lock DODGE POWER WAGON 2006 2.G Owner's Guide

POWER WAGON FEATURES
Locking Front and Rear Differentials
Most 4WD trucks are equipped with open differentials
front and rear. This design is used because it allows each
wheel to turn independently helping to eliminate bind-
ing when cornering. A disadvantage of using an open
differential is when one or more wheels lose traction; all
of the power is directed to those wheels resulting in a loss
of momentum. The Power Wagon is equipped with
electronically locking front and rear differentials. These
differentials, when engaged, mechanically lock together
the axle shafts forcing the wheels to spin at an equal rate.
This allows the vehicle to maintain its momentum and
thus prevents it from becoming stuck. The locking front
and rear differentials should only be engaged during
low-speed, extreme off-road situations where one wheel
is likely to not be in contact with the ground. It is notrecommended to drive the vehicle with the differentials
locked on pavement due to the reduced ability to turn
and speed limitations.
4.56:1 Gears
This is the highest axle ratio available in a full-size
pickup. The high gearing helps to compensate for the
increased rolling mass and increase diameter of the
off-road tires. As well, there are many advantages to a
higher axle ratio in off-road applications. When driving
downhill the high gearing enables the driver to use the
engine to slow the vehicle down in a more controlled
manner. When driving up a steep grade, the ratio helps
by keeping the truck in its power band helping to
maintain upward momentum.
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Wheels
Stylish forged aluminum 17wheels give the Power
Wagon a powerful stance. Forging a wheel from alumi-
num produces a stronger, lighter weight wheel than
machining or casting the wheel out of the same material.
Standard package features:
•
Fuel Tank Skid Plate - protects the fuel tank from
impingement damage.
•Transfer Case Skid Plate and Tubing - protects the
transfer case and exhaust catalyst from impingement
damage.
•Heavy Duty Cross Members - protects the under
carriage and supports the under body protection skid
plates.
•Fore/Aft rails - which connect the cross member for
additional support and prevent the truck from getting
hung up on large rocks between the cross members.
•Steering Dampener Skid Plate - protects the steering
dampener from impingement damage.
•Electronically Locking Front And Rear Axle Differen-
tials With 4:56 Gears - improves mobility and articu-
lation by locking the differentials.
•Electronically Disconnecting Stabilizer/Sway Bar - im-
proves mobility and articulation by disconnecting the
Stabilizer/Sway Bar.
•160 Amp Alternator - supplies increased electrical
power for the winch and other off-road accessories.
•Heavy Duty Battery - supplies increased electrical
power for the winch and other off-road accessories.
•Heavy Duty Cooling Fan - provides enhanced engine
and transmission cooling under vigorous off-road
conditions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3

•Off-Road Tuned Suspension And Shocks - improves
mobility, ground clearance and ride comfort.
•Heavy Duty Thermally Protected and Sealed Electric
Winch With Roller Fairlead - Useful for work and
vehicle recovery.
•17 Inch Forged Aluminum Wheels With 33 Inch Tires
- improves traction and differential ground clearance.
Mopar Options:
•
Rock Rails - protects the door sills from impingement
damage and provides a vehicle jacking point.
•Winch accessory kit - Contents include:
•Snatch Block/Pulley
•Clevis
•Tree strap
•Tow Strap
•Gloves
•“Power Wagon embossed” storage bag
•Bed Liner - protects the bed from impingement dam-
age
NOTE:These Mopar options have been specially de-
signed and tested for the Power Wagon to meet the
vigorous off-road conditions.
MIRRORS
Inside Mirror
The mirror should be adjusted to center on the view
through the rear window.
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

released you must reach into the opening beneath the
center of the grille and push up the latch to release the
safety catch before raising the hood.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Use a firm downward push at the front center of
the hood to ensure that both latches engage.WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are latched fully before
driving.
Secondary Latch
120 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

LIGHTS Interior Lights
Courtesy and dome lights are turned on when the front
doors are opened, when the dimmer control (rotating
wheel on the right side of the switch) is rotated to the
upward detent position, or if equipped, when the UN-
LOCK button is pressed on the key fob.When a door is
Headlight Switch LocationDimmer Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3

CARGO Light — If Equipped
The cargo lights are turned on by pressing on the
CARGO button. The interior lights will also turn on
when the cargo lights are on. The cargo lights will also
turn on for 30 seconds when a key fob Unlock is pressed,
as part of the illuminated entry feature.
MULTIFUNCTION CONTROL LEVER
The multifunction control lever is located on the left side
of the steering column.
Turn Signals
Move the lever up or down to signal a right-hand or
left-hand turn.
The arrow on either side of the instrument cluster flashes
to indicate the direction of the turn, and proper operation
of the front and rear turn signal lights. If a defective bulb
or wiring circuit is detected for the turn signal system, the
arrow indicators will flash at a faster rate. If an indicator
fails to light when the lever is moved, it would suggest
that the switch or indicator lamp is defective.
Cargo Light Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
3

To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, pull rearward on the lever below the
turn signal control and move the wheel up or down, as
desired. Push the lever forward to lock the column firmly
in place.
Tilt Steering Control Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
3

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over accelerator opera-
tion at speeds greater than (refer to the table below for
the speed for your specific engine). The controls are
mounted on the steering wheel.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. In the
instrument cluster, the word “CRUISE” illuminates when
the system is on.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
feet (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. If the vehicle speed drops below (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.
Vehicles equipped with a 5–speed-manual transmission
should be operated in 4th gear or lower under the above
conditions.
Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button located
at the end of the gear shifter.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE— IF EQUIPPED
The two optional overhead consoles may consist of the
following features:
•Courtesy/Reading Lights
•Compass/Temperature Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)
— If Equipped
•Universal Garage Door Opener — If Equipped
Courtesy/Reading Lights
In the middle of the console are two courtesy/reading
lights.
Both lights illuminate as courtesy lights when a door is
opened, when the dimmer control is rotated to the
courtesy light position (fully upward position), or when
the UNLOCK button is pressed on the Remote Keyless
Entry transmitter, if so equipped. These lights are also
operated individually as reading lights by pressing the
recessed area of the corresponding lens.
NOTE:The courtesy/reading lights will remain on until
the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have
been turned off before leaving the vehicle. If the interior
lights are left on after the vehicle is turned off, they will
extinguish after 15 minutes.
Overhead Console Features
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE