Dodge 2010 Ram Pickup 3500 Diesel User Manual

Page 56

• the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-

perature;

• vehicle speed is above approximately 38 mph

(61 km/h) for fifth gear and 50 mph (80 km/h) for
sixth 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 tem-

peratures, the transmission shift schedule initially re-
stricts transmission operation in forward gear ranges to
third gear until the transmission fluid temperature rises
to a suitable level. During this condition, the ability of the
vehicle to accelerate under heavily loaded conditions
may be reduced. 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 “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may downshift out of Overdrive until the
transmission cools down. After cool down, the transmis-
sion will resume normal operation.

The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle speeds
above approximately 35 to 40 mph (57 to 65 km/h) for
sixth to fifth and 22 to 25 mph (36 to 40 km/h) for fifth to
fourth.

When To Use “TOW HAUL” and “O/D OFF”
Modes
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW HAUL O/D OFF” switch once to

STARTING AND OPERATING