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automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain or traveling into strong head winds),
use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control (refer
toElectronic Range Select (ERS) Operation in this
section for further information) to select a lower gear
range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller may modify the
transmission shift schedule, reduce engine torque,
and/or expand the range of torque converter clutch
engagement. This is done to prevent transmission dam-
age due to overheating. If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently until the trans-
mission cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch, and shifts into 8th or 9th gear, are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to the
“Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
Normal operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
210 STARTING AND OPERATING
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![Ram ProMaster City 2015 Owners Manual NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid is warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the engine speed is higher
when the torque converter Ram ProMaster City 2015 Owners Manual NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid is warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the engine speed is higher
when the torque converter](/manual-img/34/12524/w960_12524-213.png)
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid is warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the 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. The torque converter clutch will
function normally once the transmission is sufficiently
warm.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear. For example, if
you set the transmission gear limit to 5 (fifth gear), the
transmission will not shift above fifth gear, but will shift
through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically,
shifting between all available gears. Moving the shift lever to the ERS position (beside
DRIVE) will activate ERS mode, display the current gear
in the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top
available gear. Once in ERS mode, moving the shift lever
forward (-) or rearward (+) will change the top available
gear and it will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
To exit ERS mode, simply return the shift lever to the
DRIVE position.WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
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▫Automatic Transmission ................352
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... .354
FUSES ............................. .360
▫ Underhood Fuses ..................... .361
▫ Interior Fuses ....................... .365
▫ Central Unit Fuse Panel .................368
VEHICLE STORAGE ....................369
REPLACEMENT BULBS .................370
BULB REPLACEMENT ..................371
▫ Headlamps ......................... .371
▫ Front Turn Signal Lamps ................372 ▫
Parking And Daytime Running Lights .......372
▫ Front/Rear Side Marker Lamps ............372
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Backup And Turn Signal
Lamps ............................ .373
▫ Third Brake Light (Center Mount) ..........373
▫ License Plate Lights ....................374
FLUID CAPACITIES ....................374
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE
PARTS ............................. .375
▫ Engine ............................ .375
▫ Chassis ........................... .377
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Automatic Transmission
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
the transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
NOTE: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. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
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 supplemental addi-
tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. Avoid using transmission sealers as they
may adversely affect seals.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 379 of 414
Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only MOPAR® ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic
Transmission Fluid, or equivalent.
Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 4.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting
FCA US Material Standard MS-11655.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377