2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 306

306 STARTING AND OPERATING Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight across, in one swift motion, and down into Reverse. 6 Speed Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in mph (km//h) 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 to Engine Model Axle Mode 2 3 4 5 6 Accel 2500/ 15 25 40 45 50 5.7L ALL & (24) (40) (65) (72) (81) 3500 Cruise Manual Transmission - 6-Speed (G238) NOTE: The parking brake should be engaged before leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline. 1500 models are equipped with a G238 manual transmission. This transmission has 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 accelerator pedal. When launching a stationary vehicle, keep the engine speed low until the clutch is fully engaged. For improved clutch life, all six forward gears should be used. For steady highway driving with light acceleration, 6th gear is recommended. When shifting from 5th to 6th gear, do not apply excessive knob load toward the Reverse gear gate, as you may overpower the Reverse "crash-through" load and unintentionally clash into Reverse gear. Also, when shifting from 6th to 5th gear, excessive knob load toward the Reverse gear gate will result in blocking of the shift. You should use first gear when starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear. Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear.