2021 RAM PROMASTER check transmission fluid

3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER........................................42Instrument Cluster Descriptions ................. 43
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY .......................44
Location And Controls ................................. 44
Change Engine Oil — If Equipped................ 45
Display Setup Menu .................................... 46
Values Displayed ......................................... 46
Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features) .......... 47
TRIP COMPUTER ...................................................47
Trip Button.................................................... 47
Trip Functions .............................................. 48
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ..................48
Red Warning Lights...................................... 48
Yellow Warning Lights ................................. 50
Yellow Indicator Lights................................. 53
Green Indicator Lights ................................. 54
Blue Indicator Lights .................................... 54
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ......55
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity................................................ 55
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ...........................................................56
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ...................................... 57
Automatic Transmission.............................. 57
Normal Starting............................................ 57
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ........................... 57 If Engine Fails To Start ................................ 57
After Starting ................................................ 58
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ......... 58
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ........ 58
PARKING BRAKE ................................................. 59
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............................. 60 Key Ignition Park Interlock .......................... 60
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System ......................................................... 60 Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ............ 61
POWER STEERING .............................................. 66
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................... 67
CRUISE CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED .................... 67
To Activate.................................................... 68
To Set A Desired Speed............................... 68
To Vary The Speed Setting .......................... 68
To Accelerate For Passing ........................... 69
To Resume Speed ....................................... 69
To Deactivate ............................................... 69
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................................................... 69
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ......... 70
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ............. 70 ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications.................................................... 72 Cleaning The ParkSense System................ 72
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
Usage Precautions ...................................... 72
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ...............73
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ....................................75
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message................... 76
VEHICLE LOADING ................................................76
Vehicle Certification Label .......................... 76
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......... 76
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............. 76
Tire Size ........................................................ 77
Rim Size ....................................................... 77
Inflation Pressure ........................................ 77
Curb Weight ................................................. 77
Overloading .................................................. 77
Loading ........................................................ 77
TRAILER TOWING .................................................78
Common Towing Definitions ....................... 78
Trailer Hitch Classification .......................... 80
Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ............ 81 Trailer And Tongue Weight ......................... 81
Towing Requirements ................................ 81
Towing Tips ................................................. 84
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME) ......................................85
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle .......................................................... 85 Recreational Towing .................................... 85

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5
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................................. 211Maintenance Plan......................................212
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................. 215
3.6L Engine ...............................................215Checking Oil Level......................................216
Adding Washer Fluid..................................217Maintenance-Free Battery .......................217
Pressure Washing ......................................217
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ................................... 218
Engine Oil ...................................................218
Engine Oil Filter ..........................................219Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...........................219
Air Conditioner Maintenance ...................219Body Lubrication ........................................221
Windshield Wiper Blades .........................221
Exhaust System ........................................221
Cooling System ..........................................223Brake System ............................................226
Automatic Transmission ............................226
FUSES .........................................................228
BULB REPLACEMENT ................................235
TIRES .................................................................. 240
Tire Safety Information .............................240Tires — General Information .....................248Tire Types ...................................................252
Spare Tires — If Equipped .........................253
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ....................255
Snow Traction Devices .............................257Tire Rotation Recommendations ..............258 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .................. 259
Treadwear .................................................. 259
Traction Grades ......................................... 259
Temperature Grades ................................. 259
STORING THE VEHICLE .....................................260
BODYWORK ........................................................ 260
Protection From Atmospheric Agents....... 260
Body And Underbody Maintenance .......... 260Preserving The Bodywork .......................... 261
INTERIORS ......................................................... 261
Seats And Fabric Parts .............................. 261
Plastic And Coated Parts ........................... 262
Leather Surfaces ....................................... 263Glass Surfaces .......................................... 263Cleaning The Instrument Panel
Cupholders ................................................. 263
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.................264
BRAKE SYSTEM .................................................. 264

WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .... 264

Torque Specifications ................................ 264
FUEL REQUIREMENTS .......................................265
3.6L Engine ................................................ 265
Reformulated Gasoline ............................ 266
Materials Added To Fuel ........................... 266
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..................... 266Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles ...................................................... 266
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications ..... 267

MMT In Gasoline........................................ 267
Fuel System Cautions................................ 267
FLUID CAPACITIES ............................................. 268
ENGINE FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ................. 268
CHASSIS FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS ............... 270
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE
FOR YOUR VEHICLE .......................................... 271 Prepare For The Appointment .................. 271Prepare A List............................................. 271
Be Reasonable With Requests ................. 271
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE .............................. 271
FCA US LLC Customer Center ................... 272
FCA Canada Inc. Customer Center ........... 272
Mexico ........................................................ 272
Puerto Rico And US Virgin Islands ............ 272
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY) ..................... 272 Service Contract ....................................... 272
WARRANTY INFORMATION .............................. 273
MOPAR PARTS .................................................. 273
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ........................ 273 In The 50 United States And
Washington, D.C. ....................................... 273 In Canada ................................................... 273
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS ........................ 274
General Information.......................................... 274

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL49
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when one
or more door(s) are not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving and a door is opened,
there will also be a single chime.
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the
Electronic 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
authorized 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 Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service
Ú
page 206.

Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake application. 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.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
3

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 49

STARTING AND OPERATING87
(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)
4

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226SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically Úpage 212.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood
service or immediately if the brake system
warning lamp indicates system failure. If
necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the
top of the master cylinder area before removing
cap. With disc brakes the fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid level may
be caused by a leak and a system check should
be conducted Ú
page 268.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Selection Of Lubricant

It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission
performance and life. Use only the
manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid

Ú
page 270. It is important to maintain the

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
WARNING!
Use only FCA's recommended brake fluid
Ú page 268. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
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)

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 226

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE227

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
transmission. 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.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions. Routine fluid level checks are not
required, therefore the transmission filler tube
is capped and no dipstick is provided. Your
authorized dealer can check your transmission
fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission
malfunction, visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the transmission fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an
improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
For the proper maintenance intervals
Ú
page 212.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if
the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
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 Ú page 270.
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.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
8

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275
INDEX
A
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 224Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 217Additives, Fuel............................................... 266Advance Phone Connectivity......................... 121Air Bag........................................................... 174Air Bag Operation...................................... 175Air Bag Warning Light................................ 173Enhanced Accident Response...................210Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 210If Deployment Occurs................................ 178Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 179Maintenance............................................. 179Side Air Bags............................................. 175Transporting Pets...................................... 187Air Bag Light..................................48, 173, 187Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter).............................. 219Air Conditioner Maintenance......................... 219Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 219, 220Air Conditioner System.................................. 219Air Conditioning Filter............................. 35, 220Air Conditioning, Operating Tips................ 34, 35Air Filter......................................................... 219Air PressureTires.......................................................... 249
AlarmSecurity Alarm...................................... 13, 50Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 13Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 7Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 223, 268Disposal................................................... 225Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 149Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 53Assist, Hill Start............................................. 153Audio Settings............................................... 107Audio Systems (Radio)..................................... 88Auto Down Power Windows............................. 39Auto Up Power Windows.................................. 39Automatic Door Locks...................................... 15Automatic Transmission.........................60, 227Adding Fluid.............................................. 227Fluid And Filter Change............................ 227Fluid Change............................................ 227Fluid Level Check............................ 226, 227Fluid Type........................................ 226, 270Special Additives...................................... 227AUX Cord.......................................................... 37Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 155
B
Battery................................................... 48, 217Charging System Light.................................48Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................11Belts, Seat.................................................... 187Blind Spot Monitoring................................... 155BluetoothConnecting To A Particular Mobile PhoneOr Audio Device After Pairing
................ 116Body Builders Guide........................................... 7Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 221B-Pillar Location............................................ 245Brake Assist System..................................... 150Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 150Brake Fluid........................................... 226, 270Brake System....................................... 226, 264Anti-Lock (ABS)......................................... 149Fluid Check............................................... 226Master Cylinder........................................ 226Parking........................................................59Warning Light...............................................49Brake, Parking.................................................59Brake/Transmission Interlock..........................60Bulb Replacement........................................ 235Bulbs, Light.......................................... 188, 23511

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 275

276 C
Camera, Rear
.................................................. 73Capacities, Fluid............................................ 268Caps, Filler Fuel............................................................. 75Oil (Engine)................................................ 215Power Steering............................................ 67Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 224Car Washes................................................... 261Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 189Cargo Area Cover............................................. 41Cargo Compartment........................................ 41Cargo Light...................................................... 28Certification Label........................................... 76Change Oil Indicator........................................ 45Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 190Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 241Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)........................... 56Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 186Checks, Safety............................................... 186Child Restraint............................................... 181Child RestraintsBooster Seats............................................ 184Child Seat Installation............................... 186Infant And Child Restraints....................... 183Older Children And Child Restraints..........183Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 266CleaningWheels...................................................... 255
Climate Control................................................ 31Manual........................................................ 31Rear............................................................. 34Cold Weather Operation.................................. 57Compact Spare Tire...................................... 253Contract, Service.......................................... 272Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 224Cooling System............................................. 223Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 224Coolant Level................................... 223, 225Cooling Capacity....................................... 268Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 225Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 223Inspection................................................. 225Points To Remember................................ 225Pressure Cap............................................ 224Radiator Cap............................................ 224Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 223, 268Corrosion Protection..................................... 260Cruise Control (Speed Control)........................ 67Cruise Light...................................................... 54Cupholders................................................... 263Customer Assistance.................................... 271Customer Programmable Features.................. 89Cybersecurity................................................... 88
D
Dealer Service.............................................. 218Defroster, Windshield................................... 187Deleting A Phone.......................................... 117
Diagnostic System, Onboard............................55Dimmer Control Switch....................................29Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................26DipsticksAutomatic Transmission........................... 227Oil (Engine)............................................... 216Power Steering............................................67Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 209Disconnecting............................................... 117DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 225Disturb.......................................................... 120Door Ajar..........................................................49Door Ajar Light.................................................49Door Locks.......................................................14Automatic....................................................15Doors...............................................................14Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................15DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..........................86
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 150Electric Remote Mirrors...................................24Electrical Power Outlets...................................37Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........67Electronic Stability Control (ESC)................... 150Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.........49

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