2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 221

STARTING AND OPERATING 221 • the engine coolant has reached normal operating temperature; • vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h); • the "TOW/HAUL" switch has not been activated; • transmission has reached normal operating temperature. The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h). Overdrive can be locked out by pressing the "TOW/ HAUL" button located on the selector lever. The "TOW/ HAUL" light will illuminate in the instrument cluster to indicate that the switch has been activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores the Overdrive function. If the "TOW/HAUL" feature is desired, the"TOW/HAUL" button must be pressed each time the engine is started. NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive and will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has risen to a suitable temperature. Refer also to the Note under torque converter clutch, later in this section. If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the transmission will automatically select the most desirable gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission temperature becomes hot enough the "TOW/HAUL" and/or TRANS TEMP light(s) may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After cooldown, the transmission will resume normal operation. When To Lock Out Overdrive When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent 4-3-4 transmission shifting 5