2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 206

206 STARTING AND OPERATING Automatic Transmission Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any driving range. Normal Starting of either a warm or cold engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5 seconds, then repeat the starting procedure. NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be depressed to shift out of Park (P). If Engine Fails To Start If the engine fails to start after you have followed the normal starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. CAUTION! To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the engine for more than 15-seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again. If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not have enough power to continue running when the key is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running smoothly.