2021 RAM PROMASTER engine overheat

222SERVICING 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.
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.
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 eventually
poison you Ú page 189.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn, such as
grass or leaves, and those materials that
come 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 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.
CAUTION! (Continued)

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE225
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze)
is a regulated substance requiring proper
disposal. Check with your local authorities to
determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain
in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance
immediately. Clean up any ground spills
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant
level is adequate. With engine off and cold, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the “MIN” and “MAX”
marks.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compart -
ment. This is normally a result of moisture from
rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on
the radiator and being vaporized when the ther -
mostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti -
freeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks,
the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will
soon dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pres
-
sure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever
necessary, install ONLY the correct type ther -
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
WARNING!
Do not open hot engine cooling system.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when
the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated
engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
8

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 225

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS267
(Continued)
CNG AND LP FUEL SYSTEM
M
ODIFICATIONS
Modifications that allow the engine to run on
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid
Propane (LP) may result in damage to the
engine, emissions, and fuel system
components. Problems that result from running
CNG or LP are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
MMT IN GASOLINE
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
(MMT) is a manganese-containing metallic
additive that is blended into some gasoline to
increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT
provides no performance advantage beyond
gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces
spark plug life and reduces emissions system
performance in some vehicles. The
manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your
gasoline retailer whether the gasoline contains
MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal and
California reformulated gasoline.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with the emissions
control system can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your
vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by
Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can
impair engine performance and damage
the emissions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or igni
-
tion malfunctions can cause the catalytic
converter to overheat. If you notice a
pungent burning odor or some light smoke,
your engine may be out of tune or malfunc -
tioning and may require immediate service.
Contact an authorized dealer for service
assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now
being sold as octane enhancers, is not
recommended. Most of these products
contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor -
mance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsi -
bility of the manufacturer and may void or
not be covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)
9

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277
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck
...................... 208Jacking...................................................... 190Jump Starting............................................ 203Emission Control System Maintenance........... 56Engine........................................................... 215Air Cleaner................................................. 219Block Heater............................................... 58Break-In Recommendations........................ 58Checking Oil Level..................................... 216Compartment............................................ 215Compartment Identification...................... 215Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 223, 268Cooling...................................................... 223Exhaust Gas Caution................................. 189Fails To Start............................................... 57Flooded, Starting......................................... 57Fuel Requirements.......................... 265, 268Jump Starting............................................ 203Oil.................................................... 218, 268Oil Filler Cap.............................................. 215Oil Filter..................................................... 219Oil Selection.................................... 218, 268Oil Synthetic.............................................. 218Overheating............................................... 206Starting....................................................... 57Enhanced Accident Response Feature..........210Entry System, Illuminated................................ 30
Ethanol......................................................... 266Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 189Exhaust System................................... 189, 221Exterior Lights.........................................26, 188
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 219Air Conditioning..................................35, 220Engine Oil........................................ 219, 268Engine Oil Disposal................................... 218FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 190Turn Signals.......................................54, 188Flat Tire Changing................................ 240, 253Flat Tire Stowage................................. 240, 253Flooded Engine Starting................................... 57Fluid Capacities............................................ 268Fluid Leaks................................................... 189Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission........................... 227Brake........................................................ 226Cooling System......................................... 223Engine Oil................................................. 216Power Steering............................................ 67Fog Lights........................................................ 27Fold-Flat Seats................................................. 15Forward Collision Warning............................ 159
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 190Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 208Fuel............................................................... 265Additives................................................... 266Clean Air................................................... 266Ethanol..................................................... 266Filler Cap (Gas Cap).....................................75Gasoline................................................... 265Materials Added....................................... 266Methanol.................................................. 266Octane Rating.................................. 265, 268Requirements.................................. 265, 268Tank Capacity........................................... 268Fuses............................................................ 228
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...........................75, 76Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 266Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 266Gear Ranges....................................................62Gear Selector Override.................................. 207Glass Cleaning.............................................. 263Gross Axle Weight Rating.......................... 76, 78Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.....................76, 78GuideBody Builders................................................. 7GVWR...............................................................7611

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279
Security Alarm
............................................. 50Service...................................................... 235Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............... 161Traction Control......................................... 152Turn Signals................................ 26, 54, 188Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions..................................... 49, 54Loading Vehicle........................................ 76, 77Capacities................................................... 77Tires.......................................................... 245LocksAutomatic Door.................................... 14, 15Low Tire Pressure System............................. 161Lubrication, Body........................................... 221Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 264
M
Maintenance Free Battery............................. 217Maintenance Schedule.................................. 211Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine)..... 52ManualService...................................................... 274Methanol....................................................... 266Mirrors............................................................. 23Electric Remote........................................... 24Exterior Folding........................................... 24Heated........................................................ 25Outside........................................................ 24Rearview..................................................... 23
Modifications/AlterationsVehicle........................................................... 7Monitor, Tire Pressure System...................... 161Mopar Parts.................................................. 273MP3 Control..................................................... 37Multi-Function Control Lever............................ 26
N
New Vehicle Break-In Period............................ 58
O
Occupant Restraints..................................... 164Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 265Oil Change Indicator........................................ 45Reset........................................................... 45Oil Filter, Change.......................................... 219Oil Filter, Selection........................................ 219Oil Pressure Light............................................. 50Oil, Engine............................................ 218, 268Capacity.................................................... 268Checking................................................... 216Dipstick.................................................... 216Disposal................................................... 218Filter................................................ 219, 268Filter Disposal........................................... 218Identification Logo.................................... 218Materials Added To.................................. 218Pressure Warning Light............................... 50Recommendation............................ 218, 268
Synthetic................................................... 218Viscosity.................................................... 268Onboard Diagnostic System.............................55Operating Precautions.....................................55Operator ManualOwner's Manual........................................ 274Outside Rearview Mirrors.......................... 23, 24Overheating, Engine...................................... 206
P
Paint Care..................................................... 260Parking Brake..................................................59ParkSense System, Rear..................................69Passing Light....................................................26Pets............................................................... 187Phone Mode.................................................. 112Placard, Tire And Loading Information.......... 245PowerMirrors.........................................................24Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).................37Steering................................................66, 67Windows......................................................39Power Steering Fluid..................................... 270Pregnant Women And Seat Belts.................. 170Preparation For Jacking....................... 190, 191
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