2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual Diesel - Page 272

272 STARTING AND OPERATING Manual Transmission - 6-Speed - If Equipped NOTE: The parking brake should be engaged before leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline. Truck models with manual transmission are equipped with a clutch interlocking ignition system. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to start the vehicle. Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelerator pedal. This transmission has a "creeper" 1st gear which should be used to start from a standing position when carrying a payload or towing a trailer. Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or 3rd gear with a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may be launched in 2nd 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 5th gear ranges. For steady highway driving with light accelerations, 6th 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. You should use 1st gear when starting from a standing position if under heavy load or when pulling a trailer. 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.