2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab & Chassis Owner Manual - Page 282

282 STARTING AND OPERATING "2" Second Use this position for driving on more severe conditions and lower speeds than "3" third. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range. "1" First Use this position for driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at low speeds 12 mph (19 km/h) or less when going downhill. To prevent excessive engine speed, do not exceed 12 mph (19 km/h) in this range. NOTE: Use caution when operating a heavily loaded vehicle in "2" Second or "1" First gear selections in high ambients as torque converter slip can impose significant additional heat load on the cooling system. Overdrive Operation The overdrive automatic transmission contains an electronically controlled 5th and 6th (if equipped) speed (Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are present: • the transmission selector is in Drive; • the engine coolant has reached normal operating temperature; • vehicle speed is above approximately 38 mph (61 km/h) for 5th gear and 55 mph (89 km/h) for 6th gear; • the "TOW HAUL O/D OFF" switch has not been activated; • transmission has reached normal operating temperature. NOTE: If the vehicle is started in extremely cold temperatures, the transmission shift schedule initially restricts transmission operation in forward gear ranges to 3rd gear until the transmission fluid temperature rises to