2023 RAM PROMASTER check transmission fluid

5
SAFETY TIPS ........................................................ 189 Transporting Passengers .............................. 189Transporting Pets ......................................... 190
Connected Vehicles....................................... 190
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ........................................................... 190Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 191Exhaust Gas ................................................... 192Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................... 192
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ......................... 193
SOS AND ASSIST SYSTEM ................................. 193
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING.......................... 196
Preparations For Jacking .............................. 197Jack And Tools Location................................ 197
Spare Tire Removal ....................................... 198
Jacking Instructions ...................................... 200Wheel Covers ................................................. 203
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ..................... 203
Alternate Tire Service Kit —
If Equipped..................................................... 209
Tire Service Kit Components And
Operation ....................................................... 209
Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .............. 210
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .............. 211 JUMP STARTING .................................................. 214
Preparations For Jump Start ........................ 214
Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 215Battery Location ............................................ 216
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .......................... 216
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ............................. 217
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 218
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ......................... 219 Automatic Transmission ............................... 220
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................... 220
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ........................ 220SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 221
Maintenance Plan ......................................... 222
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 225
3.6L Engine .................................................. 225
Checking Oil Level ......................................... 226
Adding Washer Fluid ..................................... 226
Maintenance-Free Battery ........................... 227Pressure Washing ......................................... 227
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE..................................... 227
Engine Oil ....................................................... 228
Engine Oil Filter ............................................ 228
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 228Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 229 Body Lubrication ........................................... 231
Windshield Wiper Blades ............................. 231
Exhaust System ............................................ 232
Cooling System.............................................. 233
Brake System ............................................... 235Automatic Transmission ............................... 236
Fuses.............................................................. 236
Bulb Replacement ....................................... 244
TIRES .................................................................... 249
Tire Safety Information ................................ 249Tires — General Information ......................... 256
Tire Types....................................................... 259Spare Tires — If Equipped ............................ 260
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ........................ 262Snow Traction Devices ................................. 263
Tire Rotation Recommendations ................. 264
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...................................... 264
Treadwear...................................................... 264
Traction Grades ............................................. 264Temperature Grades..................................... 265
STORING THE VEHICLE ...................................... 265
BODYWORK .......................................................... 265
Protection From Atmospheric Agents .......... 265
Body And Underbody Maintenance ............. 266
Preserving The Bodywork ............................. 266

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 5

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator
is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.

Towing Hook Breakdown Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light illuminates when there is a
failure with the tow hook. Contact an
authorized dealer for service.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N), until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket
tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have
your sensor function checked.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.
3

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 71

132STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following
Cautions and Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm
run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road
or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or
rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly.
Failure to follow this warning may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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.
WARNING!
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!

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY211
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. Check that the
Mode Select Knob (2) is in the Sealant Mode
position and not Air Mode. Push the Power
Button (1) to turn On the Tire Service Kit.

2. Connect the Power Plug (7) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another
vehicle, if available. Make sure the engine is
running before turning ON the Tire Service Kit.
Take care not to allow the contents of Tire
Service Kit to come in contact with hair, eyes,
or clothing. Tire Service Kit sealant is harmful
if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the
skin. It causes skin, eye, and respiratory irrita -
tion. Flush immediately with plenty of water if
there is any contact with eyes or skin. Change
clothing as soon as possible, if there is any
contact with clothing.
Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains
latex. In case of an allergic reaction or rash,
consult a physician immediately. Keep Tire
Service Kit out of reach of children. If swal -
lowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty of
water and drink plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
WARNING!
7

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 211

236SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid
to ensure optimum transmission performance and
life. Use the manufacturer specified transmission
fluid Úpage 274. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; 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 9-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. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using a special service dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit an 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
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.

When a device does not work, you must check the fuse
element inside the blade fuse for a break/melt.

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder Ú
page 274.
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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 236

283
INDEX
A
Active Driving Assist....................................... 100Active Speed Limiter........................................ 86Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................ 87Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 233Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 226Additives, Fuel............................................... 271Air Bag........................................................... 179Air Bag Operation...................................... 180Air Bag Warning Light................................ 178Enhanced Accident Response...................220Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 220If Deployment Occurs................................ 183Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 184Maintenance............................................. 184Side Air Bags............................................. 180Transporting Pets...................................... 190Air Bag Light..................................65, 178, 190Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)...................................... 228, 229Air Conditioner Maintenance......................... 229Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 229, 230Air Conditioner System.................................. 229Air Conditioning Filter............................. 43, 230Air Conditioning, Operating Tips................ 43, 44
Air Filter........................................................ 228Air PressureTires......................................................... 256AlarmSecurity Alarm...................................... 20, 68Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 233, 273Disposal................................................... 234Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 152Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 68Assist, Hill Start............................................. 155Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 133Auto Down Power Windows............................. 49Auto Up Power Windows.................................. 49Automatic Door Locks...................................... 23Automatic Headlights....................................... 34Automatic High Beams.................................... 34Automatic Transmission.........................81, 236Adding Fluid.............................................. 236Fluid And Filter Change............................ 236Fluid Change............................................ 236Fluid Level Check..................................... 236
Fluid Type........................................ 236, 274Special Additives...................................... 236AUX Cord..........................................................45Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 158
B
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
S
............53Battery................................................... 66, 227Charging System Light.................................66Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................14Belts, Seat.................................................... 190Blind Spot Monitoring................................... 158Body Builders Guide........................................... 8Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 231B-Pillar Location............................................ 253Brake Assist System..................................... 153Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 153Brake Fluid........................................... 235, 274Brake System....................................... 235, 269Anti-Lock (ABS)......................................... 152Fluid Check............................................... 235Master Cylinder........................................ 235Parking........................................................78Warning Light...............................................6611

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284 Brake/Transmission Interlock
......................... 81Bulb Replacement......................................... 244Bulbs, Light.......................................... 191, 244
C
Camera, Rear...................................... 119, 120Capacities, Fluid............................................ 273Caps, Filler Fuel........................................................... 122Oil (Engine)................................................ 225Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 234Car Washes................................................... 266Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 192Cargo Area Cover............................................. 51Cargo Compartment........................................ 51Cargo Light...................................................... 36Cellular Phone............................................... 151Certification Label......................................... 123Change Engine Oil — If Equipped
S
.............. 57Change Oil Indicator........................................ 57Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 196Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 250Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................ 74Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 189Checks, Safety............................................... 189Child Restraint............................................... 185
Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 187Child Seat Installation.............................. 189Infant And Child Restraints....................... 186Older Children And Child Restraints......... 187Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 271CleaningWheels..................................................... 262Climate Control................................................ 40Manual........................................................ 40Rear............................................................. 43Cold Weather Operation.................................. 76Compact Spare Tire...................................... 260Contract, Service.......................................... 277Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 234Cooling System............................................. 233Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 233Coolant Level................................... 233, 234Cooling Capacity....................................... 273Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 234Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 233Inspection................................................. 234Points To Remember................................ 234Pressure Cap............................................ 234Radiator Cap............................................ 234Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 233, 273Corrosion Protection..................................... 265Cruise Control (Speed Control)................. 87, 88
Cruise Light......................................................72Customer Assistance.................................... 275Customer Programmable Features............... 134Cybersecurity................................................ 133
D
Dealer Service............................................... 227Defroster, Windshield................................... 190Diagnostic System, Onboard............................74Dimmer Control Switch....................................37Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................34DipsticksAutomatic Transmission........................... 236Oil (Engine)............................................... 226Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 219DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 234Door Ajar..........................................................66Door Ajar Light.................................................66Door Locks.......................................................21Automatic....................................................23Doors...............................................................21Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................23DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................................... 131Drowsy Driver Detection................................ 157

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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

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