2023 RAM PROMASTER engine overheat

130STARTING AND OPERATING
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission

The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. However, if
frequent shifting does occur while in DRIVE, select
TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower gear range (using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control).

NOTE:Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower gear
range (using the ERS shift control) while operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds, holding your vehicle in FIRST gear
(using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating.Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range
(using the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE:When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 130

216IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable from the remote positive (+) post
of the discharged vehicle, and reinstall the
protective cap.
5. Close the cover of the Front Power Distribution Center.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at an authorized dealer.
BATTERY LOCATION
There are two remote jump starting posts under
the hood which is the recommended jump start
location. If access to the battery is needed, an
access panel on the driver’s side floor will allow for
battery access.
Battery Access Panel
Battery Location

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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 216

218IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Shift back
and forth between DRIVE (D) and REVERSE (R),
while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least
amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will
maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE:Push the ESC OFF button, to place the Electronic
Stability Control System (ESC) in “Partial OFF”
mode, before rocking the vehicle Ú page 154.
Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC OFF
button again to restore “ESC ON” mode.
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.
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!
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.
Spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating 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).

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 218

232SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust
system; or if the exhaust fumes can be detected inside
the vehicle; or when the underside or rear of the vehicle
is damaged; have an authorized technician inspect the
complete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
Open seams or loose connections could permit exhaust
fumes to seep into the passenger compartment.
In addition, have the exhaust system inspected each
time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change.
Replace as required.

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 transmis-
sion 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 compo -
nents disconnected or removed, such as when
diagnostic testing, or for prolonged periods
during very rough idle or malfunctioning oper -
ating 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 192.

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 seriously
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 condi -
tion. In the event of engine malfunction, particu-
larly involving engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, 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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 232

234SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Please review these recommendations for using
OAT engine coolant that meets the requirements of
the manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
When adding engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer 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 solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection
in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the
area where the vehicle is operated.

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.

Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in
an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain,
flush, and refill with OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that
engine coolant will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.
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/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being
vaporized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.

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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 234

272TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
(Continued)
MMT IN GASOLINE
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
(MMT) is a manganese-containing metallic additive
that is blended into some gasolines 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 emis-
sions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or
ignition 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 malfunctioning and may
require immediate service. Contact an autho -
rized dealer for service assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recom -
mended. Most of these products contain high
concentrations of methanol. Fuel system
damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or addi -
tives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 272

285
E
Electric Brake Control System
....................... 153Electric Parking Brake..................................... 78Electric Remote Mirrors................................... 32Electrical Power Outlets................................... 46Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........ 88Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................154Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light........ 67Emergency Braking........................................ 167Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck...................... 218Jacking...................................................... 196Jump Starting............................................ 214Emission Control System Maintenance........... 74Engine........................................................... 225Air Cleaner................................................. 228Block Heater............................................... 77Break-In Recommendations........................ 78Checking Oil Level..................................... 226Compartment............................................ 225Compartment Identification...................... 225Coolant (Antifreeze)......................... 233, 273Cooling...................................................... 233Exhaust Gas Caution................................. 192Fails To Start............................................... 77Flooded, Starting......................................... 77Fuel Requirements.......................... 270, 273Jump Starting............................................ 214
Oil.................................................... 228, 273Oil Filler Cap............................................. 225Oil Filter.................................................... 228Oil Selection.................................... 228, 273Oil Synthetic............................................. 228Overheating.............................................. 216Starting........................................................ 76Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 220Entry System, Illuminated................................ 38Ethanol......................................................... 271Exhaust Gas Cautions................................... 192Exhaust System................................... 192, 232Exterior Lights.........................................33, 191
F
FiltersAir Cleaner
................................................ 228Air Conditioning..................................43, 230Engine Oil................................................. 228Engine Oil Disposal................................... 228FlashersHazard Warning........................................ 193Turn Signals............................................. 191Flat Tire Changing................................ 249, 260Flat Tire Stowage................................. 249, 260Flooded Engine Starting................................... 77Fluid Capacities............................................ 273Fluid Leaks................................................... 191
Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission........................... 236Brake........................................................ 235Cooling System......................................... 233Engine Oil................................................. 226Fog Lights........................................................35Fold-Flat Seats.................................................23Forward Collision Warning............................ 164Four-Way Hazard Flasher.............................. 193Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................................. 218Fuel............................................................... 270Additives................................................... 271Clean Air................................................... 271Ethanol..................................................... 271Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................................. 122Gasoline................................................... 270Materials Added....................................... 271Methanol.................................................. 271Octane Rating.................................. 270, 273Requirements.................................. 270, 273Tank Capacity........................................... 273Fuses............................................................ 236
G
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...................... 122, 123Gasoline, Clean Air........................................ 271Gasoline, Reformulated................................ 27111

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 285

288 Operator Manual Owner's Manual
........................................ 279Outside Rearview Mirrors......................... 30, 31Overheating, Engine...................................... 216
P
Paint Care...................................................... 265Parking Brake.................................................. 78ParkSenseFront And Rear.......................................... 104ParkSense Active Park Assist........................ 112ParkSense System, Rear............................... 104Passing Light................................................... 34Passive Entry................................................... 22Pedestrian Warning System.......................... 167Personal Settings............................................ 59Pets............................................................... 190Placard, Tire And Loading Information........... 253PowerInverter........................................................ 47Mirrors......................................................... 32Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)................ 46Steering....................................................... 85Windows...................................................... 49Pregnant Women And Seat Belts...................176Preparation For Jacking....................... 196, 197
R
Radial Ply Tires.............................................. 257Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............ 234
RadioSound Setting........................................... 147Radio Operation............................................ 151Rain Sensitive Wiper System........................... 39Rear Camera........................................ 119, 120Rear Cross Path............................................ 161Rear ParkSense System............................... 104Rearview Mirror............................................... 30Recreational Towing..................................... 130Reformulated Gasoline................................. 271Refrigerant.................................................... 230Release, Hood................................................. 50Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 171Remote Keyless EntryProgramming Additional Key Fobs............... 15Remote StartingExit Remote Start Mode.............................. 19Remote Starting System.................................. 18Replacement Bulbs...................................... 244Replacement Keys........................................... 15Replacement Tires........................................ 259Reporting Safety Defects.............................. 278Restraints, Child........................................... 185Restraints, Head.............................................. 28Rotation, Tires.............................................. 264
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle........................ 190Safety Checks Outside Vehicle..................... 191Safety Defects, Reporting............................. 278
Safety Information, Tire................................. 249Safety Tips.................................................... 189Safety, Exhaust Gas...................................... 192Schedule, Maintenance................................ 221Seat Belts............................................ 171, 190Adjustable Shoulder Belt.......................... 175Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 175Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................ 175Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)........... 176Child Restraints........................................ 185Energy Management Feature................... 176Front Seat............................... 171, 172, 174Inspection................................................. 190Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 174Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting................... 174Lap/Shoulder Belts................................... 172Operating Instructions.............................. 174Pregnant Women...................................... 176Rear Seat.................................................. 172Reminder.................................................. 171Untwisting Procedure................................ 174Seat Belts Maintenance................................ 267Seats................................................................23Adjustment..................................................23Heated.........................................................26Rear Folding................................................23Tilting...........................................................23Security Alarm...........................................20, 68Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 273

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 288