2018 Ram ProMaster automatic transmission

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 shift-
ing 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 TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at low
speeds, holding your vehicle in first gear (using the ERS
shift control) can help to avoid transmission overheating.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, activate TOW/HAUL mode when driving in hilly
areas, or select a lower gear range (using the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on 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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
• City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
• Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Air Conditioning
• Turn off temporarily.
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE: When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.
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 ONLYif 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 transmission
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 drive-
train will result. If this vehicle requires towing,
make sure the drive wheels are OFF the ground.
(Continued)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 173

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............221
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................222
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .............................. .222
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............223
178 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Apply the parking brake firmly.
4. Place the transmission in PARK (REVERSE for manualtransmission) .
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if the right
front wheel is being changed, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
•
Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge
of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be
raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack. If
you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for
lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely
stowed, spares must be stowed with the valve stem
facing the ground.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 201

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF TheGround ALL Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly
To w Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment
manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or
associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode. NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with diesel engine and
electric park brake, see important information under “Au-
tomated Manual Transmission.”
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Gear Selector Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out
of PARK for towing.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 221

CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, this vehicle may be towed (with front wheels
on the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), tow with the front wheels OFFthe ground
(using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift equipment with the
front wheels raised).
CAUTION!
• Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident
Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in “Safety”
for further information on the Enhanced Accident Re-
sponse System (EARS) function.
222 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................227
▫ Maintenance Plan ..................... .228
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............231
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................232
▫ 3.6L Engine ......................... .232
▫ Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ...........233
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................233
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................233
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .234
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .235
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .236
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................236
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............237
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .239▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................239
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .240
▫ Cooling System ....................... .241
▫ Brake System ........................ .246
▫ Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only) .............................. .247
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................248
 TIRES ............................... .248
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................248
▫ Tires — General Information ..............258
▫ Tire Types ........................... .264
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................265
▫ Wheel
And Wheel Trim Care ..............267
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............269
8

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
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.
230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE