Dodge 1500 (2012 year). Manual — part 3

WARNING!

• A belt buckled into the wrong buckle will not

protect you properly. The lap portion could ride
too high on your body, possibly causing internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle
nearest you.

• A belt that is too loose will not protect you

properly. In a sudden stop you could move too far
forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear
your seat belt snugly.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• A 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 belt worn under the arm can cause
internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder
bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that
your strongest bones will take the force in a
collision.

• A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect

you from injury during 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.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your
abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up
on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight,
tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt
reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.

WARNING!

• A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of

internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t
be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across
your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as
possible and keep it snug.

• A twisted belt may not protect you properly. In a

collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the
belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in a
vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immedi-
ately and have it fixed.

5. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is
comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor
will withdraw any slack in the belt.

Removing Slack From Belt

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45

6. To release the belt, push the red button on the buckle.
The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position.
If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to
allow the belt to retract fully.

WARNING!

A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do
not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the air bag deployed.

Regular Cab Front Center Three Point Belt

1. The front center seat belt on the Regular Cab may be
disconnected to open up utilization of the storage areas
behind the front seats. The black latch plate can be
detached from the black keyed seat belt buckle located on
the inboard side of the passenger seat. Insert the seat belt
tongue into the center red slot on the black buckle. The
black buckle latch plate can be removed when the seat
belt tongue is pressed into the buckle. Allow the retractor
to take up the extra webbing, and the buckles will hang
vertically from the cab back exit bezel, thus freeing up all
the area behind the front seats.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

2. To reattach the seat belt to the front center seat, pull
the black buckle latch plate forward from the cab back
panel and insert it into the black keyed buckle until there
is an audible “click”. For proper seat belt usage, refer
“Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions”.

Detaching Buckle With Seat Belt Tongue

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

47

WARNING!

• If the black latch and black buckle are not prop-

erly 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 black latch and black

buckle, ensure the seat belt webbing is not
twisted. If the webbing is twisted, follow the
preceding procedure to detach the black latch and
black buckle, untwist the webbing, and reattach
the black latch and black buckle.

Inserting Latch Plate

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure

Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/
shoulder belt.

1. Position the latch plate as close as possible to the
anchor point.

2. At about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate,
grasp and twist the belt webbing 180 degrees to create a
fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.

3. Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing.
The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the
latch plate.

4. Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the
folded webbing.

In Use Position

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Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage

In the front row outboard seats, the shoulder belt can be
adjusted upward or downward to help position the belt
away from your neck. Squeeze the anchorage button lo-
cated on the upper belt guide to release the anchorage, and
then move it up or down to the position that fits you best.

As a guide, if you are shorter than average you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average
you will prefer a higher position. When you release the
anchorage, try to move it up or down to make sure that
it is locked in position.

Center Lap Belts

The center seating position for the Quad Cab

威, Mega

Cab

威 and Crew Cab front seat has a lap belt only. To

fasten the lap belt, slide the latch plate into the buckle
until you hear a

⬙click.⬙ To lengthen the lap belt, tilt the

latch plate and pull. To remove slack, pull the loose end
of the webbing. Wear the lap belt snug against the hips.
Sit back and erect in the seat, then adjust the belt as
tightly as is comfortable.

Adjusting Upper Shoulder Belt

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• A lap belt worn too loose or too high is dangerous.
• A belt worn too loose can allow you to slip down

and under the belt in a collision.

• A belt that is too loose or too high will apply crash

forces to the abdomen, not to the stronger hip
bones. In either case, the risk of internal injuries is
greater. Wear a lap belt low and snug.

Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions

The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
which are used to secure a child restraint system. For
additional information, refer to “Installing Child Re-
straints Using The Vehicle Seat Belt” under the “Child
Restraints” section. The chart below defines the type of
feature for each seating position.

Driver

Center

Passenger

First Row

N/A

N/A

ALR

Second Row

ALR

Cinch

ALR

Third Row

N/A

N/A

N/A

• N/A — Not Applicable
• ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor

For Regular Cab Only

Driver

Center

Passenger

First Row

N/A

ALR

ALR

Second Row

N/A

N/A

N/A

• N/A — Not Applicable
• ALR — Automatic Locking Retractor

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If the passenger seating position is equipped with an
ALR and is being used for normal usage:

Only pull the belt webbing out far enough to comfortably
wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not
activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a
ratcheting sound as the belt retracts. Allow the webbing
to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull
out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfort-
ably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the
latch plate into the buckle until you hear a

⬙click.⬙

Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Mode – If
Equipped

In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-
locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in
the shoulder belt.

When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode
Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child safety
seat is installed in a seating position that has a belt with
this feature. Children 12 years old and under should
always be properly restrained in the rear seat.

How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode

1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until
the entire belt is extracted.

3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will
hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the Automatic Locking Mode.

How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it
to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking
Mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency)
locking mode.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced

if the seat belt assembly Automatic Locking Re-
tractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt func-
tion is not working properly when checked ac-
cording to the procedures in the Service Manual.

• Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly

could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Energy Management Feature

This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy
management feature in the front seating positions to help
further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on
collision.

This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is
designed to release webbing in a controlled manner. This
feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on
the occupant’s chest.

WARNING!

• The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced

if the seat belt assembly “Automatic Locking Re-
tractor (ALR)” feature or any other seat belt func-
tion is not working properly when checked ac-
cording to the procedures in the Service Manual.

• Failure to replace the belt and retractor assembly

could increase the risk of injury in accidents.

Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped

The seat belts for both front seating positions may be
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision.
These devices may improve the performance of the seat
belt by assuring that the belt is tight around the occupant
early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occu-
pants, including those in child restraints.

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NOTE:

These devices are not a substitute for proper seat

belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be
worn snugly and positioned properly.

The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Re-
straint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten-
sioners are single use items. A deployed pretensioner or
a deployed air bag must be replaced immediately.

Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert

姞

)

BeltAlert

威 is a feature intended to remind the driver and

front passenger (if equipped with front passenger
BeltAlert

威) to fasten their seat belts. The feature is active

whenever the ignition is on. If the driver or front seat
passenger is unbelted, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
turn on and remain on until both front seat belts are
fastened.

The BeltAlert

威 warning sequence begins after the vehicle

speed is over 5 mph (8 km/h), by blinking the Seat Belt
Reminder Light and sounding an intermittent chime.
Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the entire
duration or until the respective seatbelts are fastened.
After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder
Light remains illuminated until the respective seat belts
are fastened. The driver should instruct all other occu-
pants to fasten their seat belts. If a front seat belt is
unbuckled while traveling at speeds greater than 5 mph
(8 km/h), BeltAlert

威 will provide both audio and visual

notification.

The front passenger seat BeltAlert

威 is not active when the

front passenger seat is unoccupied. BeltAlert

威 may be

triggered when an animal or heavy object is on the front
passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat (if
equipped). It is recommended that pets be restrained in
the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are
secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

BeltAlert

威 can be enabled or disabled by your authorized

dealer. Chrysler Group LLC does not recommend deac-
tivating BeltAlert

威.

NOTE:

Although BeltAlert

威 has been deactivated, the

Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate
while the driver’s or front passenger (if equipped with
BeltAlert

威) seat belt remains unfastened.

Seat Belts And Pregnant Women

We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts
throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.

Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.

Seat Belt Extender

If a seat belt is too short even when fully extended, and
the adjustable upper shoulder belt anchorage (if so
equipped) is in its lowest position, your authorized
dealer can provide you with a seat belt extender. This
extender should be used only if the existing belt is not
long enough. When it is not required, remove the ex-
tender and store it.

WARNING!

Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use the
seat belt extender when the lap belt is not long
enough when it is worn low and snug, and in the
recommended seating positions. Remove and store
the extender when not needed.

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55

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) — Air Bags

This vehicle has Advanced Front Air Bags for both the
driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat
belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air
Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The
passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the
instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The
words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on the air bag covers.

NOTE:

These air bags are certified to the new Federal

regulations for Advanced Air Bags.

Advanced Front Air Bag And Knee Bolster Locations

1 — Driver And Passenger

Advanced Front Air Bags

2 — Knee Bolster

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Advanced Front Air Bags have a multistage inflator
design. This allows the air bag to have different rates of
inflation based on the severity and type of collision.

This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front
passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the
inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based upon
seat position.

This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front
passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether
the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The
seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the
Advanced Front Air Bags.

This vehicle may also be equipped with Supplemental
Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC) to protect the
driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next to a win-
dow. If the vehicle is equipped with SABIC air bags, they
are located above the side windows and their covers are
also labeled: SRS AIRBAG.

This vehicle may also be equipped with Supplemental
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) to provide enhanced
protection for an occupant during a side impact. If the
vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Seat-Mounted
Side Air Bags they are located in the outboard side of the
front seats.

NOTE:

• Air Bag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim,

but they will open during air bag deployment.

• After any accident, the vehicle should be taken to an

authorized dealer immediately.

Air Bag System Components

Your vehicle may be equipped with the following air bag
system components:

• Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

57

• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Knee Impact Bolster
• Driver Advanced Front Air Bag
• Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) — if

equipped

• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains

(SABIC) — if equipped

• Front and Side Impact Sensors
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch

Advanced 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).

The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an
impact that requires air bag deployment. This low output
is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is
used for more severe collisions.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• No objects should be placed over or near the air

bag on the instrument panel, 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.

• Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in

any way.

• Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster

such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios,
etc.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
— If Equipped
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) may
provide enhanced protection to help protect an occupant
during a side impact. The SAB is marked with an air bag
label sewn into the outboard side of the front seats.

Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label

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