2020 Ram ProMaster City overheating

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.

2
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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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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.
6
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238 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
NOTE:
Push the “ESC OFF” switch, to place the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system in “Partial Off” mode, before rocking
the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System” in
“Safety” for further information. Once the vehicle has been
freed, push the “ESC OFF” switch again to restore “ESC On”
mode.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
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 transmission shifting occurring).

Towing Condition Wheel OFF The Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
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254 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to ensure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
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.
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 eventu -
ally 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 involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible
damage to the converter and vehicle. CAUTION!
(Continued)
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276 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satis-
factory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas are
affected by improper tire pressure:
• Safety
• Fuel Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stability of
the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause erraticand unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause damage
that result in tire failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehiclehandling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or
left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom -
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
WARNING! (Continued)
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338
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck.............................................. 237Jacking .......................................................................... 212, 266
Jump Starting ....................................................................... 231Towing .................................................................................. 238
Emission Control System Maintenance ................................. 95 Engine ....................................................................................... 245 Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 250Block Heater ......................................................................... 159
Break-In Recommendations .............................................. 160Checking Oil Level.............................................................. 246Coolant (Antifreeze) ........................................................... 302
Cooling ................................................................................. 255
Exhaust Gas Caution .................................................. 153, 300Fails To Start ........................................................................ 158
Flooded, Starting ................................................................. 158
Jump Starting ....................................................................... 231Oil .......................................................................... 248, 301, 302
Oil Filler Cap................................................................ 245, 249
Oil Filter................................................................................ 250
Oil Selection ................................................................. 249, 301
Oil Synthetic......................................................................... 249
Overheating ......................................................................... 234
Starting.................................................................................. 157
Engine Oil Viscosity ............................................................... 249
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart .................................................... 249 Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........................131, 240
Ethanol ...................................................................................... 297
Exhaust Gas Cautions.....................................................153, 300
Exhaust System................................................................153, 253
Exterior Lights ...................................................................43, 156 F
Filters Air Cleaner ...........................................................................250
Air Conditioning ...................................................................59
Engine Oil .....................................................................250, 302
Engine Oil Disposal ............................................................ 250
Flashers Hazard Warning..................................................................199
Turn Signals ...................................................................92, 156
Flooded Engine Starting.........................................................158
Fluid Capacities .......................................................................301
Fluid Leaks ...............................................................................156
Fluid Level Checks Brake...................................................................................... 260
Engine Oil ............................................................................. 246
Power Steering .....................................................................171
Fluid, Brake ..............................................................................304
Fluids And Lubricants ............................................................302
Fog Lights ...................................................................................45
Fold-Flat Seats ...........................................................................29
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................................................199
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