2014 Ram ProMaster Transmission

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage, and the
transmission will not shift to sixth gear, until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because
sixth gear is disabled, and engine speed is higher when
the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may
seem as if the transmission is not shifting properly
when cold. This is normal. Using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
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WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with a loaded
vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system
will not activate and slight rolling may occur. This
could cause a collision with another vehicle or object.
Always remember the driver is responsible for brak-
ing the vehicle.
Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, your trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, when the
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
brake pedal is released, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on a
hill and this could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object behind you. In order to avoid
rolling down the hill while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer brake prior to releas-
ing the brake pedal. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle.
• HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the vehicle
on a hill without putting the transmission in PARK
and using the parking brake, it will roll down the
hill and could cause a collision with another ve-
hicle or object. Always remember to use the park-
ing brake while parking on a hill, and that the
driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
224 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 8,550 lbs
(3 878 kg)
L1 118 in
(3 000 mm)Front
4,200 lbs
(1 905 kg) Rear
4,850 lbs
(2 200 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg)
Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L2 136 in
(3 450 mm)
Front
4,400 lbs
(1 950 kg) Rear
5,200 lbs
(2 360 kg)
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 8,900 lbs
(4 036 kg)
L2 136 in
(3 450 mm)Front
4,400 lbs
(2 000 kg) Rear
5,000 lbs
(2 270 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg) Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L4 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,500 lbs
(2 040 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg)
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Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 9,350 lbs
(4 241 kg)
L4 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,350 lbs
(1 970 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg) Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L5 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,350 lbs
(1 970 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg)
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or chockthe trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
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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
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