2017 Ram ProMaster automatic transmission fluid

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................176
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......176
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .176
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .176
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................176
▫ After Starting ......................... .177
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .177
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............177
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................178
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .179
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........179
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........186
▫ Acceleration .......................... .186
▫ Traction ............................ .186
DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............187
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................187
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................187
 POWER STEERING ..................... .188
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............189
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .189
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .191
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....191
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . .191
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............192
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ................193
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...........193
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................196
▫ Hill

Start Assist (HSA) ...................197
5

NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector into
the ERS position, then tap it forward (-) repeatedly as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push 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,
transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission
will automatically downshift (for engine braking) during
steady braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 185

fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois-
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been
in a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylin-
der reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from the air
resulting in a lower boiling point. This may cause it
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
to boil unexpectedly during hard or prolonged brak-
ing, resulting in sudden brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 295

transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives
to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion filler tube is capped and no dipstick is provided. Your
authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid leakage
or transmission malfunction, visit your authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level checked.
Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid level can
cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!(Continued)
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
•Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.
Chassis
Component Fluid, 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 performance of
your transmission. We recommend MOPAR ATF+4 Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 4.
DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two years
regardless of mileage.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting FCA
Material Standard MS-11655.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317

Mileage or time passed (which-ever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Flush and replace the engine cool-
ant at 10 years or 150,000 miles
(240,000 km) whichever comes
first. XX
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
* The brake fluid change interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
WARNING!
•
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle
could result in a component malfunction and effect
vehicle handling and performance. This could cause
an accident.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 323

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............291
Adding Fuel ............................. .227
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .289
Additives, Fuel ........................... .225
AirBag ..................................31 Air Bag Operation .........................33
Enhanced Accident Response ................274
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................274
If A Deployment Occurs ....................37
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................34
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............41
Air Bag Light .......................... .51, 103
Air Bag Maintenance .........................41
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......284
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................286
Air Conditioning Filter ...................164, 287
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............163, 165
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............286, 287
Air Conditioning System .....................286
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .209
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................14
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................14
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................291, 315
Disposal .............................. .293Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
.................191
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................117
Appearance Care .......................... .297
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .197
Auto Down Power Windows ...................19
Automatic Door Locks ........................18
Automatic Transaxle .........................11
Automatic Transmission ..................177, 297
Adding Fluid ....................... .296, 297
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................297
Fluid Change .......................... .297
Fluid Level Check ....................... .296
Fluid Type ......................... .295, 317
Gear Ranges ........................... .180
Special

Additives ........................ .296
Battery .............................. .104, 286
Charging System Light ....................104
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................16
Belts, Seat .................................51
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................289
B-Pillar Location .......................... .204
Brake Assist System ........................ .193
Brake Control System, Electronic ................191
334 INDEX

Flooded, Starting........................ .176
Fuel Requirements ....................223, 315
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Oil ........................... .281, 315, 316
Oil Filter .............................. .283
Oil Selection ........................ .282, 315
Oil Synthetic ........................... .283
Overheating ........................... .242
Starting .............................. .176
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .282
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................282
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............274
Entry System, Illuminated .....................14
Ethanol ................................. .224
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................50, 226
Exhaust System ........................ .50, 284
Exterior Lighting ............................74
Exterior Lights .............................53
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .284
Air Conditioning .....................164, 287
Engine Oil ......................... .283, 316
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .283Flashers
Hazard Warning ........................ .242
Turn Signal ......................... .53, 118
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .176
Fluid Capacities ........................... .315
Fluid Leaks ...............................53
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................296
Brake ................................ .294
Cooling System ......................... .290
Power Steering ......................... .189
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............316
Fog Lights ................................76
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................242
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .271
Fuel ................................... .223
Adding .............................. .227
Additives ............................. .225
Clean

Air ............................. .223
Ethanol .............................. .224
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .227
Gasoline .............................. .223
Materials Added ........................ .225
Methanol ............................. .224
Octane Rating ....................... .223, 316
Requirements ....................... .223, 315
10
INDEX 337