Dodge 1500 (Gas) (2006 year). Instruction - page 19

▫ Before Plowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
▫ Snowplow Model Prep Package Availability . . 384
▫ Over The Road Operation With Snowplow

Attached . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

▫ Methods For Removing Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
▫ Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
▫ General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

䡵 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 387

▫ Recreational Towing – 2 Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

▫ Recreational Towing – 4 Wheel Drive

Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

䡵 Driving Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
䡵 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
䡵 Equipment Identification Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

STARTING AND OPERATING

293

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IGNITION/STARTER SWITCH

LOCK
Locks the automatic transmission shift control into the
PARK position. It also engages the steering wheel lock (if
equipped) when the steering wheel is turned.

NOTE:

This vehicle is equipped with a transmission

shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).

OFF
Unlocks the steering wheel (if equipped with locking
wheel) and the automatic transmission shift control with
engine off.

ON
This is the normal running position.

Ignition Switch Positions

294

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

START
Starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition key will return to the ON position for
normal driving.

ACC
Allows the electrical accessories to be used when the
engine is not running.

Manual Transmission Key Release Button

To remove the key on vehicles equipped with manual
transmissions, turn the key to the Lock position and press
the button to remove the ignition key.

Ignition Key Release Button

STARTING AND OPERATING

295

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Reminder
An alarm will sound to remind you if the key is left in the
ignition and the driver’s door is opened.

STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.

Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in NEUTRAL and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
before starting the vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with
a clutch interlocking ignition system. It will not start
unless the clutch is fully depressed.

Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.

Normal Starting

of either a warm or cold engine is

obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the starting procedure.

NOTE:

This vehicle is equipped with a transmission

shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of Park (P).

296

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Engine Fails To Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
normal starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.

If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the normal starting procedure should be
repeated.

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped
The engine block heater warms the engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with
grounded, three-wire extension cord.

STARTING AND OPERATING

297

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood to
the right side of the vehicle and held to the body with
removable clips.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.

After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled and will de-
crease as the engine warms up.

CAUTION!

Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.

WARNING!

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.

298

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSMISSION SHIFTING

Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
The gear shift selector display, located in the instrument
panel cluster, indicates the transmission gear range (the
selector is illuminated for night driving). The selector
lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column.
You must depress the brake pedal, to pull the selector
lever out of park (P) position (Brake Interlock System). To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull the selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.

Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.

“P” Park
This gear position supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be started in
this range. Never use Park while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the
selector in Park position. On 4-wheel-drive vehicles be
sure that the transfer case is in a drive position!

WARNING!

Never use Park position on an automatic transmis-
sion as a substitute for the parking brake. Always
apply parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible injury or
damage.

STARTING AND OPERATING

299

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WARNING!

Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to
move the gearshift lever back and forth without first
pulling it toward you after you have set it in P. Make
sure it is in Park before leaving the vehicle.

WARNING!

It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or
“N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

“R” Reverse
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

300

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“N” Neutral
Shift to Neutral when the vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.

NOTE:

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving, with

the transmission in neutral (N) position, can cause severe
damage to the transmission.

“D” Drive
This position provides all forward gears, including 3rd
gear direct and 4th and 5th (if equipped) gear overdrive
(see Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city
and highway driving.

“2” Second
Use this position for driving slowly in heavy city traffic
or on mountain roads where more precise speed control

is desirable. Use it also when climbing long grades, and
for engine braking when descending moderately steep
grades.

NOTE:

Do not exceed maximum engine speed.

“1” First
Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for
engine braking at low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or less)
when going downhill.

NOTE:

Do not exceed maximum engine speed.

Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:

• the transmission selector is in Drive;

STARTING AND OPERATING

301

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-

perature;

• vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48

km/h);

• the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” switch has not been

activated;

• transmission has reached normal operating tempera-

ture.

NOTE:

If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-

peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.

If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).

302

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When To Use “TOW HAUL” and “O/D OFF”
Modes

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button once to
select TOW HAUL. This will improve performance and

reduce the potential for transmission overheating or
failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in
“TOW HAUL” mode, 5th gear (if equipped) is disabled
and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified. Shifts into
Overdrive (4th gear) are allowed during steady cruise
(for improved fuel economy) and automatic closed-
throttle downshifts to 3rd gear are performed (for im-
proved braking) when driving conditions warrant. Press-
ing the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button a second time to
select O/D OFF will disable 4th and 5th gear completely,
which should eliminate any excessive transmission shift-
ing.

The “TOW HAUL” or “O/D OFF” light will illuminate in
the instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has
been activated. Pressing the switch a third time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW HAUL” or “O/D OFF”
modes are desired, the button must be pressed each time
the engine is started.

Tow Haul O/D Off Switch

STARTING AND OPERATING

303

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE:

The torque converter clutch will not engage

until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of overdrive.

NOTE:

If the vehicle has not been driven in several

days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.

Manual Transmission

NOTE:

The parking brake should be engaged before

leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline.

Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle.

Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.

304

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress
the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to
stop. Move the shift lever from the Neutral position
straight across and back into Reverse.

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on
the clutch.

Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts
during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in
increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.

Manual Transmission — 6 Speed (G56)
2500 and 3500 models are equipped with the G56 manual
transmission. This transmission has a “creeper” 1st gear

which should be used to start from a standing position
when carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to
the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with
a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched
in 2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not
skip a gear.

For most city driving you may find it easier to use only
1st through 5th gear ranges. For steady highway driving
with light accelerations, 6th gear is recommended. To
shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right
beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward.
When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down
toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply
left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and
damage the transmission.

To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress
the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to
stop. Reverse has a “crash-through” lockout feature.

STARTING AND OPERATING

305

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight
across, in one swift motion, and down into Reverse.

6 Speed Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in mph

(km//h)

Engine Model Axle Mode

1 to

2

2 to

3

3 to

4

4 to

5

5 to

6

5.7L

2500/

3500

ALL

Accel

&

Cruise

15

(24)

25

(40)

40

(65)

45

(72)

50

(81)

Manual Transmission — 6-Speed (G238)

NOTE:

The parking brake should be engaged before

leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline.

1500 models are equipped with a G238 manual transmis-
sion. This transmission has a clutch interlocking ignition
system. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start
the vehicle.

Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal. When launching a stationary vehicle, keep the
engine speed low until the clutch is fully engaged.

For improved clutch life, all six forward gears should be
used. For steady highway driving with light acceleration,
6th gear is recommended. When shifting from 5th to 6th
gear, do not apply excessive knob load toward the
Reverse gear gate, as you may overpower the Reverse
“crash-through” load and unintentionally clash into Re-
verse gear. Also, when shifting from 6th to 5th gear,
excessive knob load toward the Reverse gear gate will
result in blocking of the shift.

You should use first gear when starting from a standing
position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in
2nd or 3rd gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do
not skip a gear.

306

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress
the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to
stop. Reverse has a “crash-through” lockout feature.
Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight
across, in one swift motion, and down into Reverse.

Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for fuel economy it
should be upshifted as listed below. Shift at the vehicle
speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during
cruise conditions (relatively steady speeds) will result in
increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.

Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.

6 Speed Manual Transmission Shift Speed in mph

(km/h)

Engine Model Axle

Accel-

eration

Rate

1

to

2

2

to

3

3

to

4

4

to

5

5

to

6

3.7L

1500 ALL

ACCEL

&

CRUISE

15

(24)

10

(16)

24

(39)

19

(31)

34

(55)

27

(44)

47

(76)

37

(60)

56

(90)

41

(66)

4.7L

1500 ALL

ACCEL

&

CRUISE

15

(24)

25

(40)

40

(65)

45

(72)

50

(81)

Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. For acceleration at speeds less than 20 mph (30
km/h), 2nd gear is recommended.

STARTING AND OPERATING

307

5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAUTION!

When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift
one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the
engine which can cause valve damage.

FOUR-WHEEL- DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
Four-Wheel-Drive Dodge Ram Trucks are equipped with
either a Manually Shifted transfer case or an Electroni-
cally Shifted transfer case. See the operating instructions
for your transfer case, located within this section.

Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The transfer case provides 4 mode positions - 2 (rear)-
wheel-drive high range, 4-wheel-drive high range, neu-
tral, and 4-wheel-drive low range.

This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2-wheel-
drive position (2H) for normal street and highway con-
ditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.

When additional traction is required the transfer case 4H
and 4L positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
simply moving the shift lever to the desired positions.
The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on
dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.

The 4-wheel-drive light (4WD), located in the instrument
cluster, alerts the driver that the vehicle is in 4-wheel
drive and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked
together. This light illuminates when the transfer case is
shifted to either the 4H or 4L positions. There is no light
for the 2H or N (Neutral) positions.

308

STARTING AND OPERATING

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Рассказать друзьям

Страницы