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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.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 225 of 416

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 (for
improved braking) will occur during steady braking.
The “TOW/HAUL” light will illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW/HAUL” mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed atlight throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in Over-
drive and in Drive.
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 theTOW/HAULbutton 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
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5
Page 239 of 416
ROCKING THE VEHICLE
If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the gear
selector rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE,
while applying slight pressure to the accelerator.
The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure to main-
tain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine is most effective. Allow the engine to
idle with the transmission selector in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles.
This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a
stuck vehicle.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5
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CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
As with any vehicle, do not park or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible materials such as grass or leaves
can come in contact with a hot exhaust system.
A scorching odor may be detected if you continue to run
a malfunctioning engine. The odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, thevehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Service, including a tune-up to
manufacturer’s specifications should be obtained imme-
diately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed.
•Do not idle the engine for prolonged periods during
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating condi-
tions.
•Do not allow vehicle to run out of fuel.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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Page 278 of 416
Cooling System Tips—Trailer Towing
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
•See Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW/HAUL” feature on when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Move the shift lever to the next
lower position to eliminate excessive transmission shift-
ing. This action will also reduce the possibility of trans-
mission overheating and provide better engine braking.
7 - Pin Connector
278 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 318 of 416

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
vehicle allowed to cool. Thereafter, service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications, should be ob-
tained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
All Dodge trucks are equipped with maintenance-free
batteries. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 345 of 416
F19 15 Amp BlueHeating & Air
Conditioning
w/ATC Only
Battery Feed
F20 25 Amp NaturalAmplifier Bat-
tery Feed
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
Cavity Fuse/Color Description
1 40 Amp
GreenHVAC Blower
2 30 Amp Pink Power Outlets
3 30 Amp Pink Rr Wiper/Ign R/O
4 30 Amp Pink ABS Pump
5 50 Amp Red Cabin Htr 1 (Diesel Only)
6 50 Amp Red ASD
7 30 Amp Pink Rr HVAC (XK)
Cavity Fuse/Color Description
8 40 Amp
GreenAcc Delay/Seats
9 Spare
10 40 Amp
GreenStarter/JB Power
11 30 Amp Pink Cig Ltr/T-Tow
12 40 Amp
GreenEBL/Htd Mirror
13 40 Amp
GreenJB Power
14 50 Amp Red Cabin Htr 2 (Diesel Only)
15 50 Amp Red Cabin Htr 3 (Diesel Only)
16 25 Amp
NaturalIPM/Coils
17 Spare
18 20 Amp Yel-
lowTCM/AC Clutch
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7
Page 397 of 416

Points to Remember.................... 328
Radiator Cap......................... 327
Selection of Coolant...............326,357,359
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 132
Cup Holder............................ 154
Customer Assistance..................... 385
Data Recorder, Event...................... 52
Daytime Running Lights................... 123
Dealer Service.......................... 310
Defroster, Rear Window................... 213
Defroster, Windshield................66,200,205
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 126
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 307
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 165
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 332
Oil (Engine).......................... 311Power Steering........................ 320
Disarming, Theft System................... 25
Disc Brakes............................ 330
Disposal
Used Coolant......................... 325
Door Ajar Light......................... 169
Door Locks............................. 13
Door Opener, Garage..................... 142
Drive Belts............................ 315
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 321
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 76
Electrical Power Outlets................... 151
Electronic Speed Control................... 132
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 239
Jacking............................. 291
Overheating.......................... 327
Tow Hooks.......................... 298
INDEX 397
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