2008 Dodge RAM Owners Manual

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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117 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. 118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 40-20-40 Front Seat Manual Seat Adjuster As the name implies, the seat is divided into three segments. The outboard seat portions are each 40% of the total width of the seat. The back of the center portion (20%) easily folds down to provide an armrest/center storage compartment (if equipped). Each outboard seat is independently adjustable forward or rearward and is equipped with a back recliner. The manual forward or rearward seat adjustment handle is found at the front edge of each seat cushion. Pull up on the handle and slide the seat to get the most comfortable position. WARNING! Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat could cause you to lose control. The seat belt might not be properly adjusted and you could be injured. Adjust any seat only while the vehicle is parked. Reclining Seats (1500 Regular and Quad CabT Models) The recliner handle is on the outside of the seat cushion. Pull up on the handle, as shown, to release the seatback and adjust for comfort. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119 WARNING! You can be seriously, even fatally, injured riding in a seat with the seatback reclined. Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest. If you ride in this position, the shoulder harness will no longer be restraining you. In a collision you could slide under the seat belt and receive serious or fatal injuries. Recline in a seat only when the vehicle is parked. Seat Recliner Handle 120 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Reclining Seats (2500/3500/Mega Cab Models) The recliner handle is on the outside of the seat cushion. Pull up on the handle, as shown, to release the seatback and adjust for comfort. WARNING! You can be seriously, even fatally, injured riding in a seat with the seatback reclined. Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the shoulder belt is no longer resting against your chest. If you ride in this position, the shoulder harness will no longer be restraining you. In a collision you could slide under the seat belt and receive serious or fatal injuries. Recline in a seat only when the vehicle is parked. Seat Recliner Handle Adjustable Head Restraints Head restraints can reduce the risk of neck injury in the event of impact from the rear. Pull up or push down on the restraints so that the upper edge is as high as practical, at least to the level of the ears. To lower the head restraint, push in the button and then push down on the head restraint. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121 Head Restraints 122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Manual Rotary Lumbar Support Adjustment — If Equipped Rotating the lumbar control knob on the left side of the driver’s seatback, and on the right side of the passenger’s seatback, increases or decreases the lumbar (lower back) support. Power Seats (1500 Regular and Quad CabT Models) — If Equipped CAUTION! Don’t put anything under a power seat. It may cause damage to the seat controls. Manual Lumbar Adjustment UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123 switch can be moved up and down to control seat height, or to change the seat angle by tilting it up or down. Power Seat Switch The power seat controls are on the outboard side of the front seat cushions. One switch controls the seat move- ment. The six-way switch can be moved forward or backward to get the most comfortable position. The same Power Seat Switch Position 124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Power Seats (2500/3500/Mega Cab Models) — If Equipped CAUTION! Don’t put anything under a power seat. It may cause damage to the seat controls or the Occupant Classi- fication System. Power Seat Switch UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125 control seat height. Change the seat angle by using the two toggle switches, tilting it up or down. Up, Down, Forward, and Rearward The power seat controls are on the outboard side of the front seat cushions. Three switches control the seat move- ment. The four-way switch in the center can be moved forward or backward to get the most comfortable posi- tion. The same switch can be moved up and down to Tilt Adjustment 126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Rear Seat Features — Mega Cab Models Reclining Rear Seats — Mega Cab Models The recliner handle is on the outside of the seat cushion. Pull up on the handle, as shown, to release the seatback and adjust for comfort. Folding Rear Seat (Table Mode) — Mega Cab Models Both the left and right rear seatbacks can be folded down and used as a table. To fold either rear seatback down (Table Mode), lift the handle and fold the seatback forward. Simply lift the seat back to return the seat to the upright position. Verify that it is locked in place. Rear Seat Recliner Handle UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127 Table Mode Handle Table Mode 128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Folding Rear Seat (Kneel Mode) — Mega Cab Models Both the left and right rear seats can be folded flat (Kneel Mode) and used for carrying cargo. Each of the rear seatbacks provide two2 D-rings and each of the rear storage bin lids provide two slotted cutouts. Use a cargo tie-down to secure cargo in the cargo carrying area. Securing Cargo 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 seri- ously 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. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129 WARNING! Cargo must be securely tied down before driving your vehicle. Improperly secured cargo can fly around in a sudden stop and strike someone in the vehicle, causing serious injury or possible death. Secure cargo with a cargo tie-down using the D-Rings provided on the back of the seats and the slotted cutouts in the rear storage bin lid. NOTE: The rear seat will drop and move forward in Kneel Mode. 130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE To fold either rear seat flat (Kneel Mode), lift the handle and fold the seat forward. Simply lift the seatback to return the seat to the upright position. Verify that it is locked in place. Kneel Mode Kneel Mode Handle WARNING! Be certain that the seatback is securely locked into position. If the seatback in not securely locked into position the seat will not provide the proper stability for child seats and/or passengers. An improperly latched seat could cause serious injury. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131 Heated Seats — If Equipped The heated seat switches are located in the instrument panel under the climate controls. Heated Seat Switches 132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Each heated seat switch has two settings (HI and LOW). Press the switch once to obtain High heat level, then press the switch again to obtain Low heat level. Pressing the switch a third time will turn the heated seats OFF. If you do not purposefully turn the switch OFF, the seat heating level will automatically change to the next lower level, or OFF. The High heat level operates for 30 minutes (approximate), the Low heat level operates for 30 min- utes (approximate). The seat heat will also turn OFF when the ignition is turned OFF. Both of the indicators ON identifies High heat level. The lower indicator On only, identifies Low heat level. Flashing indicator lights on the switch indicate that the Heated Seat System needs servicing. WARNING! Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaus- tion or other physical condition must exercise care when using the seat heater. It may cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133 released you must reach into the opening beneath the center of the grille and push up the latch to release the safety catch before raising the hood. To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to close it. Use a firm downward push at the front center of the hood to ensure that both latches engage. Hood Release Lever To open the hood, two latches must be released. First pull the hood release lever located below the steering wheel at the base of the instrument panel. Once the hood is Secondary Latch 134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! LIGHTS If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision. Be sure all hood latches are latched fully before driving. Headlight Switch Location Interior Lights Dimmer Control Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the upward detent position, or if equipped, when the UN- LOCK button is pressed on the key fob. When a door is UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 135 open and the interior lights are on, rotating the dimmer control all the way down to the OFF detent will cause all the interior lights to go out. This is also known as the 9Party9 mode because it allows the doors to stay open for extended periods of time without discharging the vehi- cle’s battery. The brightness of the instrument panel lighting can be regulated by rotating the dimmer control up (brighter) or down (dimmer). When the headlights are ON you can supplement the brightness of the odometer, trip odom- eter, radio and overhead console by rotating the control up until you hear a click. This feature is termed the “Parade” mode and is useful when headlights are re- quired during the day. Mega Cabt/Quad Cabt models may have an optional switched dome lamp that may be operated by pressing the lens. 136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Battery Saver To protect the life of your vehicle’s battery, load shedding is provided for both the interior and exterior lights. If the ignition is OFF and any door is left ajar for 10 minutes or the dimmer control is rotated upwards for 10 minutes, the interior lights will automatically turn off. If the headlamps remain on while the ignition is cycled OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off after eight minutes. If the headlamps are turned on and left on for eight minutes while the ignition is OFF, the exterior lights will automatically turn off. NOTE: Battery saver mode is cancelled if the ignition is ON. Headlamp Delay To aid in your exit, your vehicle is equipped with a headlamp delay that will leave the headlamps on for 90 seconds. This delay is initiated when the ignition is turned OFF while the headlamp switch is ON, and then the headlamp switch is cycled OFF. Headlamp delay can be cancelled by either turning the headlamp switch ON then OFF, or by turning the ignition ON. Headlights, Parking Lights, Panel Lights When the headlight switch is rotated to the first position, the parking lights, taillights, side marker lights, license plate light and instrument panel lights are all turned on. The headlights will turn ON when the switch is rotated to the second position. 3 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137 To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol- lowed by rinsing. Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel wool or other abrasive materials to clean the lenses. Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only and Fleet Vehicles) The headlights on your vehicle will illuminate when the engine is started and the transmission is in any gear except PARK. This provides a constant 9Lights ON9 condition until the ignition is turned OFF. The lights illuminate at less than 50% of normal intensity. If the parking brake is applied, the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) will turn OFF. Also, if a turn signal is activated, the DRL lamp on the same side of the vehicle will turn off for the duration of the turn signal activation. Once the turn signal is no longer active, the DRL lamp will illuminate. Light Switch Rotation Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlight lenses that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights. Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore different lens cleaning procedures must be followed. 138 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Lights-on Reminder If the headlights, parking lights, or cargo lights are left on after the ignition is turned OFF, a chime will sound when the driver’s door is opened. Fog Lights — If Equipped The fog lights are turned ON by placing the headlight rotary control in the parking light or headlight position and pushing in the headlight rotary control. The fog lights will operate only when the parking lights are on or when the vehicle headlights are on low beam. An indicator light located in the instrument cluster will illuminate when the fog lights are on. The fog lights will turn off when the switch is pushed a second time, when the headlight switch is rotated to the OFF position, or the high beam is selected. Cargo Light — If Equipped Cargo Light Switch The cargo lights are turned ON by pressing on the CARGO button. The interior lights will also turn on when the cargo lights are on. The cargo lights will also turn ON for 30 seconds when a key fob UNLOCK is pressed, as part of the illuminated entry feature. Multifunction Control Lever The multifunction control lever is located on the left side of the steering column. Turn Signals Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or left-hand turn. The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the switch or indicator lamp is defective. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139 You can signal a lane change by moving the lever partially up or down. Turn Signal Lever 140 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Turn Signal Auto Mode Tap the multifunction control lever once and the turn signal (left or right) will flash three times, and automati- cally turn off. Passing Light You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by partially pulling the multifunction lever toward the steer- ing wheel. This will cause the high beam headlights to turn on until the lever is released. High Beam / Low Beam Select Switch Pull the multifunction control lever fully toward the steering wheel to switch the headlights from HIGH or LOW beam. High Beam / Low Beam WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield Wipers The wipers and washers are operated by a switch in the multifunction control lever. Turn the end of the handle to select the desired wiper speed. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141 Intermittent Wiper System The intermittent feature of this system was designed for use when weather conditions make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause between cycles, desirable. For maximum delay between cycles, rotate the control knob into the upper end of the delay range. The delay interval decreases as you rotate the knob until it enters the LOW continual speed position. The delay can be regulated from a maximum of about 15 seconds between cycles, to a cycle every two seconds. The delay intervals will double in duration when the vehicle speed is 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. Windshield Wiper / Washer Switch 142 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield could lead to an accident. You might not see other vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of the windshield during freezing weather, warm the windshield with the defroster before and during windshield washer use. Windshield Washers To use the washer, push in on the washer knob on the end of the multifunction control lever and hold while spray is desired. If the washer knob is depressed while in the delay range, the wiper will operate for several seconds after the washer knob is released. It will then resume the intermittent interval previously selected. If the washer knob is pushed for a period greater than one second while in the OFF position, the wiper will wipe approxi- mately three wipes after the wash knob is released. To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating information can be found on most washer fluid containers. TILT STEERING COLUMN To tilt the column, pull rearward on the lever below the turn signal control and move the wheel up or down, as desired. Push the lever forward to lock the column firmly in place. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143 WARNING! Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col- umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve- hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving. Tilt Steering Control Lever 144 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED Adjustment 1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10 in (254 mm) away from the airbag located in the center of the steering wheel. 2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts. 3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of the steering column near the parking brake release, in the direction you desire to move the pedals. 4. The pedals cannot be adjusted when the vehicle is in REVERSE or when the Electronic Speed Control is SET. Adjustable Pedals Switch The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to the steering wheel and pedals. CAUTION! Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim- ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the adjustable pedal’s path. ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera- tion at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The controls are mounted on the steering wheel. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145 NOTE: The Electronic Speed Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple speed control switch buttons (i.e., SET and CANCEL) are operated simulta- neously in order to ensure proper operation. The system can be reactivated by pushing the speed control switch ON/OFF button and re-establishing the desired vehicle SET speed. 146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE To Activate Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. In the instrument cluster, the word “CRUISE” illuminates when the system is on. To Set At A Desired Speed When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed. To Deactivate A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, clutch pressure while slowing the vehicle, or pressing the CAN- CEL button will deactivate speed control without erasing the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF button to the OFF position or turning off the ignition erases the memory. WARNING! Leaving the Speed Control ON when not in use is dangerous. You could accidentally set the system to cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose control and have an accident. Always leave the sys- tem OFF when you aren’t using it. To Resume Speed To resume a previously set speed, push and release the RESUME button. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h). To Vary The Speed Setting When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the button is released, a new set speed will be established. Tapping the RESUME ACCEL button once will result in a speed increase of 1 mph (2 km/h). Each time the button is tapped, speed increases so that tapping the button three times will increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h). Tapping the SET DECEL button once will result in a 1 mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped, speed decreases. For example, tapping the button three times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h) To decrease speed while speed control is ON, push down and hold SET DECEL. Release the lever when the desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set. To Accelerate For Passing Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed. NOTE: When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000 ft (610 m), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded (especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the SET speed. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147 If the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40 km/h), the speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap- pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to maintain the desired speed. Vehicles equipped with a 5–speed-manual transmission should be operated in 4th gear or lower under the above conditions. Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions. To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im- prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to use either TOW HAUL or O/D OFF modes, which can be selected by pressing the TOW HAUL O/D OFF button located at the end of the gear shift lever. 148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Speed Control can be dangerous where the system can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery. OVERHEAD CONSOLE — IF EQUIPPED The two optional overhead consoles may consist of the following features: Overhead Console Features † Courtesy/Reading Lights † Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) † Universal Garage Door Opener — If Equipped — If Equipped UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149 OVERHEAD CONSOLE WITH COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MINI-TRIP COMPUTER — IF EQUIPPED This optional overhead console consists of the following: † Courtesy Lights † Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) Courtesy/Reading Lights In the middle of the console are two courtesy/reading lights. Both lights illuminate as courtesy lights when a door is opened, when the dimmer control is rotated to the courtesy light position (fully-upward position), or when the UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter, if equipped. These lights are also operated individually as reading lights by pressing the recessed area of the corresponding lens. NOTE: The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have been turned off before leaving the vehicle. If the interior lights are left on after the vehicle is turned off, they will extinguish after 15 minutes. 150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE This overhead console allows you to choose between a compass/temperature display and one of four trip con- ditions being monitored. US/M Button RESET Button Use this button to change the display from U.S. to METRIC measurement units. Use this button to reset the following displays: Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO) Trip Odometer (ODO) Elapsed time (ET) Global Reset If the RESET button is pressed twice within two seconds while in any of the three resettable displays (AVG ECO, ODO, ET), the Global Reset will reset all three displays. Step Button UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151 Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO) Shows the average fuel economy since the last reset. Average fuel economy is a running average of the amount of fuel used and the distance the vehicle has traveled. When the fuel economy is reset, the display will momen- tarily blank. Then, the history will be erased, and the AVERAGING WILL CONTINUE FROM WHERE IT WAS BEFORE THE RESET. The reset value is based on a minimal amount of fuel used and the distance traveled from the previous drive cycle. The display may take several miles/kilometers for this value to change depen- dent upon driving habits. Use this button to choose or cycle through the four trip conditions. 152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Distance To Empty (DTE) Shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is determined by weighted average of the instantaneous and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel tank level. This is not resettable NOTE: Significant changes in driving style or vehicle loading will greatly affect the actual drivable distance of the vehicle, regardless of the DTE displayed value. When the DTE value is less than 30 mi (48 km/h) estimated driving distance, the DTE display will change to an alternating test display of “LO” and “FUEL”. This display will continue until the vehicle runs out of fuel. Adding a significant amount of fuel to the vehicle will turn off the “LO FUEL” text and a new DTE value will be displayed, based on the current values in the DTE calculation and the current fuel tank level. It is possible for DTE to display “LO FUEL” NOTE: before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instru- ment cluster. This could occur because low fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume. Ram fuel tank volumes are as follows: † 26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models † 34 gal (128 L) - 1500 Quad Cabt (if equipped)/2500/ † 35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500//Power Wagon long 3500/Power Wagon short box models box models Trip Odometer (ODO) C/T Button UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153 NOTE: The maximum value is approximately 6000 mi (9956 km/h). Then the trip odometer must be reset in order to update the trip odometer miles/kilometers. This display shows the distance traveled since the last reset. Resetting of this screen will cause the trip odometer to change to zero. Elapsed Time (ET) This display shows the accumulated ignition ON time since the last reset. Resetting the Elapsed Time will cause the display to change to zero. Use this button to select a readout of the outside tem- perature and one of eight compass headings that indicate the direction in which the vehicle is facing. 154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Even if the display still reads a few degrees above 32° F ( 0° C), the road surface may be icy, particularly in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such conditions to prevent an accident and possible per- sonal injury or property damage. Automatic Compass Calibration This compass is self-calibrating which eliminates the need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is new, the compass may appear erratic and the CAL symbol will be displayed. After completing up to three 360° turns, with the vehicle traveling less than 5 mph (8 km/h), in an area free from large metal or metallic objects, the CAL symbol will turn off and the compass will function normally. Manual Compass Calibration NOTE: To ensure proper compass calibration, make sure the compass variance is properly set before manu- ally calibrating the compass. If the compass appears erratic and the CAL symbol does not appear, you must manually put the compass into the “Calibration” mode. Recalibrating The Compass Turn ON the ignition and set the display to “Compass/ Temperature.” Press and hold the RESET button to change the display between VAR (compass variance) and CAL (compass calibration) modes. When the CAL sym- bol is displayed, complete one 360° turn in an area free from large metal objects or power lines. The CAL symbol will turn off and the compass will function normally. NOTE: Magnetic materials should be kept away from the overhead console. This is where the compass sensor is located. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155 Reset Button Compass Variance is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas of the country, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this occurs, the compass variance must be set according to the Compass Variance Map. 156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: The default for the compass variance is zone 8. To set the variance: Turn the ignition ON and set the display to “Compass/Temperature.” Press and hold the RESET button approximately five seconds. The last vari- ance zone number will be displayed. Press the STEP button to select the new variance zone and press the RESET button to resume normal operation. Outside Temperature Because the ambient temperature sensor is located un- derhood, engine temperature can influence the displayed temperature, therefore, temperature readings are slowly updated when the vehicle speed is below 20 mph (30 km/h) or during stop and go driving. GARAGE DOOR OPENER — IF EQUIPPED HomeLinkt replaces up to three remote controls (hand- held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security systems. The HomeLinkt unit operates off of your vehi- cle’s battery. The HomeLinkt buttons are located in the overhead console, and contain one, two, or three dots/lines desig- nating the different HomeLinkt channels. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 157 WARNING! Your motorized door or gate will open and close while you are training the Universal Transceiver. Do not train the transceiver if people or pets are in the path of the door or gate. Only use this transceiver with a garage door opener that has a “stop and reverse” feature as required by federal safety stan- dards. This includes most garage door opener models manufactured after 1982. Do not use a garage door opener without these safety features. Call toll-free 1–800–355–3515 at www.HomeLink.com for safety information or assistance. Internet the on or, HomeLink Buttons NOTE: HomeLinkt is disabled when the Vehicle Theft Alarm is active. 158 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a danger- ous gas. Do not run your vehicle in the garage while training the transceiver. Exhaust gas can cause seri- ous injury or death. Programming HomeLinkT Before You Begin The Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) illuminates the HomeLinkt symbol (a house with an arrow inside it) along with 1, 2 or 3 indicators under it, when a HomeLinkt button is pressed. Pay attention to the indicator(s), as they will flash at different rates, or remain solid during training. If you have not trained any of the HomeLinkt buttons, erase all channels before you begin training. To do this, press and hold the two outside buttons for 20 seconds. Release the buttons when the indicators start to flash. It is recommended that a new battery be placed in the hand-held transmitter of the device being programmed to HomeLinkt, for more efficient training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal. Your vehicle should be parked outside of the garage while training. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. 2. Place the hand-held transmitter 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) from the HomeLinkt buttons, while keeping the HomeLinkt display in view. For optimal training, point the battery end of the hand- held transmitter away from the HomeLinkt. 3. Simultaneously, press and hold both the chosen HomeLinktbutton and the hand-held transmitter button until the indicator(s) change from a slow to a rapid flash rate. Then release both the HomeLinkt and hand-held trans- mitter buttons. It may take up to 30 seconds, or longer in rare cases. The garage door may open & close while you train. If the signal is too weak to train, replace the battery in the original hand-held transmitter. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159 NOTE: Some gate operators and garage door openers may require you to replace Step #3 with procedures noted in the “Gate Operator/Canadian Programming” section. 4. Press and hold the just-trained HomeLinkt button. If the indicator(s) blink rapidly for two seconds and then remains constant, continue with the next section: Pro- gramming A Rolling Code System. NOTE: After training a HomeLinkt channel, if the garage door does not operate with HomeLinkt and the garage door opener was manufactured after 1995, the garage door opener may have rolling code. If so, proceed to the heading, “Programming A Rolling Code System.” 160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 5. PROGRAMMING A ROLLING CODE SYSTEM At the garage door opener motor (in the garage), locate the “learn” or “training” button. This can usually be found where the hanging antenna wire is attached to the garage door opener motor (it is NOT the button normally used to open & close the door). 1 — Garage Door Opener 2 — Training Button 6. Firmly press and release the “learn” or “training” button. The name and color of the button may vary by manufacturer. NOTE: There are 30 seconds in which to initiate the next step after the “Learn” button has been pressed. 7. Return to the vehicle and press the programmed HomeLinkt button twice (holding the button for 2 sec- onds each time). If the device is plugged in and activates, programming is complete. If the device does not activate, press the button a third time (for 2 seconds) to complete the training. If you are have any problems, or require assistance, please call toll-free 1–800–355–3515 or, on the Internet at www.HomeLink.com for information or assistance. To program the remaining two HomeLinkt buttons, repeat each step for each remaining button. DO NOT erase the channels. Gate Operator/Canadian Programming Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig- nals to “time-out” (or quit) after several seconds of transmission – which may not be long enough for HomeLinkt to pick up the signal during programming. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 161 Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are designed to “time-out” in the same manner. It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling process, to prevent possible overheating of the garage door or gate motor. If you are having difficulties programming a garage door opener or a gate operator, replace “Programming HomeLink,” Step 3, with the following: 3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkt button, while you press and release - every two seconds (“cycle”), your hand-held transmitter until HomeLinkt has successfully accepted the frequency signal. The indicator(s) will change from a slow flash, to a rapid flash when trained. If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in at this time. 162 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Then proceed with Step 4 under, “Programming HomeLinkt,” earlier in this section. Using HomeLinkT To operate, simply press and release the programmed HomeLinkt button. Activation will now occur for the trained device (i.e., garage door opener, gate operator, security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting, etc.) The hand-held transmitter of the device may also be used at any time. Reprogramming A Single HomeLinkT Button To reprogram a channel that has been previously trained, follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. 2. Press and hold the desired HomeLinkt button, for 20 seconds, until the indicator(s) starts to flash. Do not release the button. 3. Without releasing the button, proceed with PRO- GRAMMING HOMELINKt, Step #2, and follow all remaining steps. Security It is advised to erase all channels before you sell or turn in your vehicle. To do this, press and hold the two outside buttons, for 20 seconds, until the indicators begin to flash. Note that all channels will be erased. Individual channels cannot be erased. The HomeLinkt Universal Transceiver is disabled when the Vehicle Theft Alarm is active. Troubleshooting Tips If you are having trouble programming HomeLinkt, here are some of the most common solutions: † Replace the battery in the original transmitter. † Press the “Learn” button on the Garage Door Opener † Did you unplug the device for training, and remember to complete the training for Rolling Code. to plug it back in? If you have any problems, or require assistance, please call toll-free 1–800–355–3515 or, on the Internet at www.HomeLink.com, for information or assistance. General Information This device complies with FCC rules part 15 and Industry Canada RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference 2. This device must accept any interference that may be received including interference that may cause undesired operation UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 163 NOTE: The transmitter has been tested and it complies with FCC and IC rules. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compli- ance could void the user’s authority to operate the device. The term “IC” before the certification/registration num- ber only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifi- cations were met. POWER SUNROOF — IF EQUIPPED The power sunroof switch is located between the sun visors on the overhead console. NOTE: The Power Accessory Delay feature will allow the power sunroof to operate for ten minutes after the ignition is turned OFF or a front door is opened. 164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! † Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the ignition. A child could operate power win- dows, other controls, or move the vehicle. † In an accident, there is a greater risk of being thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You could also be seriously injured or killed. Always fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all passengers are properly secured too. † Do not allow small children to operate the sun- roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or any object to project through the sunroof opening. Injury may result. Open Sunroof - Express Mode Momentarily pressing the switch rearward will activate the Express Open Feature, causing the sunroof to open automatically. During the Express Open operation, any movement of the switch will stop the sunroof and it will remain in a partial open position. Again, momentarily pressing the switch rearward will activate the Express Open Feature. Closing Sunroof - Express Press the switch forward and release, and the sunroof will close automatically from any position. The sunroof will close fully and stop automatically. This is called Express Close. During Express Close operation, any movement of the switch will stop the sunroof. Pinch Protect Feature This feature will detect an obstruction in the opening of the sunroof during Express Close operation. If an ob- struction in the path of the sunroof is detected, the sunroof will automatically retract. Remove the obstruc- tion if this occurs. Next, press the switch forward and release to Express Close. Pinch Protect Override If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents closing, press the switch forward and hold for two seconds after the reversal occurs. This allows the sunroof to move towards the closed position. NOTE: Pinch protection is disabled while the switch is pressed. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 165 Venting Sunroof - Express Press and release the 9V9 button, and the sunroof will open to the vent position. This is called Express Vent, and will occur regardless of sunroof position. During Express Vent operation, any movement of the switch will stop the sunroof. Sunshade Operation The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens. NOTE: The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is open. 166 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Wind Buffeting Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur- rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to minimize the buffeting or open any window. Sunroof Maintenance Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the glass panel. Sunroof Fully Closed Press the switch forward and release to ensure that the sunroof is fully closed. ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS The auxiliary electrical outlet can provide power for in-cab accessories designed for use with the standard “cigar lighter” plug. The outlet is located in the instru- ment panel below and to the right of the Climate Control Panel. A cap is attached to the outlet base indicating “Power Outlet” 12 Volt -20A. There is an additional power outlet inside the center console of vehicles equipped with 40-20-40, or Bucket front seats. There is also a power outlet located on the rear of the center console for Quad Cabt or Mega Cabt vehicles (only) equipped with bucket seats. The outlet(s) has/have a fused direct feed from the battery so it/they receive power whether the ignition is ON or OFF. All accessories connected to this/these outlet(s) should be removed or turned OFF when the vehicle is not in use to protect the battery against discharge. If desired, all of the power outlets can be NOTE: converted by your authorized dealer to provide power with the ignition switch in the ON position only. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 167 CAUTION! Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off † Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting. † Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will discharge the battery even more quickly. Only use these inter- mittently and with greater caution. † After the use of high power draw accessories, or long periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient length of time to allow the generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery. 168 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER The removable ash receiver is located in the instrument panel cupholder tray. The cigar lighter is located on the instrument panel, above and to the left of the ash receiver. As a child safety precaution, the lighter only operates with the ignition switch ON. It heats when pushed in and pops out automatically when ready for use. To preserve the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the heating position. Ash Receiver Automatic Transmission UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169 CUPHOLDERS Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40–20–40 Seats) — Automatic Transmission Your new vehicle is equipped with two adjustable cup- holders. The cupholder is opened by pulling on the cup holder door handle located on the front surface. Each opening in the cupholder is adjustable and will hold cups and mugs of various sizes. To secure the cup, place the cup to be held into one of the cup wells and then push the cupholder arm toward the cup until it is held stable. Ash Tray Manual Transmission 170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Cupholder Door Handle Cupholders Automatic Transmission Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket Seats) — Automatic Transmission If your new vehicle is equipped with bucket seats there are three cupholders located on the front of the center console. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 171 Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Manual Transmission Cupholders Bucket Seat Cupholders Manual Transmission 172 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Rear Cupholder (Quad CabT) — If Equipped Quad Cabt vehicles may be equipped with a rear cup- holder that consists of two cup wells for rear passenger convenience. Rear Cupholder (Mega CabT) Mega Cabt vehicles are equipped with rear cupholders located in the center armrest. Mega Cabt Rear Armrest Cupholder STORAGE Center Storage Compartment (40–20–40 Seat) – If Equipped Center Storage Compartment The center portion of the seat folds down to provide an armrest with unique storage compartments under the lid. Push the button on the front of the armrest to raise the UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 173 cover. Inside there is a power outlet (if equipped), removable coin holder (if equipped), and two dividers to configure the storage area into compartments. For ex- ample, compartments can be configured to hold a lap-top computer, a cellular telephone, CDs and miscellaneous items. The top of the cover provides a generous firm surface to serve as a desktop for your “mobile office.” WARNING! † This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle operation, or an accident. Only use the center seating position when the armrest is fully upright. † In an accident, the latch may open if the total weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs (4.5 kg). These items could be thrown about endanger- ing occupants of the vehicle. Items stored should not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg). 174 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CAUTION! † Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting. † Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery even more quickly. Only use these inter- mittently and with greater caution. † After the use of high power draw accessories, or long periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient length of time to allow the generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery. Center Storage Compartment (Bucket Seats) – If Equipped Center Storage Compartment Push the upper button on the front of the armrest to raise the upper cover. Inside is a power outlet (if equipped), a cutout for a cell phone charger cord, removable coin holder (if equipped), and a divider to configure the storage area into separate compartments. Lift the lower handle on the front of the armrest, and raise the armrest for access to the lower storage bin. On Quad Cabt and Mega Cabt models the rear of the floor console offers a power outlet, and a tip out bin. WARNING! † This armrest is not a seat. Anyone seated on the armrest could be seriously injured during vehicle operation, or an accident. Only use the center seating position when the armrest is fully upright. † In an accident, the latch may open if the total weight of the items stored exceeds about 10 lbs (4.5 kg). These items could be thrown about endanger- ing occupants of the vehicle. Items stored should not exceed a total of 10 lbs (4.5 kg). UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 175 CAUTION! † Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting. † Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the battery even more quickly. Only use these inter- mittently and with greater caution. † After the use of high power draw accessories, or long periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient length of time to allow the generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery. 176 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Storage and Seats (Quad CabT Models) Located in the center of the front 40–20–40 seat cushion there is a storage compartment. Regular Cab models also have storage behind the seat. The Quad Cabt models provide additional storage under the rear seat. Lift the seat to access the storage compart- ment. Quad Cabt Storage Storage and Seats (Mega Cab Models) The Mega Cab models provide additional storage behind the rear seat. To gain access to the Mega Cab rear storage, fold the rear seats to the “kneel position”. (See page 128 for more information.) Push down on the front of the storage compartment handle and lift the storage compartment cover. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 177 Mega Cab Rear Storage Compartment Handle 178 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE The rear storage compartment can be divided into three separate compartments by using the divider doors inside the storage compartment. Plastic Grocery Bag Retainers (Mega Cab Models) Retainer hooks which will hold plastic grocery bag handles are built into the back panel of the cab, behind the rear seat. Mega Cab Rear Storage Dividers Grocery Bag Hooks FOLD FLAT LOAD FLOOR — IF EQUIPPED Quad Cabt models with a 60/40 rear seat may be equipped with a folding load floor. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179 WARNING! Do not operate the vehicle with loose items stored on the load floor. While driving or in an accident you may experience abrupt stopping, rapid acceleration, or sharp turns. Loose objects stored on the load floor may move around with force and strike occupants, resulting in serious or fatal injury. Quad Cabt Rear 60/40 Seat 180 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE Unfolding the Load Floor 1. Lift the 60/40 seat cushion(s) to the upward position. 2. Grasp the knob on the load floor and lift the knob until the load floor unfolds into position. Unfolding The Load Floor Load Floor In Open Position 3. Reverse the procedure to store the load floor. Positioning the Load Floor for Storage Access Under the Seat 1. Lift the 60/40 seat cushion(s) to the upward position. 2. Unsnap the securing snap located at either side of the load floor. 3. Lift the load floor up to access storage under the load floor. WARNING! UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 181 Do not drive with the load floor in the up position. When stopping fast or in an accident, the load floor could move to the down position causing serious injury. Load Floor Securing Straps 4. Reverse the procedure to put the load floor back in the secured down position before you operate the vehicle. 182 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE REAR WINDOW FEATURES Power Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors — If Equipped The Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors are activated by pressing the heated grid button, located on the Climate Control panel, with the ignition ON. Turning OFF the ignition will deactivate the Electric Rear Window Defroster and Heated Sideview Mirrors feature. These features also turn off after activation, when 15 minutes have elapsed. For ten more minutes of operation, push the button again. Power Sliding Rear Window Switch The power sliding rear window switch is located on the instrument panel below the climate controls. Press the right side of the switch to open the glass and the left side of the switch to close the glass. Sliding Rear Window — If Equipped A locking device in the center of the window helps to prevent entry from the rear of the vehicle. Squeeze the lock to release the window. PICKUP BOX UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 183 Pickup Box Features The pickup box on your new vehicle has many features designed for utility and convenience. If you are installing a toolbox to the front of the NOTE: pickup box, you must use Mopart toolbox brackets available from your authorized dealer. 184 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE You can carry wide building materials (sheets of ply- wood, etc.) by building a raised load floor. Place lumber across the box in the indentations provided above the wheel housings and in the bulkhead dividers to form the floor. WARNING! The pickup box is intended for load carrying pur- poses only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and use seat belts. WARNING! † Care should always be exercised when operating a vehicle with unrestrained cargo. Vehicle speeds may need to be reduced. Severe turns or rough roads may cause shifting or bouncing of the cargo that may result in vehicle damage. If wide building materials are to be frequently carried, the installation of a support is recommended. This will restrain the cargo and transfer the load to the pickup box floor. † If you wish to carry more than 600 lbs (272 kg) of material suspended above the wheelhouse, sup- ports must be installed to transfer the weight of the load to the pickup box floor or vehicle damage may result. The use of proper supports will permit loading up to the rated payload. † Unrestrained cargo may be thrown forward in an accident causing serious or fatal injury. There are stampings in the sheet metal on the inner side bulkheads of the box in front of and behind both wheel housings. Place wooden boards across the box from side to side to create separate load compartments in the pickup box. There are four tie-down cleats bolted to the lower sides of the pickup box that can sustain loads up to 1000 lbs (450 kg) total. SLIDE-IN CAMPERS Camper Applications Certain truck models are not recommended for slide-in campers. To determine if your vehicle is excluded, please refer to the “Consumer Information Truck-Camper Load- ing” document available from your authorized dealer. For safety reasons, follow all instructions in this impor- tant document. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185 NOTE: When a cap or pickup camper is installed on a vehicle, an alternate CHMSL (Center High-Mounted Stop Light) must be provided. EASY-OFF TAILGATE To simplify mounting of a camper unit with an overhang, the tailgate can be removed quickly. If the truck is a 3500 dual rear wheel model, unplug the tailgate wire harness from under the rear of the truck and pull the harness out of the cargo box access hole. Unlatch the tailgate and remove the support cables by releasing the lock tang from the pivot, then rotate and pull away from the box. Once the cables are free, move to the right side of the tailgate hinge bracket. Raise the right side of the tailgate until the right side pivot clears the hanger bracket. Slide the entire tailgate to the right to free the left side pivot. Remove the tailgate from the vehicle, entirely. Do not carry the tailgate loose in the truck pickup box. 186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE NOTE: Dual rear wheel pickup models require properly spaced rear clearance lights. If such a vehicle is operated without a tailgate, suitable lights must be installed. Tailgate Support Strap Attachment Tailgate Open WARNING! To avoid inhaling carbon monoxide, which is deadly, the exhaust system on vehicles equipped with “Cap or Slide-In Campers” should extend beyond the overhanging camper compartment and be free of leaks. UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 187 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTENTS m Instruments And Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 m Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 N Premium Cluster – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . 194 N Base Cluster – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 m Instrument Cluster Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 m Electronic Digital Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 N Clock Setting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 m Radio General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 N Radio Broadcast Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 N Two Types Of Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 m Sales Code REF — AM/FM/CD (Single-Disc) Radio With Optional Satellite Radio And Hands-Free Phone Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 N Operating Instructions - Radio Mode . . . . . . . 211 N Operating Instructions - CD Mode . . . . . . . . . 215 N Operating Instructions - Auxiliary Mode . . . . . 217 N Operating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL N Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 m Sales Code RAQ – AM/FM/CD (6-Disc) Radio With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands-Free Phone, And Video Entertainment System (VES™) Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 N Operating Instructions - Radio Mode . . . . . . . 219 N Operating Instructions - (CD Mode For CD Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . 224 N Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For CD Audio Play) N Notes On Playing MP3 Files N Operating Instructions - . . . . . . . . . . . 226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 (CD Mode For MP3 Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . 230 N Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 230 m Sales Code RAK – AM/FM/Cassette/CD (6-Disc) Radio With Optional Satellite Radio, Hands Free Phone, Video, MP3, And WMA Capabilities . . . . 233 N Operating Instructions - Radio Mode . . . . . . . 233 N Operating Instructions — Tape Player . . . . . . . 237 N Seek Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 N Fast Forward (FF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 N Rewind (RW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 N Tape Eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 N Scan Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 N Changing Tape Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 N Metal Tape Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 N Pinch Roller Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 N Noise Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 N Operating Instructions - (CD Mode For CD Audio Play) . . . . . . . . . . . 240 N Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For CD Audio Play) N Notes On Playing MP3 Files N Operating Instructions - . . . . . . . . . . . 241 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 (CD Mode For MP3 And WMA Audio Play) . . 245 N Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 And WMA Play) . . . . . . . 245 m Sales Code REC — AM/FM/CD (6–Disc) Radio With Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 N Operating Instructions — Satellite Radio — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 N REC Setting The Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191 m Video Entertainment System (Sales Code XRV) — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 m Satellite Radio — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 N System Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 N Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 N Selecting Satellite Mode In REF, RAQ, And RAK Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 . . . . . . 253 N Selecting A Channel N Storing And Selecting Preset Channels N Using The PTY (Program Type) Button — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 N PTY Button Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 N PTY Button Seek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL N Satellite Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254 N Reception Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 m Remote Sound System Controls — If Equipped . . 255 N Radio Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 N Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 N CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 m Cassette Tape And Player Maintenance . . . . . . . 257 m Compact Disc Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 m Radio Operation And Cellular Phones . . . . . . . . 258 m Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 N Heater Only — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 N Air Conditioning And Heating — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261 N Air Conditioning With Dual Zone Temperature Control — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 N Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 N Operating Tips Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193 1 — Headlight Switch 2 — Air Outlets 3 — Instrument Cluster 4 — Climate Controls 5 — Radio 6 — Passenger Airbag 7 — Glove Box 8 — Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch* 9 — Power Outlet 10 — Heated Seat Switch 11 — TPMS “Light Load” Reset Switch* 12 — Power Sliding Back Glass Switch* 13 — Cupholders 14 — ESP Off Switch* 15 — Cigar Lighter 16 — Transfer Case Control Switch* 17 — Parking Brake Release Lever 18 — Adjustable Pedal Control Switch* * If Equipped 194 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER Premium Cluster – If Equipped Base Cluster – If Equipped UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 195 196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION 1. Check Gauges – Premium Cluster Only This light illuminates when the Voltmeter, Engine Oil Pressure or Engine Coolant Temperature gauges indicate a reading either too high or too low. Examine the gauges carefully, and follow the instructions contained below for each indicated problem. NOTE: When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter, Oil Pressure and Engine Coolant Temperature gauges may not show accurate readings. When the engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to obtain accurate readings. 2. Voltmeter When the engine is running, the gauge indicates the electrical system voltage. The pointer should stay within the normal range if the battery is charged. If the pointer moves to either extreme left or right and remains there during normal driving, the electrical sys- tem should be serviced. If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of NOTE: the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound. The “Check Gauges” indicator may also illuminate prior to the voltage gauge moving out of normal range. In either case, see you local authorized Dealer for system service. 3. Turn Signal Indicators Lights in instrument cluster flash when outside turn signals are operating. 4. Tachometer The Tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute. CAUTION! Do not operate the engine with the tachometer pointer at high rpm for extended periods. Engine damage may occur. 5. Airbag Indicator Light The indicator lights and remains lit for six to eight seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If the light stays on, flickers or comes on while driving, have the airbag system checked by an authorized dealer. 6. High Beam Indicator This indicator shows that headlights are on high beam. 7. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 197 check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to 9Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Re- minder System (BeltAlertt)9 in the Occupant Restraints section for more information.(See page 46 for more information.) 8. Speedometer The Speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles per hour and/or kilometers per hour (mph/kph). 9. Oil Pressure Gauge — Premium Cluster Only The pointer should always indicate some oil pres- sure when the engine is running. A continuous high or low reading, under normal driving conditions, may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi- ate service should be obtained from an authorized dealer. 198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of NOTE: the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound. 10. Transfer Case Position This display indicator shows the transfer case position selection. For additional information refer to “4-Wheel Drive Op- eration” in section 5 of this manual. 11. TOW HAUL The TOW HAUL button is located at the end of the gear shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed once. 12. OD/OFF The OD/OFF button is located at the end of the gear shift lever. This light will illuminate when the TOW HAUL OD/OFF button is pushed twice. 13. Temperature Gauge The Temperature Gauge indicates engine coolant temperature. Any reading within the normal range indicates that the cooling system is operat- ing satisfactorily. The gauge needle will likely indicate a higher temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to the “245° F (118° C)” mark, stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL, and increase the engine idle speed for two to three minutes. If the tem- perature reading does not return to normal, shut your engine OFF and allow it to cool. Seek authorized service immediately. Refer to “Cooling System” under “Main- taining Your Vehicle” in section 7. CAUTION! Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en- gine running as you would not be able to react to the temperature indicator if the engine overheats. NOTE: Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling. If the gauge pointer moves to either extreme of NOTE: the gauge, the “Check Gauges” indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound. 14. Security Light This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds when the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. The light will flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set. The Security light will also come on for about three seconds when the ignition is first turned on. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199 15. Transmission Range Indicator (Automatic Transmissions Only) When the gear selector lever is moved, this indicator shows the automatic transmission gear range selected. 16. Odometer/Trip Odometer The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the service so that the correct mileage can be determined. The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and release the Trip Odometer button. 200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom- eter to be reset then push and hold the button until the display resets (approximately two seconds). Vehicle Warning Messages When the appropriate conditions exist, messages such as “door” (indicates that a door(s) may be ajar), “hood” (if the hood is open or ajar, on vehicles with remote start), “gASCAP” (which indicates that your gas cap is possibly loose or damaged), 9CHANgE OIL” (indicates that the engine oil should be change), “LoWASH” (low washer fluid), “ESPOFF” (indicates that ESP is turned off), and “noFUSE” (indicates that the IOD fuse is removed from the Integrated Power Module), will display in the odom- eter. NOTE: There is also an engine hour function. This indicates the total number of hours the engine has been running. To display the engine hours perform the follow- ing: Place the ignition in RUN, but do not start the engine. With the odometer value displayed, hold the trip button down for a period of six seconds. The odometer will change to trip value first, then it will display the engine hour value. The engine hours will be displayed for a period of 30 seconds until the ignition is turned OFF or the engine is started. Change Oil Message Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “CHANgE OIL” message will flash in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style. Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol- lowing procedure. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not start the engine). 2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position. If the indicator message illuminates when you NOTE: start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure. 17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped This light shows when the front fog lights are ON. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201 18. Malfunction Indicator Light This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system which monitors the emissions and engine control system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions testing the light will come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 5 seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi- tion investigated promptly. If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it suggests a potential engine control problem and the need for system service. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. 202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUTION! Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause damage to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required. 19. Brake System Warning Light This light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and remains on for a few seconds. If the light stays on longer, it may be an indication that the parking brake has not been released. This light will illuminate if the brake fluid is low, especially when braking or accelerating hard. This light will illuminate if the ABS indicator light has a malfunction. This light will flash if the engine is running and the parking brake is on. If the light remains on when the parking brake is released, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction. In this case, the light will remain on until the cause is corrected. If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary and continued operation of the vehicle in this condition is dangerous. Acceleration which causes the rear wheels to slip for a period of time may result in the red brake light illumi- nating and a brake switch code being set on ABS equipped vehicles. Depressing the brake pedal should extinguish the red brake light. 20. ABS Warning Light This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System which is described elsewhere in this manual. This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and may stay on for five seconds. If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required. See your autho- rized dealer immediately. The ABS light could also illuminate during loss of traction and remain illuminated until the brake pedal is pressed. 21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob- lem is detected the light will come on while the engine is running. If the light remains lit with the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned ON UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203 and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer. 22. Cargo Light The Cargo Lamp light will illuminate when the Cargo Lamp is activated by pressing the Cargo Light Button on the headlight switch. 23. SERV 4WD Indicator The 4WD indicator will be illuminated whenever the 4WD mode is engaged for either the manual or electric shift 4WD systems. The SERV 4WD indicator monitors the electric shift 4WD system. If the SERV 4WD light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that service is required. 204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 24. ESP/BAS Warning Lamp – If Equipped The lamp indicates a problem with one or more of the functions of ESP. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” in the instrument cluster comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb check. It should go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESP system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible. NOTE: mentarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON. The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is actively operating. 9The 9ESP/BAS Warning Lamp9 come on mo- 25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light — If Equipped Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under inflated. Accord- ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi- cantly under inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205 approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse- quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys- tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace- ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly. 206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUTION! The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera- tion or sensor damage may result when using re- placement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result. TPMS “Light Load” Reset Switch – If Equipped The TPMS ”Light Load” reset switch allows you to choose between Light Load vehicle conditions and Max Load vehicle conditions tire pressures and related TPMS warning levels. The switch is located in the instrument panel, below the climate control panel. For additional information refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — If Equipped” in section 5 of this manual. 26. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light — If Equipped This lamp indicates the ESP system is active when it is flashing or that a part, or all, of the features of the ESP system are not able to func- tion when it is on solid. The yellow “ESP Indi- cator Light” is located in the tachometer area. The 9ESP/ TCS Indicator Light9 starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The 9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9 also flashes when TCS is active. If the 9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9 begins to flash during accelera- tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” becomes illuminated when the ESP-OFF button has been pressed or ESP is only partially available. 27. Transmission Oil Temperature Warning Light (Automatic Transmissions Only) This light indicates that there is excessive trans- mission fluid temperature that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may also occur when operating the vehicle in a high torque converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel-drive operation (e.g., snow plowing, off- road operation). If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the light goes off. 28. Odometer/Trip Odometer Button Press this button to toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer display. Holding the button in resets the trip odometer reading when in trip mode. 29. Fuel Gauge Shows level of fuel in tank when ignition switch is in the ON position. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207 30. Low Fuel Warning Light When the fuel level drops to 1/16 tank, the fuel symbol will light and a single chime will sound. If your vehicle is equipped with an overhead NOTE: console module (CMTC), it is possible for DTE to display “LO FUEL” before the low fuel warning light turns on in the instrument cluster. This could occur because the low fuel warning is set to a specified fuel tank volume and DTE is an estimated distance calculation based on vehicle fuel economy and remaining fuel tank volume. Vehicle fuel tank volumes are as follows: † 26 gal (98 L) - 1500 short box models † 34 gal (128 L) - 1500/2500/3500 short box models † 35 gal (132 L) - 1500/2500/3500 long box models 208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 31. CRUISE Light This indicator lights when the electronic speed control system is turned on. 32. Coolant Temperature Light – Base Cluster Only This light indicates engine coolant temperature is to high. If the light comes on, stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL, and increase the engine idle speed for two to three minutes. If the light does not turn off, shut your engine OFF and allow it to cool. See an authorized dealer for service immediately. Refer to “Cooling System” under “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in section 7. CAUTION! Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en- gine running as you would not be able to react to the temperature indicator if the engine overheats. NOTE: Engine idle speed will automatically increase to 1000 rpm at elevated coolant temperatures to improve engine cooling. 33. Battery Voltage Indicator Light – Base Cluster Only When the engine is running, this light indicates the electrical system voltage is out of normal range. This indicator may also illuminate prior to the voltage gauge moving out of normal range. In either case, see you local authorized dealer for system service. 34. Oil Pressure Indicator light – Base Cluster Only This light indicates continuous high or low oil pressure, and under normal driving conditions, may indicate a lubrication system malfunction. Immedi- ate service should be obtained. ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK The clock and radio each use the display panel built into the radio. A digital readout shows the frequency and/or time in hours and minutes (depending on your radio model) whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or ACC position. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is accurately maintained. On the RAQ radio the time button alternates the location of the time and frequency on the display. On the REF only one of the two, time or frequency, is displayed at a time. Clock Setting Procedure 1. Press and hold the time button until the hours blink. 2. Adjust the hours by turning the right side Tune/ Audio control. UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209 3. After the hours are adjusted, press the right side Tune/Audio control to set the minutes. 4. Adjust the minutes using the right side Tune/Audio control. 5. To exit, press any button/knob or wait approximately five seconds. RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION RADIO BROADCAST SIGNALS The radio will provide excellent reception under most operating conditions. Like any system, however, automo- tive radios have performance limitations, due to mobile operation and natural phenomena, which might lead you to believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help you understand and save you concern about these “ap- parent” malfunctions, you must understand a point or two about the transmission and reception of radio sig- nals. 210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL Electrical Disturbances Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude, and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They interfere very little with the frequency variations that carry the FM signal. TWO TYPES OF SIGNALS There are two basic types of radio signals: AM or Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to vary; and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound. AM Reception AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines and neon signs. FM Reception Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia- tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear, which is the major feature of FM radio.

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2008 Dodge RAM Owners Manual