2021 RAM PROMASTER 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

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5

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

64STARTING 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), select TOW/HAUL mode or use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
to select a lower gear range Úpage 65. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.

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 is inhibited until
the transmission fluid is warm
Ú
page 66. 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.

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 remains in THIRD gear regardless
of which forward gear is selected. PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to
operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Transmission Limp Home
Mode allows 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_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 64

66STARTING AND OPERATING
Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an
electronically controlled Overdrive (SIXTH gear).
The transmission will automatically shift into
Overdrive 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 acceler -
ator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission 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
downshift (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
operation. 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.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic
transmission 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 automatically 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
provide increased vehicle response and ease
of maneuverability. The system will provide
mechanical steering capability if power assist
is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is
interrupted, 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.

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66

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

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 87

200IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SEALING A TIRE WITH TIRE SERVICE KIT
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service
Kit:

1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the
vehicle’s Hazard Warning Flashers.

2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near
to the ground. This will allow the Tire Service
Kit Hoses (3) and (5) to reach the valve
stem and keep the Tire Service Kit flat on
the ground. This will provide the best
positioning of the kit when injecting the
sealant into the deflated tire and running
the air pump. Move the vehicle as
necessary to place the valve stem in this
position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (P) (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual
transmission) and place the ignition in the
OFF position.
4. Apply the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:

1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (2) and turn to the Sealant Mode position.

2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (3) and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of
the hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the
Sealant Hose (3) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into
The Deflated Tire:
Always start the engine before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
NOTE:
Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the gear selector in
NEUTRAL.
After pushing the Power Button (1), the
sealant (white fluid) will flow from the Sealant
Bottle (4) through the Sealant Hose (3) and
into the tire.
NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.

If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within
0 – 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (3):
1. Push the Power Button (1) to turn Off the Tire Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant
Hose (3) from the valve stem. Make sure
the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect
the Sealant Hose (3) to the valve stem.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 200

214SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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
Inspect and replace the PCV valve
if necessary. X
1. The brake fluid change interval is time based only, mileage intervals do not apply.
2. The spark plug change interval is mileage based only, yearly intervals do not apply.
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
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
Failure to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle could result in a component malfunction and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 214