2015 Ram ProMaster towing

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The diesel engine does not require a break-in period due
to its construction. Normal operation is allowed, provid-
ing the following recommendations are followed:
•Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged
periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent
engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indica-
tors.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary accelerator pedal position at highway speeds
when carrying or towing significant weight. NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing
or no load operation will extend the time before the
engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and
power may be seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown under “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts”,
under “Maintaining Your Vehicle” in this manual. NON-
DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part
of an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) system which
monitors the emissions and engine control sys-
tem. If the bulb does not come on during
starting, have the condition investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
17. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
22 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

19. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) LightThis light informs you of a problem with
engine torque (or power) generation. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle has completely stopped. The light should turn
off. If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable (although performance
will be limited), see an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine
is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned to
ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the
light does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. 20. TOW/HAUL — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when TOW HAUL
mode is selected.
21. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal (11.7
L), this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is
added.
22. Fuel Gauge/Fuel Door Reminder When the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position, the pointer will show the level of fuel
remaining in the fuel tank. The fuel pump
symbol points to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
24 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................37
▫ Normal Starting Procedure ................38
▫ Starting Fluids ........................39
▫ Extreme Cold Weather ...................40
 NORMAL OPERATION ...................41
▫ Cold Weather Precautions ................41
▫ Engine Idling .........................43
▫ Stopping The Engine ...................43
▫ Cooling System Tips — Automated Manual
Transmission .........................44 
ENGINE BLOCK/TRANSMISSION HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED ............................45
 AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION .....46
▫ Gear Ranges .........................48
▫ Parking The Vehicle .....................54
▫ Instrument Cluster Messages ..............56
▫ Towing The Vehicle .....................60
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...................60
▫ Fuel Specifications .....................62
▫ Biodiesel Fuel Requirements ...............63
5

ADDING FUEL .........................66
▫ Avoid Using Contaminated Fuel ............67
▫ Bulk Fuel Storage — Diesel Fuel ...........67
▫ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Storage ..............68
▫ Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid ..............68
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID .................71
▫ System Overview ......................71
 TRAILER TOWING ......................72
▫ Common Towing Definitions ..............72
▫ Towing Tips ..........................84
36 STARTING AND OPERATING

This can occur, for example, if the driver moves the shift
lever to request a transmission gear that is not allowed
under the current operating conditions.
With the vehicle at a standstill, engine running and the
shift lever in DRIVE (D), REVERSE (R), or MANUAL
(M), the buzzer sounds and the transmission automati-
cally shifts to NEUTRAL (N) when:
•The accelerator and/or brake pedals are not operated
for at least three minutes.
• The brake pedal is pressed for longer than 10 minutes.
• The driver ’s door is opened and the accelerator and
brake are not operated for at least 1.5 seconds.
• The driver selected gear does not match the engaged
transmission gear.
• A fault has been detected in the transmission. A Blinking Warning:
•
The driver selected gear does not match the engaged
transmission gear, the gear information in the cluster
and on the bezel will blink.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, 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, the transmission shift calibration is modified to
accommodate steep grades in the smoothest possible
manner. TOW/HAUL mode is only applicable in the
DRIVE (D) position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 53

Towing The Vehicle
•The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle
with all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
• Automated Manual transmission vehicles can also be
flat towed (all four wheels on the ground) with the
transmission in NEUTRAL. Ensure the transmission is
in NEUTRAL (N) (by checking that the vehicle moves
when pushed) and tow in the same way as a normal
vehicle with a manual transmission.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow any disabled vehicle if condition
is related to the clutch, transmission or driveline.
Additional damage to the drivetrain could result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe engine, transmission,
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
or drivetrain damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
If it is not possible to shift the transmission to NEUTRAL
(N), do not flat tow the vehicle and contact your autho-
rized dealer.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable supplier in
your vehicle. Federal law requires that you must fuel this
vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel
(15 ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low
Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum)
to avoid damage to the emissions control system.
60 STARTING AND OPERATING

The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst enable the
achievement of diesel emissions requirements; while
maintaining outstanding fuel economy, drivability,
torque and power ratings.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for system
messages and warnings.
NOTE:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injection system.
You may occasionally hear an audible clicking noise
from under the vehicle at a stop. This is normal
operation.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after
engine shutdown to purge the DEF system. This is
normal operation and may be audible from under the
vehicle.TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
72 STARTING AND OPERATING