Dodge 2008 Ram 2500 PowerWagon - Manual (Page 269)

Manual Transmission — 6 Speed (G56)
The Power Wagon may be equipped with the G56
manual transmission. This transmission has a “creeper”
1st gear which should be used to start from a standing
position when carrying a payload or towing a trailer.
Damage to the clutch can result from starting in 2nd or
3rd gear with a loaded vehicle. An unloaded vehicle may
be launched in 2nd gear. Use each gear in numerical
order – do not skip a gear.
For most city driving you may find it easier to use only
1st through 5th gear ranges. For steady highway driving
with light accelerations, 6th gear is recommended. To
shift into 5th gear, move the shift lever to the right
beyond the spring pressure point and push it forward.
When shifting from 5th to 4th gear, pull the lever down
toward you in one motion. Do not pull the lever sharply
left as you may shift accidentally into 2nd gear and
damage the transmission.
To shift into Reverse, come to a complete stop. Depress
the clutch and pause briefly to allow the gear train to
stop. Reverse has a “crash-through” lockout feature.
Move the shift lever from the Neutral position straight
across, in one swift motion, and down into Reverse.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts
during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in
increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
6 Speed Manual Transmission Shift Speeds
Engine 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
5.7L
Gas
Engine
15 mph
(24
km/h)
25 mph
(40
km/h)
40 mph
(64
km/h)
45 mph
(72
km/h)
50 mph
(81
km/h)
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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