2006 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL manual transmission

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................12
▫Sentry Key — If Equipped................12

Ignition And Steering Lock.................15
▫Manual Transmissions...................15
▫Automatic Transmissions.................16

Door Key.............................17

Door Locks............................17
▫Manual Locks.........................17▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped..........18
▫Child Protection Door Lock...............21

Remote Keyless Entry — If Equipped.........22
▫To Unlock The Doors...................23
▫To Lock The Doors.....................23
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................24
▫General Information....................25
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............25

Security Alarm System — If Equipped.........26
2

IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
Insert the key fully, and then turn the switch to one of the
five illustrated positions. The key can be inserted or
withdrawn only in the LOCK position.
Manual Transmissions
When the steering wheel is in the LOCK position, the
steering and ignition systems are locked to provide
antitheft protection for your vehicle. It may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. To remove the key,
depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK and remove the key.
Ignition Switch Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........141
▫Programming Homelink................143
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 145
▫Using Homelink......................146
▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............146
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 146
▫Security............................147

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............147
▫Open Sunroof - Express Mode............148
▫Comfort Stop........................148
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............149
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................149
▫Pinch Protect Override.................149▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............149
▫Sunshade Operation...................149
▫Wind Buffeting.......................150
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................150
▫Sunroof Fully Closed...................150

Electrical Power Outlets..................150

Cigar Lighter And Ash Receiver............152

Cupholders...........................153
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(40–20–40 Seats) — Automatic Transmission . . 153
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders
(Bucket Seats) — Automatic Transmission....155
▫Front Instrument Panel Cupholders —
Manual Transmission..................155
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Vary The Speed Setting
When the speed control is on, speed can be increased by
pressing and holding the ACCEL button. When the
button is released, a new set speed will be established.
Tapping the ACCEL button once will result ina2mph
(3km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the button three times
will increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
Tapping the DECEL button once will result in a 1 mph (2
km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped,
speed will decrease. For example, tapping the button 3
times will decrease the speed by 3 mph (5 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while the speed control is on, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (56
km/h), the speed control will automatically disengage. If
this happens, you can push down on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 6–speed manual transmission
should be operated in 4th or 5th gear under the above
conditions.
Vehicles equipped with a 4–speed automatic transmis-
sion may exhibit several 4-3 downshifts under the above
conditions. To reduce the frequency of the downshifts
and to improve vehicle performance, it is advisable to
lock out overdrive by pressing the O/D OFF button
located at the end of the gear shifter.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CUPHOLDERS
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (40–20–40
Seats) — Automatic Transmission
Your new Ram truck is equipped with two adjustable
cupholders. The cupholder is opened by pulling on the
cup holder door handle, on the front surface. Each
opening in the cupholder is adjustable and will hold cups
and mugs of various sizes.
Ash Tray Manual Transmission
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

Front Instrument Panel Cupholders (Bucket
Seats) — Automatic Transmission
If your new Ram truck is equipped with bucket seats
there are three cup holders located on the front of the
center console.
Front Instrument Panel Cupholders — Manual
Transmission
Cup Holders Bucket Seat
Cup Holders Manual Transmission
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155
3

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Ignition/Starter Switch...................251
▫Lock..............................251
▫Off ...............................251
▫On................................251
▫Start..............................252
▫ACC ..............................252
▫Manual Transmission Key Release Button....252
▫Key Reminder.......................253

Starting Procedures.....................253▫Normal Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold
Airtemperature Above 66°F (19°C).........253
▫Starting Procedure — Engine Manifold Air
Temperature Below 66°F (19°C)...........254
▫Starting Fluids.......................258

Normal Operation......................258
▫Cold Weather Precautions...............259
▫Engine Idling — In Cold Weather..........262
▫Stopping The Engine...................263
▫Engine Speed Control..................263
5

▫Operating Precautions..................264
▫Cooling System Tips —
Automatic Transmission................264

Transmission Shifting....................266
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive—
If Equipped.........................266
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed —
If Equipped.........................272

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 273
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................273
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted
Transfer Case........................276
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............277▫Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions–If Equipped.......278
▫Shifting Procedure - Electronically Shifted
Transfer Case........................282

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......285

Parking Brake.........................286

Brake System..........................287
▫Brake Noise.........................288
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System........288

Power Steering........................290

Tire Safety Information...................291
▫Tire Markings........................291
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........295
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........296
248 STARTING AND OPERATING