2016 Ram ProMaster steering

of hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying lever-
age through spring (load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the
tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it pro-
vides for a more level ride, offering more consistent
steering and brake control thereby enhancing towing
safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability.
Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (loadequalizing) hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue
Weights (TW) and may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.WARNING!
•
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule”. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. When towing a trailer,
never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or chockthe trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Washer Solvent Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
6 — Coolant Reservoir
7 — Power Steering Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353

FUSES
WARNING!
•When replacing a blown fuse, always use an appro-
priate replacement fuse with the same amp rating as
the original fuse. Never replace a fuse with another
fuse of higher amp rating. Never replace a blown
fuse with metal wires or any other material. Failure
to use proper fuses may result in serious personal
injury, fire and/or property damage.
• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition
is off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Underhood Fuses
The Front Power Distribution Center is located on the
driver ’s side of the engine compartment. To access the
fuses, remove the cover.
Front Power Distribution Center
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 3.6L Gasoline Engine Only Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or perfor-
mance of your transmission. We recommend MOPAR
ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 4.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting
FCA Material Standard MS-11655.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions. 8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 411

Automatic Transaxle........................12
Automatic Transmission .................222, 379
Adding Fluid ......................... .379
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................379
Fluid Change ......................... .379
Fluid Level Check ...................... .379
Fluid Type ........................ .378, 408
Gear Ranges .......................... .225
Special Additives ...................... .378
Battery ............................ .135, 364
Charging System Light ...................135
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........19
Belts, Seat ...............................66
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................368
B-Pillar Location ......................... .257
Brake Assist System ...................... .244
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............241Brake Fluid
............................ .408
Brake, Parking .......................... .239
Brake System ........................ .241, 376
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .241
Fluid Check .......................... .376
Parking ............................. .239
Warning Light ........................ .142
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................224
Bulb Replacement ..................... .399, 401
Bulbs, Light .......................... .68, 399
Camera, Rear ............................112
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .405
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .287
Power Steering ........................ .238
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................374
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................65, 286
Cargo Light ..............................98
10
INDEX 431