Dodge 2009 Ram Diesel Automobile User Manual


 
WARNING! (Continued)
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL 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 reverse. 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 foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
REVERSE
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Shift into NEUTRAL when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE
Drive range provides underdrive 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears,
direct 4th gear and overdrive 5th and 6th gears. The shift
into overdrive 5th and 6th gear occurs only after the
transmission has completed the shift into 4th gear. No
other movement of the shift mechanism is required to
complete the 4–5 or 5–6 gear shifts.
The 4th and 5th gear upshifts occurs automatically unless
the TOW HAUL mode is enabled.
Upshifts into both overdrive gears, 5th and 6th, will be
delayed when the transmission fluid temperature is
below 40° F (4.5° C) or above 240° F (115.5° C).
NOTE: Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle in 2nd or 1st gear in high ambients as torque
converter slip can impose significant additional heat load
on the cooling system.
56 STARTING AND OPERATING