2019 Ram ProMaster City engine overheat

5. Insert a small screwdriver or a similar tool into the gearselector override access hole (at the right front corner of
the gear selector assembly), then push and hold the
override release lever down. While holding the override
release lever down, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL
position.
6. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
7. Reinstall the gear selector boot.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. Push and hold the lock button on the gear selector.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount
of accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE: Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake pedal to
engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
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.
Gear Selector Override Access Hole
226 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

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 “Safety” for further information. Once the
vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Offswitch again to
restore ESC On mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
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 vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
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
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 227

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle;
or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep into
the passenger compartment. In addition, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to “Safety Tips” in “Safety” for further information.
• A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 245

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 specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
• You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
• Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry away from
the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised. The
fan starts automatically and may start at any time,
whether the engine is running or not.
• When working near the radiator cooling fan, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the
OFF mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer.
Check the front of the A/C condenser for any accumula-
tion of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the
condenser.
246 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.The image on the coolant system pres-
sure cap is a reminder that the radiator
contains hot engine coolant under pres-
sure.
WARNING!
•Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an
overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up
in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury,
do not remove the pressure cap while the system is
hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open contain-
ers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. If
ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is adequate.
With the engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine
coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the
“MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 249

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service assistance.
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold
as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of
these products contain high concentrations of metha-
nol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels or
additives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions control
system can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon mon-
oxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle
is stopped in an open area with the engine running
for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation
system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper main-
tenance. Have the exhaust system inspected every
time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal condi-
tions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with
all side windows fully open.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 291

Towing............................... .228
Emission Control System Maintenance ............84
Engine ................................. .237
Air Cleaner ............................ .242
Block Heater ........................... .151
Break-In Recommendations .................152
Checking Oil Level ...................... .238
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .292
Cooling .............................. .246
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................143, 291
Fails To Start ........................... .150
Flooded, Starting ........................ .150
Jump Starting .......................... .220
Oil .............................. .240, 292
Oil Filler Cap ....................... .237, 241
Oil Filter .............................. .241
Oil Selection ........................ .240, 292
Oil Synthetic ........................... .241
Overheating ........................... .223
Starting .............................. .149
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .241
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................241
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........120, 229
Ethanol ................................. .289
Exhaust Gas Cautions ....................143, 291 Exhaust System
....................... .143, 244
Exterior Lights ......................... .41, 145
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .242
Air Conditioning ..........................53
Engine Oil ......................... .241, 292
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .241
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .191
Turn Signals ......................... .82, 145
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .150
Fluid, Brake ............................. .294
Fluid
Capacities ........................... .292
Fluid Leaks .............................. .146
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .251
Engine Oil ............................ .238
Power Steering ......................... .163
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .292
Fog Lights ................................42
Fold-Flat Seats .............................29
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................191
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .226
Fuel ................................... .288
12
INDEX 329

Viscosity.......................... .241, 292
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .241
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .241
Oil Pressure Light ...........................77
Onboard Diagnostic System ....................83
Operating Precautions ........................83
Operator Manual Owner’s Manual .......................5,324
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................38
Overheating, Engine ....................... .223
Paint Care ............................... .280
Parking Brake ............................ .152
ParkSense System, Rear ..................... .166
Passing Light ..............................42
Personal Settings .......................... .297
Pets ................................... .142
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........262
Power Mirrors ................................39
Steering ........................... .162, 163
Windows ...............................54
Power Steering Fluid ....................... .294
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ................106
Preparation For Jacking ...................204, 208 Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. .107
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .268
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .............249
Radio Frequency General Information .....................19, 21
Radio Operation .......................... .310
Rear Camera ............................. .171
Rear ParkSense System ..................... .166
Recreational Towing ........................ .185
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .289
Refrigerant .............................. .243
Release, Hood ..............................58
Reminder, Seat Belt ..........................99
Remote Keyless Entry Programming Additional Key Fobs .............19
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........308
Replacement

Bulbs ........................ .191
Replacement Keys ...........................21
Replacement Tires ......................... .271
Reporting Safety Defects .....................323
Restraints, Child .......................... .122
Restraints, Head ............................34
12
INDEX 333