2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 325

STARTING AND OPERATING 323 WARNING! (Continued) • Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to move the shift lever back and forth without first pulling it toward you after you have set it in PARK. Make sure it is in PARK before leaving the vehicle. • It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL 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 reverse. 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 foot is firmly on the brake pedal. REVERSE This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. NEUTRAL This range is for when the vehicle is standing for prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the vehicle. DRIVE This range provides all forward gears, including third gear direct and fourth or fifth gear overdrive (Refer to Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city and highway driving. 5