2021 RAM PROMASTER CITY overheating

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE33
Bi-Level Mode
Air comes from the instrument panel
outlets and floor outlets. A slight
amount of air is directed through the
defrost and side window demister
outlets.
NOTE:
Bi-Level mode is designed under comfort condi -
tions to provide cooler air out of the panel
outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets. A
slight amount of air is directed
through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
Mix Mode
Air is directed through the floor,
defrost, and side window demister
outlets. This setting works best in cold
or snowy conditions that require extra
heat to the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on
the windshield.
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. OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) is recommended
Ú page 259.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and
defroster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and the
proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used Ú page 259. Use of the Air
Recirculation mode during Winter months is not
recommended 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. To
clear the windows, select Defrost or Mix mode
and increase the front blower speed. Do not use
the Recirculation mode without A/C for long
periods, as fogging may occur.
2

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66STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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 to select a lower gear range
Úpage 67. 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 transmission 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.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the
“Transmission Temperature Warning Light” may
illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down. During cold temperatures, transmission
operation 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, and shifts into
8th or 9th gear, are inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm Ú
page 67. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, Transmission Limp
Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the
transmission may operate only in a fixed gear,
or may remain in NEUTRAL. The Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp
Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven
to an authorized dealer for service without
damaging the transmission. In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho -
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission. If the
transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY207
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables

1. Disconnect the negative
(-)
end of the
jumper cable from the engine ground of
the vehicle with the discharged battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the negative (-) jumper cable from the
negative (-) post of the booster battery.

3. Disconnect the positive (+) end of the
jumper cable from the positive (+) post of
the booster battery.

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
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
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 trans -
mission 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.7

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210IN 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 Ú page 146.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC
OFF switch again to restore ESC On mode.
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!
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.
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 over -
heating 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).

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE227
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.
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 CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously 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 perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
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 pressure
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.
8

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242SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory 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 under-inflation and over-inflation 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 erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.Fuel Economy
Under-inflated tires will increase tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
abnormal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation produces a
jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver's side B-Pillar or rear edge of the
driver's side door.
At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with a good
quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not
make a visual judgment when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly
inflated even when they are under-inflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Under-inflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can
affect vehicle handling 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
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
WARNING!
(Continued)

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268
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
........ 51Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck...................... 209Jacking...................................................... 194Jump Starting............................................ 204Towing....................................................... 211Emission Control System Maintenance........... 57Engine........................................................... 221Air Cleaner................................................. 224Block Heater............................................... 59Break-In Recommendations........................ 60Checking Oil Level..................................... 222Coolant (Antifreeze)................................... 259Cooling...................................................... 227Exhaust Gas Caution....................... 185, 258Fails To Start............................................... 59Flooded, Starting......................................... 59Jump Starting............................................ 204Oil.................................................... 223, 259Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 221Oil Filter..................................................... 224Oil Selection.................................... 223, 259Oil Synthetic.............................................. 224Overheating............................................... 207Starting....................................................... 58Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................ 168, 212Ethanol.......................................................... 257Exhaust Gas Cautions.......................... 185, 258Exhaust System................................... 185, 226Exterior Lights......................................... 27, 187
F
Filters
Air Cleaner
................................................ 224Air Conditioning........................................... 34Engine Oil........................................ 224, 259Engine Oil Disposal................................... 224FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 188Turn Signals.......................................55, 187Flooded Engine Starting................................... 59Fluid Capacities............................................ 259Fluid Leaks................................................... 187Fluid Level ChecksBrake........................................................ 231Engine Oil................................................. 222Power Steering............................................ 68Fluid, Brake.................................................. 261Fog Lights........................................................ 28Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 17Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 188Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................ 209Fuel............................................................... 256Additives................................................... 257Clean Air................................................... 256Ethanol..................................................... 257Filler Cap (Gas Cap)..................................... 74Gasoline................................................... 256Materials Added....................................... 257Methanol.................................................. 257
Octane Rating.................................. 256, 259Specifications........................................... 259Tank Capacity........................................... 259Fuses............................................................ 188
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)..................................74Gasoline, (Fuel)............................................. 256Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 256Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 256Gear Ranges....................................................64Gear Selector Override.................................. 209Glass Cleaning.............................................. 254Gross Axle Weight Rating.......................... 76, 77Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.....................76, 77GuideBody Builders................................................. 7GVWR...............................................................76
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.......................................84Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 188Head Restraints...............................................21HeadlightsCleaning.................................................... 252Passing........................................................28Switch..........................................................27

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270
M
Maintenance Free Battery
............................. 222Maintenance Schedule.................................. 217Malfunction Indicator Light (Check
Engine)..................................................... 54, 57Manual Service...................................................... 264Master CylinderBrakes....................................................... 231Methanol....................................................... 257Mirrors............................................................. 25Electric Powered......................................... 26Electric Remote........................................... 26Exterior Folding........................................... 25Outside........................................................ 25Rearview..................................................... 25Modifications/AlterationsVehicle.......................................................... 8Monitor, Tire Pressure System....................... 149Mopar Parts................................................... 264
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................ 60
O
Occupant Restraints...................................... 153Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............ 256, 259Oil Change Indicator........................................ 46Reset........................................................... 46
Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 224Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 224Oil Pressure Light............................................. 51Oil Reset.......................................................... 46Oil, Engine............................................ 223, 259Capacity.................................................... 259Checking................................................... 222Dipstick.................................................... 222Disposal................................................... 224Filter................................................ 224, 259Filter Disposal........................................... 224Identification Logo.................................... 223Materials Added To.................................. 224Pressure Warning Light............................... 51Recommendation............................ 223, 259Synthetic.................................................. 224Viscosity................................................... 259Onboard Diagnostic System............................. 56Operating Precautions..................................... 56Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 264Outside Rearview Mirrors................................ 25Overheating, Engine...................................... 207
P
Paint Care..................................................... 252Parking Brake.................................................. 60ParkSense System, Rear................................. 70Passing Light................................................... 28
Personal Settings.............................................87Pets............................................................... 184Phone Mode.................................................. 109Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 239PowerMirrors.........................................................26Steering................................................67, 68Windows......................................................35Power Steering Fluid..................................... 261Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.................. 159Preparation For Jacking....................... 194, 196PretensionersSeat Belts................................................. 159
R
Radial Ply Tires.............................................. 243Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............ 229Radio Operation............................................ 143Rear Camera....................................................73Rear ParkSense System...................................70Recreational Towing.........................................83Reformulated Gasoline................................. 256Refrigerant.................................................... 225Release, Hood..................................................37Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 154Remote Keyless EntryProgramming Additional Key Fobs...............11Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls....... 142Replacement Bulbs....................................... 213

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