2020 Ram ProMaster coolant temperature

42GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Instrument Cluster Descriptions
1. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in this chapter for further
information.
Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Area
US Federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller
certify to the purchaser the correct mileage
that the vehicle has been driven. If your
odometer needs to be repaired or serviced,
the repair technician should leave the odom -
eter reading the same as it was before the
repair or service. If the technician cannot do
so, then the odometer must be set at zero,
and a sticker must be placed in the door
jamb stating what the mileage was before the
repair or service. It is a good idea for you to
make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/service, so that you can be
sure that it is properly reset, or that the door
jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer must
be reset at zero.
Gear Selector Status (PRND)
The gear selector status “P,R,N,D,1,2,3,4,5,
6” are displayed indicating the gear selector
position. Telltales “1,2,3,4,5,6” indicate the
manual mode has been engaged and the
gear selected is displayed. Refer to “Auto -
matic Transmission” in “Starting And Oper -
ating” for further information on Electronic
Range Select (ERS).
3. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000). Before the
pointer reaches the red area, ease up on
the accelerator to prevent engine
damage.
4. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within
the normal range indicates that the
engine cooling system is operating satis-
factorily.
The pointer will likely indicate a higher
temperature when driving in hot weather
or up mountain grades. It should not be
allowed to exceed the upper limits of the
normal operating range.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to “Cooling System” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure
Cap paragraph.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system
could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads “H,” pull over and
stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” turn the engine off
immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

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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 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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148IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector
cannot be moved out of the PARK (P) position,
you can use the following procedure to tempo -
rarily move the gear selector:
1. Turn the engine OFF.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the gear selector override access
cover which is located below the gear
selector.
Gear Selector Release Cover 4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the
brake pedal.
5. Insert the screwdriver or similar tool into the access port, and push and hold the override
release lever forward.
Release Lever
6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL (N) position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the gear selector override access cover.
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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the
vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous
chimes, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service.

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152
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. This means that service is
required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, and
extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will
influence when the “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km). An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched
-
uled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than an autho -
rized dealer, the message can be reset by refer -
ring to the steps described under “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 months or 350 hours of engine run time,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check the tire inflation pressures and look
for unusual wear or damage. Rotate at the
first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and power steering
and fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE163
Under normal operating conditions, the cata-
lytic converter will not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine
properly tuned to ensure proper catalyst opera -
tion 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 malfunc -
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over -
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans -
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the
engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
only by an authorized dealer. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with OAT coolant (anti -
freeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
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 open a cooling system pres -
sure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
7

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164SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result
in engine damage and may decrease corro -
sion protection. Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant is different and should
not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (anti -
freeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant
(antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling
system in an emergency, the cooling system
will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not
use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod -
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the
radiator engine coolant and may plug the
radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use
with propylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom -
mended.
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added
to the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
Adding Coolant

The vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can
be used up to 10 years or 150,000 miles

(240,000 km) before replacement. To prevent
reducing this extended maintenance period, it
is important that you use the same engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032)
throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for
using Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze) that meets the require- ments of FCA Material Standard MS.90032.
When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):

We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032.

Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032 and distilled
water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F
(−37°C) are anticipated. Please contact an
authorized dealer for assistance.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/
engine coolant (antifreeze) solution. The use
of lower quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.

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