2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Ignition/Starter Switch ...................294
▫ Lock ..............................294
▫ Off ...............................294
▫ On................................294
▫ Start ..............................295
▫ ACC ..............................295
▫ Manual Transmission Key Release Button ....295
▫ Key Reminder .......................296

Starting Procedures .....................296 ▫
Manual Transmission ..................296
▫ Automatic Transmission ................296
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................297
▫ Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........297
▫ After Starting ........................298

Transmission Shifting ....................299
▫ Automatic Transmission With Overdrive .....299
▫ Manual Transmission ..................304

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 308
5

▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ................308
▫ Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted
Transfer Case ........................311
▫ Transfer Case Reminder Light ............312
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (5 Position Switch)—
If Equipped .........................312
▫ Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ........................318
▫ Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch)—
If Equipped .........................320
▫ Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case ........................325

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped .......327

Parking Brake .........................328

Brake System ..........................330
▫ 3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only ........330
▫ Brake Noise .........................330
▫ Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System —
RWAL .............................331
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System —
If Equipped .........................331

Power Steering ........................333

Multi Displacement System (MDS) -
5.7L Engine Only .......................334

Tire Safety Information ...................335
▫ Tire Markings ........................335
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........338
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........339

Tires—General Information ................343
▫ Tire Pressure .........................343
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................344
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ......................346
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped .........347
▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped .........348
▫ Tire Spinning ........................348
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................349
▫ Life Of Tire .........................350
▫ Replacement Tires .....................350
▫ Alignment And Balance .................351

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information –
If Equipped ...........................352

Tire Chains ...........................352

Snow Tires ...........................354

Tire Rotation Recommendations ............354
▫ Dual Rear Wheels .....................355

Fuel Requirements ......................356
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................357
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............358
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................358
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................359
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................359
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............360
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
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Adding Fuel ..........................360
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............361

Flexible Fuel— (Fleet Vehicles Only) .........363
▫ E-85 General Information ................363
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................363
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................363
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .............364
▫ Starting ............................364
▫ Cruising Range .......................365
▫ Replacement Parts .....................365
▫ Maintenance .........................365

Catalytic Converter .....................365

Vehicle Loading ........................367
▫ Certification Label .....................367

Trailer Towing .........................370
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............370
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............372
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .........373
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............373
▫ Towing Requirements ..................375
▫ Towing Tips .........................379
▫ Trailer Towing Mirrors — If Equipped ......381

Snowplow ............................382
▫ Dodge Ram 1500 Models ................382
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫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

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 387 ▫
Recreational Towin g – 2 Wheel Drive
Models ............................387
▫ Recreational Towin g – 4 Wheel Drive
Models ............................387

Driving Off-Road .......................394

Traction .............................395

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