Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual

• Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners (if

equipped)

• Driver Seat Track Position Sensor (if equipped)
• Passenger Side Frontal Airbag ON/OFF Switch (2500/

3500 Regular Cab Vehicles Only)

• Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light

(2500/3500 Regular Cab Vehicles Only)

How the Airbag System Works

• The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines

if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The front airbag inflators are de-
signed to provide different rates of airbag inflation
from information provided by the ORC. The ORC will
not detect rollover or rear collisions.

The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the START or RUN positions. These include all of the
items listed above except the steering wheel and
column, and knee bolsters. If the key is in the OFF
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition,
the airbags are not on and will not inflate.

Also, the ORC turns on the AIRBAG warn-
ing light in the instrument panel for six to
eight seconds for a self-check when the
ignition is first turned on. After the self-

check, the AIRBAG warning light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the AIRBAG warning light either momen-
tarily or continuously. A single chime will sound if the
light comes on again after initial start up.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Ignoring the AIRBAG warning light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.

• The Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) Indicator Light

(if equipped)

(an amber light located in the center of

the instrument panel), tells the driver and front pas-
senger when the front passenger airbag is turned off.
The PAD indicator light illuminates the words

9PASS

AIR BAG OFF

9 to show that the passenger airbag will

not inflate during a collision requiring airbags. The
PAD light will illuminate when the passenger frontal
airbag has been turned off by using the manual

ON/OFF switch (2500/3500 Regular Cab Vehicles
Only). See Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch – (2500/
3500 Regular Cab Vehicles Only) in this section for
additional information.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are

located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to
inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates
may be possible based on collision severity and occu-
pant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper right side of the instrument panel separate and
fold out of the way as the bags inflate to their full size.
The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70 milliseconds.
This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes.
The bags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain
the driver and front passenger. The driver’s front
airbag gas is vented through vent holes in the sides of
the airbag. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the airbags do not interfere with your control of
the vehicle.

• The Side Impact SRS Window Bags are designed to

activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC
(with side impact option) detects a collision requiring
the window bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on
the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas
is generated to inflate the window bag. The inflating
window bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner
out of the way and covers the window. The airbag
inflates in about 30 milliseconds (about one quarter of
the time it takes to blink your eyes) with enough force
to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly,
or if items are positioned in the area where the
window bag inflates. This especially applies to chil-
dren. The window bag is only about 3-1/2 in (9 cm)
thick when it is inflated.

NOTE:

At no time should any supplemental restraint

system (SRS) component or SRS-related component or
fastener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of

the driver and the front passenger, and positions them
for the best interaction with the front airbag.

Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch – (2500/3500
Regular Cab Vehicles Only)

The passenger front airbag is to be turned off only if the
passenger:

• is an infant (less than one-year old) who must ride in

the front seat because there is no rear seat, because the
rear seat is too small for a rear-facing infant restraint or
because the infant has a medical condition which
makes it necessary for the driver to be able to see the
infant;

• is a child, age 1 to 12 who must ride in the front seat

because there is no rear seat, because there is no rear
seat position available, or because the child has a
medical condition which makes it necessary for the
driver to be able to see the child;

• has a medical condition which makes passenger airbag

inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger
than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument
panel) or windshield in a crash.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

Whenever an airbag is turned off, even a lap/
shoulder belted passenger may hit their head, neck,
or chest on the dashboard (instrument panel) or
windshield in a crash. This may result in serious
injury or death.

To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag (2500/3500 Regular
Cab Vehicles Only)

Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF
Switch, push the key in and turn clockwise, and remove
the key from the switch. This will shut off the passenger
side airbag. The OFF light near the switch will illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.

To Turn On the Passenger Airbag (2500/3500 Regular
Cab Vehicles Only)

Place the ignition key in the Passenger Airbag ON/OFF
Switch, push the key in and turn counterclockwise, and
remove the key from the switch. This will turn ON the
passenger airbag. The OFF light near the switch will be
off when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.

If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy the airbags
when the impact sensors detect a moderate-to-severe
frontal collision, to help restrain the driver and front
passenger, and then immediately deflate.

NOTE:

A frontal collision that is not severe enough to

need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:

• The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-

sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags 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
immediately. As the airbags deflate you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-
product of the process that generates the nontoxic gas
used for airbag 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 manufac-
turer’s instructions for cleaning.

• It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the

airbags have deployed. If you are involved in another
collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.

WARNING!

Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners (if
equipped) cannot protect you in another collision.
Have the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and the
front passenger seat belt retractor assembly, replaced
by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System

WARNING!

• Modifications to any part of the airbag system

could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.

• You need proper knee impact protection in a

collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.

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

airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.

NOTE:

Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-

ply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately five seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.

Airbag Light

You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have

an authorized dealer service the system promptly:

• The airbag light does not come on or flickers during

the six to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned ON.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight-

second interval.

• The light flickers or comes on and remains on while

driving.

NOTE:

If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine-

related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check fuse block
for blown fuses. Refer to the label located on the inside of
the fuse block cover for the proper airbag fuses. See your
authorized dealer if the fuse is good.

Event Data Recorder (EDR)

In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment and up to a
quarter-second of high-speed deceleration data during

and/or after airbag deployment. EDR data are ONLY
recorded if an airbag deploys and are otherwise unavail-
able.

NOTE:

Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not

be recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).

In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn
more about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, such investigations may
be requested by customers, insurance carriers, govern-
ment officials, and professional crash researchers, such as
those associated with universities, and with hospital and
insurance organizations.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

In the event that an investigation is undertaken by
DaimlerChrysler Corporation (regardless of initiative),
the company or its designated representative will first
obtain permission of the appropriate custodial entity for
the vehicle (usually the vehicle owner or lessee) before
accessing the electronic data stored, unless ordered to
download data by a court with legal jurisdiction (i.e.,
pursuant to a warrant). A copy of the data will be
provided to the custodial entity upon request. General
data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes
may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the U.S. govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data

will

not

disclosed

DaimlerChrysler

Corporation to any third party except when:

1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved

2. Used

defense

litigation

involving

DaimlerChrysler Corporation product

3. Requested by police under a legal warrant

4. Otherwise required by law

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:

• Diagnostic trouble code(s) (DTC’s) and warning lamp

status for electronically-controlled safety systems, in-
cluding the airbag system

• Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
• 9Time9 of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition

cycles and vehicle mileage)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

• Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
• Impact acceleration and angle
• Seat Belt status
• Brake status (service and parking brakes)
• Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
• Engine control status (including engine speed)
• Transmission gear selection
• Cruise control status
• Traction/stability control status
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) status (if

equipped)

Child Restraint

Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time — babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

Children 12 years and 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap can
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.

Infants and Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is
correct for your child:

• Safety experts recommend that children ride

rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least

one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and

9convertible9 child seats. Both types of

child restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt.

• The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the

vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg).

9Convertible9 child seats can be

used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old.

• Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in

the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger airbag

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

unless the airbag is turned off. An airbag deployment
could cause severe injury or death to infants in this
position.

• Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who

are older than one year 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 weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who
are older than one year. These child seats are also held
in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.

• The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weigh-

ing more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small
to fit the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child
cannot sit with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat
cushion while the child’s back is against the seat back,
they should use a belt-positioning-booster seat. The
child and booster seat are held in the vehicle by the
lap/shoulder belt. (Some booster seats are equipped

with a front shield and are held in the vehicle by the
lap portion.) For further information refer to
www.seatcheck.org.

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 manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.

• A rearward facing child restraint should only be

used in a rear seat, or in the front seat if the
passenger’s front airbag is OFF. If the airbag is left
ON, a rearward facing child restraint in the front
seat may be struck by a deploying passenger
airbag which may cause severe or fatal injury to
the infant.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your child
restraint:

• Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it

has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.

• The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s

weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.

• Carefully follow the instructions that come with the

restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.

• The passenger seat belts are equipped with Automatic

Locking Retractors (ALR), which are designed to keep
the lap portion tight around the child restraint so that
it is not necessary to use a locking clip.

Pull the belt from the retractor until there is enough to
allow you to pass through the child restraint and slide
the latch plate into the buckle. Then pull on the belt
until it is fully extended from the retractor. Allow the
belt to return to the retractor, pulling on the excess
webbing to tighten the lap portion about the child
restraint. Refer to the

9Automatic Locking Retractors

(ALR) Mode,

9 earlier in this section.

• In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the

lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path
opening on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate
from the buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt
several times to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle with the release button facing out.

• If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if pulling and

pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle, turn the latch plate

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

around, and insert the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the child restraint secure,
try a different seating position.

• Buckle the child into the seat according to the child

restraint manufacturer’s directions.

• When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the

vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seatbacks and
cause serious personal injury.

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 manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing
an infant or child restraint.

Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH)
Each vehicle is equipped with the child restraint anchor-
age system called LATCH, which stands for Lower
Anchors and Tether for CHildren. LATCH child restraint
anchorage systems are installed in the 2500/3500 Regular
Cab passenger seat position and the Quad Cab

t rear seat

outboard positions. LATCH-equipped seating positions
feature both lower anchor bars, located at the back of the
seat cushion, and tether strap anchorages, located behind
the seatback. (Refer to Child Restraint Tether Anchor
later in this section.)

Identification dots are located above the standard cab
front seat lower anchorages as a guide for locating lower
anchors.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:

For children riding in the front seat of a Regular

Cab model, refer to the “Passenger Airbag ON/OFF
Switch” located in this section.

Regular Cab Passenger Seat

Quad Cab

t Rear Outboard Seats

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Child restraint systems having attachments designed to
connect to the lower anchorages are now available. Child
restraints having tether straps and hooks for connection
to the seatback tether anchorage, have been available for
some time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers
will provide add-on tether strap kits for some of their
older products.

Because the lower anchorages are to be introduced to
passenger carrying vehicles over a period of years, child
restraint systems having attachments for those anchor-
ages will continue to have features for installation in
vehicles using the lap or lap/shoulder belt. They will also
have tether straps, and you are urged to take advantage
of all of the available attachments provided with your
child restraint in any vehicle.

NOTE:

When using the LATCH attaching system to

install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts
not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out

Mega Cab

t Rear Seats

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Dodge 3500 Diesel (2008 year). Manual - part 4