2014 Ram ProMaster automatic transmission fluid

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................194
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....194
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .194
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................195
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................195
▫ After Starting ....................... .195
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .196
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............196
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............198 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .198
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........198
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........208
▫ Acceleration ........................ .208
▫ Traction ........................... .208
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............209
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................209
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................209
 POWER STEERING .....................210
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............211
5

Instrument Cluster Display 1 2 3 4 5 6 DActual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever into
the ERS position, then tap it forward (-) repeatedly as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will shift to the range
from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature. •
The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting
occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/
HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or failure due
to excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL
mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) during steady braking maneuvers.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 207

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used
in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should
be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid
and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives
to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 3.6L Gasoline Engine Only Use Only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Fail- ure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission. We recommend
MOPAR® ATF+4® Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 4.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting
Chrysler Material Standard MS-11655.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000 110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if neces-
sary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 379

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............340
Adding Fuel ............................ .260
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .337
Additives, Fuel .......................... .258
Airbag ..................................38
Airbag Deployment ........................48
Airbag Light .............................45
Airbag Maintenance ........................49
Airbag, Side ..............................41
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................41
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .329
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................334
Air Conditioning ......................... .186
Air Conditioning Controls ...................186
Air Conditioning Filter .....................335
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................334
Air Conditioning System ....................186
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .236
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................17 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
................17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................339
Disposal ............................. .343
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................215
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................141
Appearance Care ........................ .348
Ashtray ................................118
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .223
Auto Down Power Windows ..................24
Automatic Door Locks ......................23
Automatic Transaxle ........................12
Automatic Transmission ....................196
Adding Fluid ......................... .348
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................348
Fluid Change ......................... .348
Fluid Level Check ...................... .348
Fluid Type ........................... .346
Gear Ranges .......................... .200
392 INDEX