towing Ram ProMaster 2016 Owner's Guide

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 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 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.
304 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
NOTE: When recreationally towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact
state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 305

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with diesel engine and
electric park brake, see important information in the
Diesel Supplement.
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, following the 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, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires tow-
ing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF the
ground.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............344
 SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................346
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........347
▫ Automatic Transmission ................349
308 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF theGround ALL Models
Flat Tow NONE If transmission is operable:
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift or Dolly
To w Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 347

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with diesel engine and
electric park brake, see important information in the
Diesel Supplement. If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, see “Shift Lever Override” in this section for
instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out of
PARK for towing.
CAUTION!
•
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
348 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheelsOFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmis-
sion is operable, this vehicle may be towed (with front
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), tow with the front wheels OFFthe ground
(using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift equipment with the
front wheels raised).
CAUTION!
• Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with front wheels on the ground
can cause severe transmission damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 349

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
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 specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Customer Assistance...................... .419
Customer Programmable Features .............190
Data Recorder, Event .......................53
Dealer Service ........................... .357
Defroster, Windshield ....................66, 207
Diagnostic System, Onboard .................354
Dimmer Control ...........................93
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ...................95
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................379
Oil (Engine) .......................... .358
Power Steering ........................ .238
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................347
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................374
Door Ajar .............................. .136
Door Ajar Light ......................... .136
Door Locks ..............................20 Door Locks, Automatic
......................22
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .235
Electric Remote Mirrors ......................73
Electronic Brake Control System ...............241
Brake Assist System .....................244
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........102
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............244
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ........137
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Exit Trip ............................. .166
NewTrip ............................ .166
Start Of Trip Procedure ...................166
Trip Computer ........................ .166
Trip Functions ........................ .167
Emergency, In Case Of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................344
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INDEX 433