lock DODGE POWER WAGON 2006 2.G Workshop Manual

Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.
Temperature Control
The rotary knob at the center of the
control panel controls the temperature
of the interior air. You can choose your
degree of comfort by rotating the
knob. The coldest temperature setting
is to the extreme left (blue region) and
the warmest setting is to the extreme
right (red region) of the rotation.
Circulation
The cab is designed with features to promote outside air
circulation. There are grilles in the cab back panel. These
are air exhausters that provide the means for regular
exchange of cab air.
Side window demisters direct air flow specifically to the
window glass to help prevent interior fogging of the
glass. They are located in the extreme outside upper
edges of the instrument panel. The demisters also pro-
vide extra air ducts for circulation. They are in operation
whenever the Floor, Mix or Defrost modes are in use. To
remove frost from the side windows, it is best to use the
full defrost mode.
NOTE:When you turn off the engine you may hear a
hissing sound from under the hood for a short period of
time. This is a normal condition that occurs if the air
conditioning system has been on. It is not an indication of
a problem with the air conditioning system.
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes, even if
the A/C button has not been pressed. This dehumidifies
the air to help dry the windshield.
Blower Control
The rotary knob on the left of the
control panel is the blower control.
Turn the knob clockwise to one of the
four positions to obtain the blower
speed you desire. To turn the blower
off, turn the knob to the far left posi-
tion.
Dual Zone Temperature Control
Dual Zone Temperature Control
222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Axle Locker System.....................231

Stabilizer/Sway Bar System...............234

Power Wagon – Safe Off-Road Driving.......235
▫Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics.......................235
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........240
▫Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points).............................242
▫HillClimbing ........................245
▫Driving Through Water.................248▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving........250
▫Vehicle Recovery......................251
▫After Driving Off-Road.................255

Winch Usage..........................256
▫Things To Know Before Using Your Winch . . . 256
▫Understanding The Features Of Your Winch . . 258
▫Winch Accessories.....................260
▫Operating Your Winch..................261
▫Rigging Techniques....................273
5

Ignition/Starter Switch...................275
▫Lock..............................276
▫Off ...............................276
▫On................................276
▫Start..............................276
▫ACC ..............................276
▫Manual Transmission Key Release Button....277
▫Key Reminder.......................277

Starting Procedures.....................277
▫Manual Transmission..................277
▫Automatic Transmission................278
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................278
▫After Starting........................279
Transmission Shifting....................280
▫Automatic Transmission With Overdrive.....280
▫Manual Transmission — 6-Speed..........285

Four-Wheel- Drive Operation..............287
▫Manually Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................287
▫Shifting Procedure - Manually Shifted Transfer
Case..............................289
▫Transfer Case Reminder Light............290

Limited-Slip Differential — If Equipped.......291

Parking Brake.........................292

Brake System..........................293
▫Brake Noise.........................294
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
— If Equipped.......................294

Power Steering........................296

Multi Displacement System (MDS) - 5.7L Engine
Only ................................296

Tire Safety Information...................296
▫Tire Markings........................296
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........300
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........301

Tires—General Information................305
▫Tire Pressure.........................305
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................306
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................308
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........309▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........310
▫Tire Spinning........................310
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................311
▫LifeOfTire .........................312
▫Replacement Tires.....................312
▫Alignment And Balance.................313

Supplemental Tire Pressure Information.......314

Tire Chains...........................314

Snow Tires...........................315

Tire Rotation Recommendations............316

Fuel Requirements......................317
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................317
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............318
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
5

Axle Locker System
Dodge Power Wagons are equipped with electronically
locking front and rear axles. Locking the axles provides
greater traction in severe low traction conditions or in
rock climbing environments where one wheel is likely to
not be in contact with the ground.
CAUTION!
Do not lock the front or rear axle on hard surfaced
roads. The ability to steer the vehicle is reduced and
damage to the drivetrain may occur when the axles
are locked on hard surfaced roads.
CAUTION!
Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is stuck
and the tires are spinning. You can damage driv-
etrain components. Lock the rear axle before at-
tempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch
located on the center console.
STARTING AND OPERATING 231
5

The switch has three positions, AXLE UNLOCK, REAR
LOCK, and FRONT/REAR. Under normal driving con-
ditions the switch should be left in the AXLE UNLOCK
position. In the AXLE UNLOCK position, the front andrear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK position, the
rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR position, the
front and rear axles are locked.
NOTE:Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command
has been successfully executed, the light will remain on
solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO by
following the procedure in Four Wheel Drive Operation,
located in this section of the manual. Move the axle
locker switch position to REAR LOCK while traveling
less than 3 MPH (5 KM/H). The RR indicator light will
remain on when the rear axle is locked.
Rotary Locking Axle Switch
232 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Left to right wheel speed difference may be
necessary to allow the axle to fully lock. If the indicator
light is flashing after placing the switch in the REAR
LOCK or FRONT/REAR position, drive the vehicle in a
turn or on loose gravel to expedite the locking action.
WARNING!
Do not use the locked axle position for normal
driving. A locked front axle is intended for off-road
driving only. Locking the front axle during on-road
driving will reduce the steering ability. This could
cause an accident and you may be seriously injured.
To lock the front axle move the axle locker switch to
FRONT/REAR while travelingless than 3 MPH (5
KM/H). The indicator light will be solid when the front
axle is locked.NOTE:The rear axle must be locked before the front
axle will lock.
To unlock the front axle move the axle locker switch to
REAR LOCK. The FRONT/REAR indicator light will go
out when the axle is unlocked.
NOTE:The axle lockers could be torque locked due to
side to side loads on the axle. Driving slowly while
turning the steering wheel from a left hand turn to a right
hand turn or driving in reverse for a short distance may
be required to release the torque lock and unlock the
axles.
To unlock the rear axle move the axle locker switch to
AXLE UNLOCK. The REAR LOCK indicator light will go
out when the rear axle is unlocked.
STARTING AND OPERATING 233
5

To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to either 4HI
or 4LO as shown in Four Wheel Drive Operation and
press the top of the stabilizer/sway bar button to obtain
the off-road position. The amber indicator light will flash
until the stabilizer/sway bar has been fully disconnected.
(See page 287 for more information.)
NOTE:The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differences. This
condition is due to driving surface differences or vehicle
loading. In order for the stabilizer/sway bar to
disconnect/reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require that the
vehicle be driven onto level ground or rocked from side
to side.
To return to on-road mode press the bottom of the
stabilizer/sway bar button.WARNING!
If stabilizer/sway bar will not return to on-road
mode, vehicle stability is greatly reduced. Do not
attempt to drive vehicle over 18 mph (29 km/h).
Driving faster than 18 mph (29 km/h) may cause loss
of control of the vehicle, which could result in
serious injury. Contact your local service center for
assistance.
POWER WAGON – SAFE OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Off-Road Driving Tips and Vehicle Characteristics
The Power Wagon has excellent on and off-road capabili-
ties. These off-road capabilities will allow you to explore
those wilderness trails where few travel, providing a
source of exciting and satisfying recreation. Before you
venture out you should contact your local governmental
agency to determine what are the designated off-road
STARTING AND OPERATING 235
5

a14turn quickly back and forth. This will provide a
freshbiteinto the surface and will usually provide
enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not
make it to the top, place the vehicle in reverse and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a roll over, which may result in
severe injury.
•Driving Down Hill– Before driving down a steep hill
you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe
descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too
steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there
obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty ofdistance at the base of the hill to regain control if the
vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident in your
ability to proceed then make sure you are in 4L (Low)
with the transmission in 1st gear (manually select 1st
gear on automatic transmissions) and proceed with
caution. Allow engine braking to control the descent
and apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow
the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in neutral. Use vehicle
brakes in conjunction with engine braking. De-
scending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured.
•Driving Across An Incline– If at all possible avoid
driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your
vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an incline places
246 STARTING AND OPERATING