2020 Ram ProMaster automatic 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

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 3

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

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 4

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

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 99

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

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 101

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.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 102

154SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Inspect the brake pads, replace as
necessary. X
X X X X XX
Additional Maintenance
Replace the engine air filter. XX X X X
Inspect the cabin air filter, replace
as necessary. X
X X X X XX
Replace the Brake Fluid every two
years.
1 X
X X X X XX
Replace the spark plugs.
2X
Flush and replace the engine
coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. X
X
Change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter. X
X
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 154

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE167
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline
Engine Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It
is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans -
mission. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is
an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks in six-speed transmissions. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder reser -
voir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from
the air resulting in a lower boiling point. This
may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING!
(Continued)

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder, and
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for fluid
specifications.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
7

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 167

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS197
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, Or Genuine Part

Automatic Transmission
Use Only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4 fluid
may affect the function or performance of your transmission. We
recommend Mopar ATF+4 Fluid.

Brake Master Cylinder
We recommend you use Mopar DOT 4.
DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two years regardless of
mileage.

Power Steering Reservoir
Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting FCA Material
Standard MS-11655.

8

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 197