automatic transmission Ram ProMaster 2014 User Guide

NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear. For example, if
you shift the transmission into 4 (fourth gear), the
transmission will not shift above fourth gear, but will
shift through the lower gears normally.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically, shifting between all available gears. Moving the shift
lever to the ERS position (beside DRIVE) will activate
ERS mode, display the current gear in the instrument
cluster, and maintain that gear as the top available gear.
Once in ERS mode, moving the shift lever forward (-) or
rearward (+) will change the top available gear.
To exit ERS mode, simply return the shift lever to the
DRIVE position.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 205

Instrument Cluster Display 1 2 3 4 5 6 DActual Gear(s) Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–6
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever into
the ERS position, then tap it forward (-) repeatedly as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will shift to the range
from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically
controlled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will
automatically shift into Overdrive if the following con-
ditions are present:
• The shift lever is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature. •
The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting
occurs, press 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 trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) during steady braking maneuvers.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pressing 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 pressed 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 automati-
cally 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, and the
transmission will not shift to sixth gear, until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because
sixth gear is disabled, and engine speed is higher when
the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may
seem as if the transmission is not shifting properly
when cold. This is normal. Using the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) shift control, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmis-
sion 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 trans-
mission 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 con-
verter will refill within five seconds after starting the
engine.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 207

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 8,550 lbs
(3 878 kg)
L1 118 in
(3 000 mm)Front
4,200 lbs
(1 905 kg) Rear
4,850 lbs
(2 200 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg)
Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L2 136 in
(3 450 mm)
Front
4,400 lbs
(1 950 kg) Rear
5,200 lbs
(2 360 kg)
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 8,900 lbs
(4 036 kg)
L2 136 in
(3 450 mm)Front
4,400 lbs
(2 000 kg) Rear
5,000 lbs
(2 270 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg) Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L4 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,500 lbs
(2 040 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 269

Engine/
TransmissionVersions GVW
(Gross
Vehicle
Weight) WB
(wheel base) Max.
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight
Rating) GCWR
(Gross
Combined Weight
Rating) Frontal
Area Max. GTW
(Gross
Trailer
Weight) Max. Tongue
Weight
3.6L/
Automatic All 9,350 lbs
(4 241 kg)
L4 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,350 lbs
(1 970 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg) 11,500 lbs
(5 216 kg) H1
45.3 sq ft
(4.2 sq m) H2
51.7 sq ft
(4.8 sq m) 5,100 lbs
(2 313 kg) 220 lbs (100 kg)
Va n
510 lbs (231 kg) Chassis Cab/ Cut Away
L5 159 in
(4 035 mm)Front
4,350 lbs
(1 970 kg) Rear
5,300 lbs
(2 400 kg)
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear 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 a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce the potential for automatic transmission over-
heating, activate the “TOW/HAUL” feature when driv-
ing in hilly areas, or select a lower gear range (using the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control) on more
severe grades.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF the Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
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STARTING AND OPERATING 279

Recreational Towing — Automatic Transmission
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a
tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, followingthe dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmis- sion in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, follow- ing the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drive-
train will result.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ...........308
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............309
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................310
▫ Battery Location ..................... .313
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............314
 SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................315
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........316
▫ Automatic Transmission ................317
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES