Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual

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.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

All seating positions except the Quad Cab

t front center

seating position have combination lap/shoulder belts.
The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during
very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the
shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under
normal conditions. But in a collision, the belt will lock
and reduce the risk of your striking the inside of the
vehicle or being thrown out.

WARNING!

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat

belts are designed to go around the large bones of
your body. These are the strongest parts of your
body and can take the forces of a collision the best.
Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make
your injuries in a collision much worse. You might
suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out
of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to
wear your seat belt safely and to keep your pas-
sengers safe, too.

• Two people should never be belted into a single

seat belt. People belted together can crash into one
another in an accident, hurting one another badly.
Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more
than one person, no matter what their size.

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, next to your arm in the rear seat. Grasp the latch
plate and pull out the belt. Slide the latch plate up the
webbing as far as necessary to allow the belt to go around
your lap.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 as well. In
a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increas-
ing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
• A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous.
Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle
in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. And 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 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.

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.

Removing Slack From Belt

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 pos-
sible and keep it snug.
• A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision
it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight.
If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it to
your authorized dealer 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.

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 airbag deployed.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 vehicle
ignition key into the center white slot on the black buckle.
The black buckle latch plate can be removed when the
key is pressed into the buckle. Allow the retractor to take
up the surplus webbing, and the buckles will hang
vertically from the cab back exit bezel, thus freeing up all
the area behind the front seats.

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. Refer to the previous section for the
proper seat belt usage.

Detaching Buckle With Key

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

If the black latch and buckle are not connected when
the seat belt is used by an occupant, the seat belt will
not restrain you properly.

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. Press the button located on the
upper belt guide, and then move it up or down to the
position that fits you best.

In-Use Position

Shoulder Belt Adjustment

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

As a guide, if you are shorter than average, you will
prefer a lower position, and if you are taller than average,
you’ll 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.

Automatic Locking Retractors (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. The Automatic Locking Mode is avail-
able on all passenger seating positions with a combina-
tion lap/shoulder belt.

When To Use The Automatic Locking Mode:
Use this mode anytime a child safety seat is installed in a
passenger seating position. Children 12 years old and
under should be properly restrained in the rear seat
whenever possible.

How To Use The Automatic Locking Mode:

1. Buckle the combination lap/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:
Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow
it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic
Locking Mode and activate the Vehicle Sensitive (emer-
gency) Locking Mode.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Center Lap Belts

The center seating position for the Quad Cab

t front seat

has a lap belt only. To fasten the lap belt, slide the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a

9click.9 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.

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 Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped

The seat belts for both front seating positions are
equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to
remove slack from the seat belt system in the event of a
collision. These devices improve the performance of the
seat belt by assuring that the belt is tight about the
occupant 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 airbag control
module. Like the airbags, the pretensioners are single-use
items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy
the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert

)

If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert

t) will alert the driver to buckle the seat

belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to
buckle their seat belts. If the driver unbuckles the seat
belt while the vehicle is in motion an immediate chime
will be heard and, the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert

t) will continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt

Warning Light for 96 seconds or until the driver’s seat
belt is buckled. The Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert

t) will be reactivated if the ignition is cycled,

driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert

t) can be en-

abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:

NOTE:

The following steps must occur within the first

60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. The manufacturer does not recom-
mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert

t).

1. With all doors closed and the ignition switch in any
position except On or Start, buckle the driver’s seat belt.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait
for the Seat Belt Warning Light to turn off.

3. Within 60 seconds of turning the ignition switch to the
ON position, unbuckle and then re-buckle the driver’s
seat belt at least three times within 10 seconds, ending
with the seat belt buckled.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. A
single chime will sound to signify that you have success-
fully completed the programming.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert

t) can be reac-

tivated by repeating this procedure.

NOTE:

Although the Enhanced Warning System

(BeltAlert

t) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning

Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat
belt remains unbuckled.

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 against 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, 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 extender 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)—Airbags

This vehicle has airbags for both the driver and right
front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s front airbag is mounted in the
steering wheel. The passenger front airbag is mounted in

the instrument panel, above the glove compartment. The
words SRS/AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.

NOTE:

The front airbags are certified to the Federal

regulations that allow less forceful deployment.

The front airbags have a multistage inflator design. This
may allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation
that are based on collision severity and occupant size.

This vehicle may also be equipped with window bags to
protect the driver, front, and rear passengers sitting next
to a window. If the vehicle is equipped with window
bags, they are located above the side windows. Their
covers are also labeled SRS AIRBAG.

NOTE:

Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior

trim; but they will open to allow airbag deployment.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Do not put anything on or around the front airbag

covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be-
cause the airbags are no longer functional. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.

• If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do

not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to
block the location of the window bag. The area
where the window bag is located should remain free
from any obstructions.

• If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do

not have any accessory items installed which will
alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your
vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require perma-
nent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation on
the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the
vehicle for any reason.

NOTE:

Do not use a clothing bar mounted to the coat

hooks in this vehicle. A clothing bar will impede the
proper performance of the window bags.

Along with the seat belts, front airbags work with the
instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved
protection for the driver and front passenger. Window
bags also work with seat belts to improve occupant
protection.

The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions.

If your vehicle is so equipped, the window bag on the
crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to
severe side collisions. But even in collisions where the
airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the
right position for the airbags to protect you properly.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some simple steps you can follow to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.

1. Children 12 years and under should always ride
buckled up in a rear seat in an appropriate child restraint.

Infants in rear-facing child restraints should NEVER ride
in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger front airbag,
unless the airbag is turned off

(2500/3500 Regular Cab

Vehicles Only). An airbag deployment can cause severe
injury or death to infants in that position. See the
Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch section.

You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.

2. If your vehicle does not have a rear seat, see the
Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch section.

3. Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (see section on Child Restraints) should be
secured in the rear seat in child restraints or belt-positioning

booster seats. Older children who do not use child restraints
or belt-positioning booster seats, should ride properly buck-
led up in the rear seat. Never allow children to slide the
shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.

4. All occupants should use their lap and shoulder belts
properly.

5. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbag room to inflate.

6. If your vehicle has window bags, do not lean against
the door or window, airbags will inflate forcefully into
the space between you and the door.

7. If the airbag system in this vehicle needs to be
modified to accommodate a disabled person, contact the
Customer Center. Phone numbers are provided in the

9If

You Need Customer Assistance

9 section later in this

owner’s manual.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

• Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more

severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you have
airbags.

• Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument

panel during airbag deployment could cause seri-
ous injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back,
comfortably extending your arms to reach the
steering wheel or instrument panel.

• If the vehicle has window bags, they also need

room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or
window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.

Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:

• Occupant Restraint Controller
• Side Remote Acceleration Sensors (if equipped)
• Airbag Warning Light
• Driver Airbag
• Passenger Airbag
• Window Bags above Side Windows (if equipped)
• Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Interconnecting Wiring
• Knee Impact Bolsters
• Front Acceleration Sensors (1500 Vehicles Only)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual - part 3