2020 Ram ProMaster City heating

32 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Heated Seats — If Equipped
On some models, the front driver and passenger seats may
be equipped with heaters in both the seat cushions and seat-
backs. The controls for the front heated seats are located on
the lower outboard side of the seat.
Heated Seat Control Button
Push the switch once to turn on the heated seats. The LED on
the switch illuminates when the heated seat is on. Push the
switch a second time to shut the heating elements off. NOTE:
• This feature is only available with the ignition key in MAR
(ACC/ON/RUN) position.
• Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt within two to five minutes.
WARNING!
• Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord
injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion or other
physical condition must exercise care when using the
seat heater. It may cause burns even at low tempera -
tures, especially if used for long periods of time.
• Do not place anything on the seat or seatback that insu -
lates against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This
may cause the seat heater to overheat. Sitting in a seat
that has been overheated could cause serious burns due
to the increased surface temperature of the seat.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 57
air conditioning and manually adjust the blower and airflow
mode settings. Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level
or Floor modes.
NOTE:
• For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is in Mix orDefrost Mode, the A/C can be turned off, but the A/C
system shall remain active to prevent fogging of the
windows.
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase blower speed if needed.
• 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 radi -
ator 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. The recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window clearing oper -
ation. On systems with Manual Climate Controls (if equipped) 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. Organic
Additive Technology (OAT) coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
is recommended. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech
-
nical Specifications” for proper coolant selection.

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58 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is functioning
properly and the proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech -
nical Specifications” for proper coolant selection. Use of the
air recirculation mode during Winter months is not recom -
mended 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 conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes in fresh air with the
blower setting on high. This will ensure adequate system
lubrication to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again. Window Fogging

Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside of the glass in mild,
rainy and/or humid weather. Windows may frost on the inside
of the glass in very cold weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower speed. Do
not use the Recirculation mode without Air Conditioning (A/C)
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 window. 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 heating
elements. Labels can be peeled off after soaking with
warm water.
• Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the interior surface of the window.
• Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
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SAFETY 153
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet. An
unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly injured,
or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers

NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO AREA.

Exhaust Gas
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the
vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
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.
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), 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 controls
to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.
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168 STARTING AND OPERATING
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Opera
-
tion” in this section for further information to select a lower
gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range
will improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the transmis -
sion shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In
Case Of Emergency” for further information.
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194 STARTING AND OPERATING
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
• When using the ERS shift control, select the highest gearthat allows for adequate performance and avoids frequent
downshifts. For example, choose “5” if the desired speed
can be maintained. Choose “4” or “3” if needed to main -
tain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary to
avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a higher
gear range or vehicle speed when grade and road condi -
tions allow.
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 over
-
heating, 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.
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234 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper
cable from the positive (+) post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your vehicle you
should have the battery and charging system inspected at an
authorized dealer.
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 (N), but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes. NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending
overheat condition:
• If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning
the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to
the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine
cooling system.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in use
(i.e., cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough without engine operation, the vehicle’s battery
will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or
prevent the engine from starting.
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, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 237
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 over -
ride 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 (N)
position.
Gear Selector Override Access Hole
6. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL (N).
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 (D) and REVERSE (R), while
gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount of accel -
erator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:
Shifts between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE (R) can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less. When -
ever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL (N) for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake pedal to engage
DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R).
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine
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.
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