2020 Ram ProMaster transmission fluid

3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .......................................... 41
Instrument Cluster Descriptions........................ 42

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ......................... 43

Location And Controls ........................................ 43
Change Engine Oil .............................................. 44
Display Setup Menu ........................................... 44
Values Displayed ................................................ 45
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features) ............................................................. 46

TRIP COMPUTER ..................................................... 46

Trip Button .......................................................... 46
Trip Functions ..................................................... 46

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ..................... 47

Red Warning Lights ............................................ 47
Yellow Warning Lights ........................................ 50
Yellow Indicator Lights ....................................... 52
Green Indicator Lights ........................................ 53
Blue Indicator Lights .......................................... 53

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ........ 54

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ...................................................... 54

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ............................................................. 55

SAFETY

SAFETY FEATURES ..................................................56

Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ....... 56
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ........... 57

AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ..............................61

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......... 61

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .......................64

Occupant Restraint Systems Features ............ 64
Important Safety Precautions............................ 65
Seat Belt Systems ............................................. 66
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ........... 73
Child Restraints .................................................. 83
Transporting Pets .............................................. 89

SAFETY TIPS ............................................................89

Transporting Passengers ................................... 89
Exhaust Gas ........................................................ 89
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ........................................................ 90 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ........................................... 91

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE ENGINE ..........................................92

Automatic Transmission .................................... 92
Normal Starting .................................................. 92
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ................................. 92 If Engine Fails To Start ....................................... 92
After Starting ...................................................... 93
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ............ 93
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ........... 93
PARKING BRAKE ................................................... 94
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................ 95

Key Ignition Park Interlock .................................96
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ....96
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...................96

POWER STEERING ............................................... 102

Power Steering Fluid Check ........................... 103

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ......................103

To Activate ........................................................ 103
To Set A Desired Speed ................................... 104
To Vary The Speed Setting .............................. 104
To Accelerate For Passing ............................... 105
To Resume Speed ............................................ 105
To Deactivate ................................................... 105

PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................................................105

ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ............. 106
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ................. 106
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications ........................................................ 108 Cleaning The ParkSense System .................... 108
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions ...................................................... 108

PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............... 109
REFUELING THE VEHICLE.....................................111

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ....................... 111

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4

VEHICLE LOADING ................................................112
Vehicle Certification Label ............................... 112
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .............. 112
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .................. 112
Tire Size .............................................................112
Rim Size ............................................................ 112
Inflation Pressure ............................................. 112
Curb Weight ...................................................... 112
Overloading ....................................................... 112
Loading .............................................................113

TRAILER TOWING ..................................................113

Common Towing Definitions ............................113
Trailer Hitch Classification ............................... 114
Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ................. 115 Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............................115Towing Requirements ..................................... 116
Towing Tips ...................................................... 118

RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) ............................120

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle .. 120
Recreational Towing ......................................... 120

DRIVING TIPS.........................................................121

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..........................121
Driving Through Water ....................................121

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ..........................123 BULB REPLACEMENT ........................................... 123

Replacement Bulbs .......................................... 123
Replacing Exterior Bulbs .................................. 125
Replacing Interior Bulbs .................................. 127

FUSES..................................................................... 128

Underhood Fuses ............................................. 128
Interior Fuses.................................................... 131
Right Central Pillar Fuses ................................ 132

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 133

Jack Location .................................................... 133
Spare Tire Removal .......................................... 134
Preparations For Jacking ................................. 135
Jacking Instructions ......................................... 136Wheel Covers .................................................... 139

TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ...................... 139

Tire Service Kit Storage ................................... 139
Tire Service Kit Components And Operation .. 140Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions ................. 140
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit ................. 142

JUMP STARTING ................................................... 145

Preparations For Jump Start ........................... 145
Jump Starting Procedure ................................. 146
Battery Location ............................................... 147

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............................ 147
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE .............................. 148FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................... 149
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE........................... 149
Automatic Transmission .................................. 150
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ....................................................................151
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................... 151

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING .....................................152

Maintenance Plan ............................................ 152
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ....................... 155

ENGINE COMPARTMENT...................................... 156

3.6L Engine ..................................................... 156
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ................... 157
Adding Washer Fluid ........................................ 157Maintenance-Free Battery .............................. 157
Pressure Washing ............................................ 158

DEALER SERVICE ................................................. 158

Engine Oil ......................................................... 158Engine Oil Filter ................................................ 159
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................................. 159
Air Conditioner Maintenance ......................... 160
Body Lubrication .............................................. 161
Windshield Wiper Blades ................................ 162
Exhaust System ............................................... 162
Cooling System................................................. 163
Brake System .................................................. 166
Automatic Transmission
(3.6L Gasoline Engine Only) ............................ 167

RAISING THE VEHICLE..........................................168

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48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the Elec -
tronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If
a problem is detected while the
vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK (P) position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service
as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with
a message in the instrument cluster
display and a buzzer) to indicate a
transmission fault. Contact an autho -
rized dealer if the message remains after
restarting the engine.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine
coolant temperature is too high, this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on,
turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera -
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake
fluid level and parking brake appli -
cation. If the brake light turns on it
may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or
that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.

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STARTING AND OPERATING99
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. 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 characteris -
tics under all normal operating conditions. When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, trav
-
eling into strong head winds, or while towing a
heavy trailer), select TOW/HAUL mode or 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 condi -
tions, using a lower gear range will improve
performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera -
tion may be modified depending on engine and
transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve
maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmis -
sion fluid is warm refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section.
During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F
[-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to third gear only. Normal operation will
resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.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.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING101
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the gear
selector into the ERS position, then tap it
forward (-) repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The
transmission will shift to the range from which
the vehicle can best be slowed down.Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec -
tronically controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The
transmission will automatically shift into Over -
drive if the following conditions are present:
The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.

The driver is not heavily pressing the
accelerator.

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans -
mission shifting occurs, push the TOW/HAUL
switch to activate TOW/HAUL 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 down -
shift (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 opera -
tion. 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.
Instrument
Cluster Display 1
23456D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed 1
1–21–31–41–51–61–6
5

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102STARTING AND OPERATING
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis -
sion 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 auto -
matically 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 Elec -
tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when
the transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission 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.
If for some reason the power assist is inter -
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will
observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers. NOTE:
Increased noise levels at the end of the
steering wheel travel are considered normal
and do not indicate that there is a problem
with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering pump may make noise for a
short amount of time. This is due to the cold,
thick fluid in the steering system. This noise
should be considered normal, and it does not
in any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will
increase the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.

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122STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Cautions and Warnings before doing
so.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
driving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
(Continued)
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142IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the
vehicle’s Hazard Warning flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near
to the ground. This will allow the Tire Service
Kit Hoses (3) and (5) to reach the valve
stem and keep the Tire Service Kit flat on
the ground. This will provide the best posi -
tioning of the kit when injecting the sealant
into the deflated tire and running the air
pump. Move the vehicle as necessary to
place the valve stem in this position before
proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (P) (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual transmis -
sion) and place the ignition in the OFF posi -
tion.
4. Apply the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (2) and turn to the Sealant Mode position. 2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (3) and then
remove the cap from the fitting at the end of
the hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the
Sealant Hose (3) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
Always start the engine before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
NOTE:
Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the gear selector in
NEUTRAL.
After pushing the Power Button (1), the
sealant (white fluid) will flow from the Sealant
Bottle (4) through the Sealant Hose (3) and
into the tire. NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0
– 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (3):
1. Push the Power Button (1) to turn Off the
Tire Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant
Hose (3) from the valve stem. Make sure
the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect
the Sealant Hose (3) to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob (2) is in
the Sealant Mode position and not Air
Mode. Push the Power Button (1) to turn On
the Tire Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (7) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another
vehicle, if available. Make sure the engine is
running before turning ON the Tire Service
Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (4) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE:
If the Mode Select Knob (2) is on Air Mode and
the pump is operating, air will dispense from the
Air Pump Hose (5) only, not the Sealant Hose
(3).

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