2019 Ram ProMaster heating

the right position and the first vehicle movement after the
cranking is attempted, a chime and a text message will
appear in the instrument cluster display. Rotate and lock
the swivel seats in the correct position before trying again.
If the driver or the passenger seats are not locked in facing
forward position during movement of the vehicle, a mes-
sage will appear in the instrument cluster display and an
intermittent chime will sound until key-off or until the
swivel seats are locked in facing forward position. Stop and
move the swivel seats in the correct position before pro-
ceeding.
If a fault is present in the system and it is not possible to
check the correct position of the swivel seats, a message
and the generic warning light appears in the instrument
cluster display to inform about the failure. In these condi-
tions, check the status of the swivel seats and not drive the
vehicle until the swivel seats are locked in facing forward
position.
Heated Seats — If Equipped
On some models, the front driver and passenger seats may
be equipped with heaters in both the seat cushions andseatbacks. The controls for the front heated seats are
located on the lower outboard side of the seat.
Push the switch once to turn on the heated seats. Push the
switch a second time to shut the heating elements off.
NOTE:
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within two to five minutes.
Heated Seat Switch
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 29

IconDescription
Floor Mode
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A slight amount of air is directed through the defrost and side
window demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side window demister outlets. This setting works
best in cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good
for maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Additional Rear Climate Control — If Equipped
These switches, mounted on the instrument panel to the
left of the steering column, activate the additional rear
heating/air conditioning system.
NOTE: These switches must be enabled for operation by
the Upfitter.
Additional Rear Climate Controls Switches
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 49

•If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (located
in front of the radiator), for an accumulation of dirt or
insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from the front of
the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may lead to
excessive window fogging. The Recirculation feature may
be unavailable if conditions exist that could create fogging
on the inside of the windshield. On systems with Manual
Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not allowed in
Defrost mode to improve window clearing operation.
Recirculation is disabled automatically if this mode is
selected. Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode causes the LED in the control button to blink and
then turns off.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. A
solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology) cool-
ant that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for proper
coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor dam-
age when the system is started again.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 51

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly removed by
turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode
can be used to maintain a clear windshield and provide
sufficient heating. If side window fogging becomes a problem
increase blower speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the
inside in mild but rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods, as fogging may occur.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
• Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth and a
mild washing solution, wiping parallel to the heat-
ing elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking
with warm water.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive
window cleaners on the interior surface of the win-
dow.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be totally
filtered out. Refer to “Dealer Service” in “Servicing and
Maintenance” for filter replacement instructions.
52 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
• It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
• Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
• Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can even-
tually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.
• If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate/
rear doors open, make sure that all windows are
closed and the climate control BLOWER switch is set
at high speed. DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
• If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the
blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
130 SAFETY

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.NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not engage, until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Over-
drive.
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 149

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.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

Battery Location
There are two remote jump starting posts under the hood
which is the recommended jump start location. If access to
the battery is needed, an access panel on the driver ’s side
floor will allow for battery access.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
•On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
Access Panel
Battery Location
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 217