2016 Ram ProMaster trailer

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

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with diesel engine and
electric park brake, see important information in the
Diesel Supplement.
Recreational Towing — Automatic Transmission
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a
tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmis- sion in PARK. 4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires tow-
ing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF the
ground.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate in the instrument clus-
ter. This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
tow, and extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or
350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The
350 hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a
concern for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe
Duty.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Gross Axle Weight Rating................290, 292
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..............289, 292
Guide, Body Builders ........................6
GVWR ................................ .289
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Stand-
ing Water ............................ .235
Hazard Warning Flasher ....................309
Headlights Cleaning ............................ .384
High Beam ............................95
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ..........95
Passing ...............................95
Switch ................................93
Head Restraints ...........................87
Heated Mirrors ............................74
Heated Seats .............................86
Heater ................................ .204Heater, Engine Block
...................... .222
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch .....95
Hill Start Assist .......................... .249
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .295
Hood Release .............................90
Ignition .................................12
Key ...............................11,12
Ignition Key Removal .......................12
Illuminated Entry ..........................17
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................14
Inside Rearview Mirror ......................72
Instrument Cluster ..............129, 138, 140, 157
Instrument Panel And Controls ...............128
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............385
Interior Appearance Care ....................383
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .............100
436 INDEX

Cold Weather......................... .221
Engine Fails To Start .....................221
Steering Column Lock ......................... .101
Power ........................... .237, 238
Steering Wheel Audio Controls ...............202
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .202
Storage ............................... .398
Storage, Vehicle .......................... .398
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... .398
Supplemental Restraint System - Air Bag .........39
Sway Control, Trailer ...................... .248
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... .360
Telescoping Steering Column .................101
Tire And Loading Information Placard .......257, 258
Tire Markings ........................... .251
Tires ........................ .68, 262, 268, 425
Aging (Life Of Tires) .....................272 Air Pressure
.......................... .262
Chains .............................. .274
Compact Spare ........................ .269
General Information ..................262, 268
High Speed .......................... .265
Inflation Pressures ...................... .263
Life Of Tires .......................... .272
Load Capacity ..................... .257, 258
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............277
Pressure Warning Light ...................148
Quality Grading ....................... .425
Radial .............................. .265
Replacement .......................... .273
Rotation ............................. .276
Safety ........................... .251, 262
Sizes ............................... .252
Snow Tires ........................... .267
Spare Tire ........................ .268, 270
Spinning ............................ .271
442 INDEX

Trailer Towing........................ .299
Tread Wear Indicators ....................271
Tire Safety Information .....................251
Tire Service Kit . . . .312, 313, 314, 317, 318, 320, 321, 322
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................296
Torque Converter Clutch ....................233
Towing ............................ .292, 347
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .347
Guide .............................. .296
Recreational .......................... .305
Weight .............................. .296
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ...........305
Traction ............................ .234, 235
Traction Control ......................... .243
Traction Control Switch .....................243
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................248
Trailer Towing .......................... .292
Cooling System Tips .....................305
Hitches ............................. .295Minimum Requirements
..................297
Tips................................ .304
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................296
Wiring .............................. .301
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .296
Trailer Weight ........................... .296
Transaxle Automatic .............................12
Transmission Automatic ........................... .222
Fluid ............................ .378, 408
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .19
Transporting Pets ..........................63
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .271
Turn Signals ............................ .157
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................425
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... .282
10
INDEX 443