Page 267 of 532

WARNING!It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or
“N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (5 Speed
545RFE) — If Equipped
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! STARTING AND OPERATING 267
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Page 273 of 532

Automatic Transmission (6 Speed AS68RC) — If
Equipped
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. STARTING AND OPERATING 273
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Page 288 of 532

Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (4 Position Switch)—If
Equipped
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel. This Electronically Shifted transfer case provides 4 mode
positions: 2 (rear) wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive
lock range, 4 wheel drive low range, and neutral.
The Electronically Shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the 2 wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions (dry hard surfaced roads).
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock
the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position - see Shifting Procedure section for
specific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.Transfer Case Switch288 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 299 of 532

If you must back down a hill, back straight down using
REVERSE gear. Never back down in NEUTRAL, or
diagonally across the hill.
When driving over sand, mud, and other soft terrain,
shift to low gear and drive steadily. Apply the accelerator
slowly to avoid spinning the wheels.
DO NOT REDUCE the tire pressures for this type of
driving.
NOTE: After off-road usage, particularly in sand or
mud, inspect the underside of the vehicle for accumu-
lated dirt at the propeller shaft, axles, U-joints, brake
rotors and calipers.
Use a hose to clean off any accumulation of dirt or mud. Check the exhaust system and all exposed components
for any sign of damage.
If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud,
slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for im-
pacted material. Impacted foreign material can cause a
wheel imbalance. Removing the foreign material from
the wheels will correct the situation.
PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle. STARTING AND OPERATING 299
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Page 417 of 532

trapped in the particulate filter. This message indicates
the percentage of the particulate filter capacity that has
been used.
By simply driving your Dodge truck at highway speeds
for as little as 45 minutes you can remedy the condition in
the particulate filter system and allow your Cummins
engine and exhaust Aftertreatment system to remove the
trapped PM and restore the system to normal operating
condition.
Catalyst Stat:::::::::::80%, 90%, 99%
Catalyst Stat:::::::::::80%, 90%, 99% If you are unable to
drive your vehicle under these conditions for an ex-
tended period of time after the initial warning notifica-
tion, the Engine PCM will continue to monitor the
particulate filter and will display the progression of
particulate filter usage (80, 90, 99%) on the EVIC message
center. CATALYST FULL SERVICE REQD
If the particulate filter reaches 99% of it’s capacity the
overhead console in your Dodge truck will chime twice
and display the message CATALYST FULL SERVICE
REQD. At this point the engine PCM will register a fault
code, the instrument panel will display a MIL light and
the engine PCM will derate the truck reducing its horse-
power and torque output.
The PCM derates the engine in order to limit the likeli-
hood of permanent damage to the aftertreatment system.
If this condition is not corrected and a dealer service is
not performed, extensive exhaust aftertreatment damage
can occur. In order to correct this condition it will be
necessary to have the truck serviced by your Dodge truck
dealer. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
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Page 521 of 532

Hydraulic Clutch Fluid .................... 436
Ignition ............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal ..................... 12
Illuminated Entry ........................ 19
Infant Restraint ........................ 59,60
Inflation Pressure Tires .................... 323
Information Center ...................... 142
Information Center, Vehicle ................. 142
Inside Rearview Mirror .................... 83
Instrument Cluster .................... 170,172
Instrument Panel and Controls .............. 169
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ............. 456
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ............ 457
Interior Appearance Care .................. 455
Interior Lights .......................... 122
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 128
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ........... 415 Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 371
Jack Operation .......................... 372
Jump Starting .......................... 382
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Keyless Entry System ...................... 20
Keys ................................. 12
Lane Change and Turn Signals .............. 125
LapBelts .............................. 45
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 35
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . 64
LifeofTires ............................ 321
Lights .............................. 77,121
Airbag ............................ 57,173
Anti-Lock Warning .................. 177,304 INDEX 521
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