Page 273 of 496

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 the “TOW/HAUL” button, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, 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
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
Out of Park Sense Alarm
Vehicles with a Diesel Engine and 4 speed hydraulic
Automatic Transmission are equipped with an Alarm
that warns the customer, upon exiting the vehicle, that the transmission is not in the Park position. This feature
will only be functional under following conditions:
•engine running
•foot off the brake pedal
•driver ’s seat belt is unbuckled
•driver ’s door is open.
When this feature is triggered the horn will sound, the
high beams and turn signal lamps will flash, and the
PRNDL position will flash. This will continue until one of
the following conditions is met:
•engine is turned off
•transmission is in Park
•driver ’s seat belt is buckled
•brakes applied.
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
5
Page 274 of 496

The alarm will continue for 3 minutes if the driver’s door
is closed but none of the other conditions listed above are
met.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Truck models with manual transmission are equipped
with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch
pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle. Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
This transmission has a “creeper” 1st gear which should
be used to start from a standing position when carrying
a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can
result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with a loaded
vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in 2nd
gear. Use each gear in numerical order – do not skip a
gear.
For most city driving you may find it easier to use only
1st through 5th gear ranges. For steady highway driving
with light accelerations, 6th gear is recommended. To
shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right
beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward.
When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down
274 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 478 of 496

Adding Fuel........................... 320
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 132
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 389,418
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 396
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............396,397
Air Conditioning System ................237,396
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 240
Air Filter .............................. 389
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 305,313
Airbag .............................. 45,51
Airbag Light ......................... 74,180
Airbag On/Off Switch ..................... 51
Airbag, Side ............................ 54
Alarm, Out of Park Sense .................. 273
Alarm, Panic ............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................18,182
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 312
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8 Antenna, Satellite Radio
................... 230
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..............403,404
Capacities ........................... 445
Anti-Lock Warning Light ...............184,294
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ..................... 18,182
Appearance Care ........................ 422
Ashtray ............................... 154
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 83
Automatic Transaxle ...................... 12
Interlock System ........................ 15
Automatic Transmission ................... 413
Adding Fluid ......................... 413
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 414
Fluid Level Check ...................... 413
Fluid Type ........................ 414,447
Shift Indicator ........................ 182
Shifting ............................. 267
Special Additives ...................... 415
478 INDEX
Page 487 of 496

Noise Control Maintenance .......................... 417
Tampering Prohibited ................... 418
Noise Emission Warranty ...............417,419
Occupant Restraints ....................... 31
Occupant Restraints (2500/3500/Mega Cab Only) . . 31
Odometer .......................... 182,186
Trip ............................. 182,186
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road) ............ 289
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement) ............ 289
Oil, Engine ............................ 446
Capacity ............................ 445
Change Interval ....................... 384
Dipstick ............................. 383
Disposal ............................ 389
Filter ......................... 383,386,446
Materials Added to ..................... 386
Pressure Gauge ....................... 180 Recommendation
...................... 385
Viscosity ............................ 385
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 386
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 379
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 143
Operating Precautions .................... 379
Out of Park Sense Alarm .................. 273
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 83
Overdrive ............................. 270
Overdrive OFF Switch .................... 270
Overhead Console .................... 136,137
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 137
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 474
Panic Alarm ............................ 22
Parking Brake .......................... 290
Passenger Airbag On/Off Switch ............. 51
Passing Light ........................... 128
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 132
INDEX 487
10
Page 490 of 496

Reclining............................ 111
Reclining Rear ........................ 114
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............18,182
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........403,446
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Service Assistance ....................... 470
Service Contract ......................... 472
Service Information ...................... 380
Service Manuals ........................ 474
Setting the Clock .............188,192,200,213,226
Shifting ............................... 267
Automatic Transmission ................. 267
Manual Transmission ................... 274
Transfer Case ......................... 279
Transfer Case, Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) .................. 345,348
Transfer Case, Shifting out of Transfer Case Neutral (N) .................. 347,350
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 40 Shoulder Belts
........................... 32
Side Airbag ............................. 54
Signals, Turn ........................... 127
Sliding Rear Window Power ............................ 30,165
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 288
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 313
Snow Plow ............................ 341
Snow Tires ............................ 315
Spare Tire .......................... 308,309
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 133
Speedometer ........................... 180
Starting ............................... 253
Automatic Transmission ................. 253
Engine Block Heater ................. 254,261
Manual Transmission ................... 253
Starting Procedures ...................... 253
Starting Procedures (Diesel Engines) .......... 253
490 INDEX