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Downshifting - gas engine, Downshifting - diesel engine, Downshifting – gas engine – Dodge 2008 Ram Pickup 3500 User Manual

Page 288: Downshifting – diesel engine

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Downshifting – Gas Engine

Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. For acceleration at speeds less than 20 mph (30
km/h), 2nd gear is recommended.

CAUTION!

When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift
one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine
which can cause valve damage.

Failure to follow the recommended downshifting
speeds may cause the engine to over speed and / or
damage the clutch disc even if the clutch pedal is
depressed.

To prevent clutch and transmission damage, your vehicle
should be downshifted at speeds no greater than those
listed in the Maximum Recommended Downshifting
Speed chart.

Maximum Recommended Downshifting Speeds

Gear

Selec-

tion

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Maxi-

mum

Speed

20 mph

(32

km/h)

35 mph

(56

km/h)

55 mph

(88

km/h)

75 mph

(120

km/h)

85 mph

(135

km/h)

Downshifting – Diesel Engine

Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to

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