2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 214

214 STARTING AND OPERATING Manual Transmission - 5-Speed (NV3500) 1500 models are equipped with the NV3500 manual transmission. Be sure the transmission is in 1st 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. For most city driving you may find it easier to use only 1st through 4th gear ranges. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, 5th gear is recommended. To shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward. When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and damage the transmission. To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to stop. Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight across and back into Reverse. Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as listed in the following chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.