2016 Ram ProMaster heating

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 range 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.
304 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
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 305

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle
speed while maintaining the motion of the vehicle
with the brakes.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 309

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE , while gently pressing the accelerator. Usethe least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
Vehicles with diesel engine (automated manual
transmission) cannot be rocked in this manner, because
the transmission will not allow shifts between forward
and REVERSE gears while the wheels are turning.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
Battery Location
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the
ESC Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck. And do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 345

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Jump Starting......................... .338
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........355
Engine Air Cleaner .......................... .361
Block Heater ......................... .222
Break-In Recommendations .................63
Checking Oil Level ..................... .358
Compartment ......................... .353
Compartment Identification ................353
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................371, 406
Cooling ............................. .370
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................65, 286
Fails To Start ......................... .221
Flooded, Starting ...................... .221
Fuel Requirements ...................282, 405
Jump Starting ......................... .338
Oil .......................... .358, 405, 406
Oil Filter ............................ .361
Oil Selection ...................... .359, 405Oil Synthetic
......................... .360
Overheating .......................... .309
Starting ............................. .220
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... .360
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................360
Entry System, Illuminated ....................17
Ethanol ............................... .283
Event Data Recorder ........................53
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................65, 286
Exhaust System ....................... .65, 362
Exterior Lighting ..........................93
Exterior Lights ............................68
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .361
Air Conditioning ...................... .367
Engine Oil ........................ .361, 406
Engine Oil Disposal .....................361
434 INDEX

Checking............................ .358
Disposal ............................. .361
Filter ............................ .361, 406
Filter Disposal ........................ .361
Identification Logo ..................... .359
Materials Added To ..................... .361
Pressure Warning Light ...................144
Recommendation ....................359, 405
Synthetic ............................ .360
Viscosity ......................... .360, 405
Oil Filter, Change ........................ .361
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .361
Oil Pressure Light ........................ .144
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................354
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ....................72
Overhead Console .........................116
Overheating, Engine ...................... .309Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
..........4,424
Paint Care ............................. .380
Parking Brake ........................... .239
ParkSense System, Rear .....................107
Passing Light .............................95
Personal Settings ......................... .190
Pets ....................................63
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ..........258
Power Mirrors ...............................73
Steering .......................... .237, 238
Windows ..............................22
Power Steering Fluid ...................... .408
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ...............35
Pretensioners Seat Belts ..............................35
Radial Ply Tires ......................... .265
10
INDEX 439