2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 210

210 STARTING AND OPERATING "R" Reverse Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. "N" Neutral Shift to Neutral 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. "D" Drive This position provides all forward gears, including 3rd gear direct and 4th or 5th (if equipped) gear overdrive (see Overdrive Operation). Use this range for most city and highway driving. "2" Second Use this position for driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use it also when climbing long grades, and for engine braking when descending moderately steep grades. NOTE: Do not exceed maximum engine speed. "1" First Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at low speeds (20 mph [32 km/h] or less) when going downhill. NOTE: Do not exceed maximum engine speed.