2015 Ram ProMaster service

29. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) LightThis light monitors the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake system is
not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer. 30. Vehicle Security Light
If during starting, the key code is not correctly
recognized, the Vehicle Security Light comes
on in the instrument panel. In this case, turn
the key to OFF and then to ON/RUN; if it is
still locked, try again with the other keys that come with
the vehicle. Contact an authorized dealer if you still
cannot start the engine.
If with the engine running the warning light flashes, this
means that the car is not protected by the engine inhibitor
device. Contact an authorized dealer to have all the keys
programmed.
31. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
When the light illuminates solid in the EVIC,
the filter loading is above the specified range.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 29

The system allows the driver to select information by
pressing the following buttons mounted on the instru-
ment panel to the left of the steering column:
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center — If
Equipped” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” in
the Owner’s Manual for further information.EVIC — Displays
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
•“DPF cleaning: safely keep the vehicle moving” message
on the EVIC + Engine emission filter lamp lighted solid
indicates that the exhaust particulate filter loading is
above the specified range and a regeneration is required.
• Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy (the
procedure lasts roughly 15 minutes at speed of about
40 mph (60 km/h) and with engine speed above
approximately 2000 rpm).
• When the exaust filter is overloaded, the MIL lamp
will turn on and the “Service engine” message will
display in the EVIC, ETC lamp blinks and the PCM
limits the engine power to limit the likelihood of
permanent damage to the after-treatment system. To
correct this condition, it will be necessary to have your
vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
EVIC Control Buttons
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 31

•The restriction becomes inactive as soon as the DEF
refill event is detected (minimum quantity to be added
is 1 gallon).
Transmission Messages
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Messages” under “Auto-
mated Manual Transmission” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for detailed information on transmission warning
messages.
• Gear unavailable
• Shift not allowed
• Manual unavailable
• Automatic unavailable •
Reduce gear changes
• Press brake and try again
• Transmission temperature high
• Press brake pedal
• Press brake pedal startup delayed
• Shift to neutral
• Tow/Haul ON
• Service transmission4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 33

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both inside
and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 10-second
intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals
will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
NOTE: Engine start up in very low ambient temperature
could result in evident white smoke. This condition will
disappear as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on and a
“Service Fuel Filter” message displays, DO NOT
START engine before you drain the water from the
fuel filter housing to avoid engine damage. Please
see your authorized dealer for draining the fuel
filter/water separator and fuel filter replacement.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 37

Normal Starting Procedure
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL (N) position,
and the brake pedal must be pressed, to allow engine
cranking. Place the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N) and
apply the brake pedal BEFORE turning the key to the
START/AVV position; otherwise, the engine will not
crank and the key must be cycled OFF, then back on,
before cranking is allowed.
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Place the shift lever into the NEUTRAL (N) position while keeping the brake pedal depressed. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN/MAR posi-
tion and watch the instrument panel cluster lights.
CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on and a
“Service Fuel Filter” message displays, DO NOT
START engine before you drain the water from the
fuel filter housing to avoid engine damage. Please
see your authorized dealer for draining the fuel
filter/water separator and fuel filter replacement.
4. After the Glow Plug light turns off, turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) position to start the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, release the ignition key so that it
turns back to the ON/RUN position.
38 STARTING AND OPERATING

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•engine misfiring or vibrating severely
• sudden loss of power
• unusual engine noises
• fuel, oil or coolant leaks
• sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature
• excessive smoke
• oil pressure drop
ENGINE BLOCK/TRANSMISSION HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED
To ensure reliable starting/operating at these tempera-
tures, use of an externally powered electric engine block/
transmission heater (available from your authorized
dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. The transmission
heaters warm gearbox oil and hydraulic actuation system
oil to operate in cold weather. Connect the heater cord to
a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
Its use is recommended for environments that routinely
fall below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the
vehicle has not been running overnight or longer periods
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STARTING AND OPERATING 45

Instrument Cluster Messages
Messages will be displayed in the instrument cluster to
alert the driver when certain unusual conditions occur.
These messages are described below.
MESSAGEDESCRIPTION
Service Transmission
When the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN/MAR, the Transmission Fault Indica- tor light turns on and should go off after a few seconds.
The Transmission Fault Indicator illuminates either steady or blinking (together with this message and a buzzer) to indicate a transmission fault.
Contact your authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
Reduce Gear Changes
This message indicates that the driver is operating the transmission incorrectly.
Incorrect use (by the driver) could automatically activate a procedure for pro- tecting the system.
Contact you authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
Manual Unavailable MANUAL (M) mode is not available, due to a fault or other condition. Use the DRIVE (D) position to operate the vehicle.
Contact your authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
56 STARTING AND OPERATING

For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting
ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for
Testing and Materials) specification D-975 Grade S15 will
provide good performance.
If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 20°F or
-7°C), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1
diesel fuel. This will provide better protection from fuel
gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filter.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. If water is
detected in the water separator while the engine is
running or while the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position, the “Generic Warning Light” will illuminate
and the specific message, “Service Fuel Filter” will ap-
pear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
If this occurs you should stop the engine and drain the
water from the filter housing.
NOTE:
Please see your authorized dealer for draining the
fuel/water separator and fuel filter replacement.
Purchasing good quality fuel and by following the cold
weather advice above, fuel conditioners should not be
required in your vehicle.
NOTE: If available in your area, a high cetane “pre-
mium” diesel fuel may offer improved cold-starting and
warm-up performance.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 61