Automatic Transmission - If Equipped; Automatic Transmission With Overdrive (68Rfe) - If Equipped (Ram Truck Only) - Dodge 2009 Ram Diesel Owner's Manual Supplement

54 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE: For optimum braking power it is recommended
to use the exhaust brake while in TOW/HAUL Mode.
The purpose of the exhaust brake (engine braking) fea-
ture is to supply negative (braking) torque to the engine.
Typically, the engine braking is used for, but not limited
to, vehicle towing applications where vehicle braking can
be achieved by the internal engine power, thereby spar-
ing the mechanical brakes of the vehicle.
Benefits of the exhaust brake are:
• vehicle driving control
• reduced brake fade
• longer brake life
• faster cab warm-up.
The exhaust brake feature can also be used to reduce the
engine warm up time. To use the exhaust brake as a
warm-up device, the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 mph (8 km/h), the exhaust brake switch must
be in the ON position, and the coolant temperature must
below 180°F (82°C) and ambient temperature below 60°F
(16°C).
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (68RFE)
— If Equipped (Ram Truck Only)
The shift lever display located in the instrument panel
cluster indicates the transmission gear range (the selector
is illuminated for night driving). The shift lever is
mounted on the right side of the steering column. You
must depress the brake pedal to pull the shift lever out of
PARK position (Brake Interlock System). To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the desired
DRIVE position. Pull the shift lever toward you when
shifting into REVERSE, SECOND, FIRST or PARK, or
when shifting out of PARK.