your arm is

dangerous. Your body could strike the inside

surfaces of the vehicle in a collision,

increasing head and neck injury. A seat belt

worn under the arm can cause internal inju

-

ries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones.

Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that

your strongest bones will take the force in a

collision.



A shoulder belt placed behind you will not

protect you from injury during a collision. You

are more likely to hit your head in a collision if

you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap

and shoulder belt are meant to be used

together.

WARNING!



A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a

collision and leave you with no protection.

Inspect the seat belt system periodically,

checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.

Damaged parts must be replaced immedi

-

ately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat

belt system. If your vehicle is involved in a

collision, or if you have questions regarding

seat belt or retractor conditions, take your

vehicle to an authorized FCA dealer or autho

-

rized FCA Certified Collision Care Program

facility for inspection.

WARNING!

SAFETY

255

4. 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, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap

belt. A snug seat belt reduces the risk of sliding

under the seat belt in a collision.

Positioning The Lap Belt

5. 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.

6. To release the seat belt, push the red button

on the buckle. The seat belt will automatically

retract to its stowed position. If necessary,

slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow

the seat belt to retract fully.

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, grab 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.
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.

6

256

SAFETY

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

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.

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 effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash.



Always make all seat belt height adjustments

when the vehicle is stationary.

SAFETY

257

(Continued)

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 automatically

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

First Row Center Lap Belt Operating

Instructions — If Equipped

The center seating position for the 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!



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.

WARNING!

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 collision. 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.

6

258

SAFETY

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

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 — If Equipped

3500 Models Only
The front outboard seat belt system is equipped

with pretensioning devices that are designed to

remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a

collision. These devices may improve the

performance of the seat belt by removing slack

from the seat belt early in a collision. Pretensioners

work for all size occupants, including those in child

restraints.
NOTE:

These devices are not a substitute for proper seat

belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still

must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant

Restraint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the

pretensioners are single use items. A deployed

pretensioner or a deployed air bag must be

replaced immediately.

Energy Management Feature —

If Equipped

3500 Models Only
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.

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 276.

The figure below illustrates the locking feature for

each seating position.

Regular Cab Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations

Crew Cab Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Locations

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor

SAFETY

259

(Continued)

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.

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.

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!

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.

6

260

SAFETY

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.

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

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.

SAFETY

261

(Continued)

comes on intermittently or remains on while driving

have an authorized dealer service the vehicle

immediately

Ú

page 93.

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.

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.

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.

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.

6

262

SAFETY

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.

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



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

263

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

following information.

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.

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

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.

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.

6

264

SAFETY

(Continued)

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.

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.

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

265

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.

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).

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 autho

-

rized dealer immediately. Also, have the Occu

-

pant Restraint Controller System serviced as

well.

6