2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner Manual - Page 285
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Manual
Page 285 highlights
STARTING AND OPERATING 283 WARNING! It is dangerous to shift the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Automatic Transmission with Overdrive The gear shift lever display located in the instrument panel cluster indicates the transmission gear range (the selector is illuminated for night driving). The shift lever is mounted on the right side of the steering column. You must depress the brake pedal to pull the shift lever out of PARK position (Brake Interlock System). To drive, move the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the desired DRIVE position. Pull the shift lever toward you when shifting into REVERSE, SECOND, FIRST or PARK, or when shifting out of PARK. Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL position into another gear range. PARK This gear position supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first, then place the selector in PARK position. On 4-wheel drive vehicles be sure that the transfer case is in a drive position! 5