clutch DODGE RAM 3500 CHASSIS CAB 2009 4.G Owners Manual

NOTE:The Electronic Speed Control system has been
designed to shut down if multiple speed control switch
buttons (i.e., SET and CANCEL) are operated simulta-
neously, in order to ensure proper operation. The system
can be reactivated by pushing the Electronic Speed
Control switch ON/OFF button and reestablishing the
desired vehicle SET speed.
To Activate
Push the ON/OFF button to the ON position. An indi-
cator light in the instrument cluster illuminates when the
system is on.
To Set At A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, clutch
pressure while slowing the vehicle, or pressing the CAN-
CEL button will deactivate the Electronic Speed Control
without erasing the memory. Pushing the ON/OFF but-
ton to the OFF position or turning off the ignition erases
the memory.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control on when not in
use is dangerous. You could accidentally set the
system to cause it to go faster than you want. You
could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system off when you are not using it.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Use caution when operating a heavily loaded
vehicle in SECOND or 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 elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from DRIVE to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h);
•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 tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 227
5

economy) and automatic closed-throttle downshifts to
3rd gear are performed (for improved braking) when
driving conditions warrant. Pressing the “TOW HAUL
O/D OFF” button a second time to select O/D OFF will
disable 4th and 5th gear completely, which should elimi-
nate any excessive transmission shifting.
The “TOW HAUL” or “O/D OFF” light will illuminate in
the instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has
been activated. Pressing the switch a third time restores
normal operation. If the “TOW HAUL” or “O/D OFF”
modes are desired, the button must be pressed each time
the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature, designed to improve fuel economy, has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation inthe upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
acceleration when the transmission downshifts to second
gear, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Pressing the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” button,
when the transmission is sufficiently warm, will dem-
onstrate that the transmission is able to shift into and
out of overdrive.
•If the vehicle has not been driven in several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
5

•Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle
completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due
to the mating clutch teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth
alignment and shift completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h).
•Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while the
transmission is in gear.
Transfer Case Reminder Light
The 4-wheel drive operating light (4WD), located in the
instrument cluster, is used to alert the driver that the
front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are
driving.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions (5 Position Switch) — If
Equipped
This is an electric shift transfer case and is operated by
the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
located on the instrument panel.
5 Position Switch
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............64,67
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 130
Tip Start .............................. 222
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......262,276
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 261
Tire Markings .......................... 258
Tire Safety Information .................... 258
Tires ............................ 75,266,406
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 274
Air Pressure .......................... 266
Chains .............................. 276
Dual ............................ 280,322
General Information .................... 266
High Speed .......................... 271
Inflation Pressures ..................... 267
Life of Tires .......................... 274
Load Capacity ........................ 262
Quality Grading ....................... 406
Radial .............................. 272 Replacement
......................... 274
Rotation ............................ 279
Safety ........................... 258,266
Sizes ............................... 259
Snow Tires ........................... 278
Spinning ............................ 273
Steel Carcass Ply ...................... 269
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 273
Wheel Nut Torque ..................... 320
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 294
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 229
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 330
Towing ............................... 289
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 100
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 331
Guide .............................. 293
Recreational .......................... 304
Weight .............................. 293
Towing Assistance ....................... 100
INDEX 423
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