automatic transmission fluid Ram ProMaster 2015 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................200
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....200
▫ Normal Starting .......................200
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................201
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................201
▫ After Starting ........................201
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .202
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............202
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............203 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .204
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........204
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........214
▫ Acceleration ........................ .214
▫ Traction ............................214
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............215
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................215
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................215
 POWER STEERING .....................217
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............218
5

Instrument
Cluster
Display123456D
Actual
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.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, 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 trans-
mission will automatically downshift (for engine brak-
ing) 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 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, until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usu-
ally 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 transmis-
sion is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is
normal. Using the Electronic 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 213

WARNING!(Continued)
cylinder reservoir 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 pro-
longed 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.
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline Engine
Only)
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.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this
section for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain
the 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.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353

CAUTION!(Continued)
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.
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 supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with
an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission – 3.6L Gasoline Engine Only Use Only ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. Fail- ure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or
performance of your transmission. We recommend
MOPAR® ATF+4® Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 4.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting
FCA US Material Standard MS-11655.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385

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
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.
392 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Audio Systems (Radio).....................179
Auto Down Power Windows ..................23
Automatic Door Locks ......................22
Automatic Transaxle ........................11
Automatic Transmission .................202, 355
Adding Fluid .......................354, 355
Fluid And Filter Changes ..................355
Fluid Change ..........................355
Fluid Level Check .......................354
Fluid Type ........................ .353, 385
Gear Ranges .......................... .205
Special Additives .......................354
Battery .................................340
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........18
Belts, Seat ...............................65
Body Builders Guide ........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................344
B-Pillar Location ..........................237 Brake Assist System
.......................223
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............221
Brake Fluid ............................ .385
Brake, Parking .......................... .218
Brake System ........................ .220, 351
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................221
Fluid Check .......................... .352
Parking ............................. .218
Warning Light ........................ .128
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................204
Bulb Replacement ..................... .376, 378
Bulbs, Light .......................... .67, 376
Camera, Rear ............................111
Capacities, Fluid ..........................382
Caps, Filler Fuel .................................266
Power Steering ........................ .218
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................349
10
INDEX 407

Engine Oil Disposal.....................337
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................287
Turn Signal ........................ .67, 128
Flooded Engine Starting ....................201
Fluid Capacities ..........................382
Fluid Leaks ..............................68
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................354
Brake ............................... .352
Cooling System ........................ .346
Power Steering ........................ .218
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ...........383
Fog Lights ............................93, 128
Four-Way Hazard Flasher ...................287
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .....................323
Fuel .................................. .262
Adding ............................. .266
Additives ............................ .264Clean Air
............................ .262
Ethanol ............................. .263
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .....................266
Gasoline ............................. .262
Gauge ...............................128
Light ............................... .128
Materials Added ........................264
Methanol ............................ .263
Octane Rating ..................... .262, 383
Requirements .......................262, 382
Tank Capacity ..........................382
Fueling ............................... .266
Fuses ................................. .362
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .............266, 268, 330
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................262
Gasoline (Fuel) .......................... .262
Gasoline, Reformulated .....................262
10
INDEX 411

Cooling System Tips.....................282
Hitches ............................. .274
Minimum Requirements ..................276
Tips................................ .282
Trailer And Tongue Weight ................275
Wiring ...............................280
Trailer Towing Guide .......................275
Trailer Weight ............................275
Transaxle Automatic .............................11
Transmission Automatic ............................202
Fluid ............................ .353, 385
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .18
Transporting Pets ..........................61
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .251
Trip Odometer .......................... .128
Turn Signals ............................ .128Uniform Tire Quality Grades
.................403
Unleaded Gasoline ........................262
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt ................31
Upholstery Care ..........................358
Vehicle Certification Label ...................269
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) .............6
Vehicle Loading ....................239, 269, 271
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ...............7
Vehicle Storage .......................... .375
Viscosity, Engine Oil .......................336
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . .128
Warnings And Cautions ......................6
Warranty Information ..................... .400
Washer Adding Fluid ..........................345
Washing Vehicle ..........................356
Water
420 INDEX