2006 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS steering wheel

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

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.
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5

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should always be applied whenever
the driver is not in the vehicle.
BRAKE SYSTEM
If power assist is lost for any reason (for example,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the
brakes will still function. However, you will experience a
substantial increase in braking effort to stop the vehicle.
If either the front or rear hydraulic systems lose normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the BRAKE warning lamp and the ABS lamp (if
equipped) during brake use.
3500 Dual Rear Wheel Models Only
The brake system power assist is provided by a hydro-
boost unit which shares fluid with the power steering
system. You may experience some clicking or hissing
noises from the hydro-boost system during hard braking
conditions.
NOTE: Under cold temperatures, pedal effort will be
higher than normal until the power steering oil reaches
operating temperature.
Brake Noise
During normal operation of the brake system certain
noises may be present from time to time. Occasional
 groan or squeal noises may occur during normal
operation of the brake system which may not be indica-
tive of a problem. These noises may be heard at any time
the brakes are applied but may be more noticeable during
the first few brake applications in the morning. Moisture,
hot or cold temperature, dust, and or other debris may
330 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) - 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE: The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
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▫Air Conditioner Maintenance .............440
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............441
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............441
▫ Steering Linkage — Inspection ............442
▫ Half-Shaft Constant Velocity Joints .........442
▫ Front Prop Shaft Lubrication — 2500/3500
(4X4) Models ........................443
▫ Body Lubrication .....................443
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................444
▫ Windshield Washers ...................444
▫ Exhaust System ......................445
▫ Cooling System .......................446
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......449 ▫
Brake System ........................450
▫ Clutch Hydraulic System ................451
▫ Clutch Linkage .......................452
▫ Rear Axle And 4X4 Front Driving Axle Fluid
Level ..............................452
▫ Transfer Case ........................453
▫ Manual Transmission ..................453
▫ Automatic Transmission ................454
▫ Front Wheel Bearings ..................457
▫ Selection Of Lubricating Grease ...........457
▫ Noise Control System Required Maintenance &
Warranty For 3500 2-Wheel Drive And 4-Wheel
Drive Models Over 10,000 Lbs. (4 535 Kg) Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating. ..................458
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The ball joints originally supplied with the vehicle are
permanently lubricated at the factory and do not require
service. However, if the seals on the ball joints are
damaged, the joints should be replaced. Serviceable
replacement ball joints are available.
Front suspension ball joints should be replaced only by a
qualified service technician using tools specially de-
signed for this purpose. Damage to the joints and/or
suspension components may result if improper replace-
ment procedures are used.
If seals are damaged the ball joints should be replaced to
prevent leakage or contamination of the grease.
Steering Linkage — Inspection
Whenever the vehicle is hoisted, all steering linkage
joints should be inspected for evidence of damage. If
seals are damaged, parts should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination of the grease. Lubricate the
steering linkage regularly according to the “Maintenance
Schedule” in this manual.
Half-shaft Constant Velocity Joints
All four- wheel- drive 1500 models are equipped with
four constant velocity joints. Periodic lubrication of these
joints is not required. However, the joint boots should be
inspected for external leakage or damage periodically. If
external leakage or damage is evident, the joint boot and
grease should be replaced immediately. Continued op-
eration could result in failure of the joint due to water
and dirt contamination of the grease. This would require
complete replacement of the joint assembly. Refer to the
Service Manual for the detailed replacement procedure.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE