2014 Ram ProMaster heating

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL
mode or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select [ERS] shift control).
NOTE:Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce the potential for automatic transmission over-
heating, activate the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driv-
ing in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more
severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF the Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 279

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
•
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•
You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 283

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE , while gently pressing the accelerator. Use
the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.NOTE:
Press the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the
ESC Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
314 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .209
Electric Remote Mirrors ......................73
Electronic Brake Control System ...............216
Brake Assist System .....................218
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........101
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............218
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Exit Trip ............................. .147
NewTrip ............................ .147
Start Of Trip Procedure ...................147
Trip Computer ........................ .147
Trip Functions ........................ .148
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................314
Jump Starting ......................... .308
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........323Engine
Air Cleaner .......................... .329
Block Heater ......................... .196
Break-In Recommendations .................63
Checking Oil Level ..................... .327
Compartment ......................... .321
Compartment Identification ................321
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................339
Cooling ............................. .338
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................64
Fails to Start .......................... .195
Flooded, Starting ...................... .195
Fuel Requirements ..................... .255
Jump Starting ......................... .308
Oil................................. .327
Oil Selection .......................... .327
Oil Synthetic ......................... .329
Overheating .......................... .283
Starting ............................. .194
10
INDEX 395

Capacity............................ .370
Change Interval ....................... .327
Checking ............................ .327
Disposal ............................. .329
Filter ............................... .329
Filter Disposal ........................ .329
Identification Logo ..................... .328
Materials Added to ..................... .329
Recommendation ...................... .327
Synthetic ............................ .329
Viscosity ............................ .328
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .329
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................322
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ....................72
Overhead Console .........................114
Overheating, Engine ...................... .135
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4Paint Care
............................. .348
Parking Brake ........................... .212
ParkSense® System, Rear ....................106
Passing Light .............................94
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........231
Power Mirrors ...............................73
Steering ............................. .210
Windows ..............................23
Power Steering Fluid ...................... .373
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ................37
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................36
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .238
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........342
Radio Operation ......................... .186
Rear Camera .............................112
Rear ParkSense System .....................106
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INDEX 401