check engine Ram ProMaster 2018 Owner's Guide

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
This means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer
tow, and extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is
considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 227

Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment
and should be checked at regular intervals. Fill the reser-
voir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator anti-
freeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to flush
out any residual water.The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Mopar All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning
action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging,
and is not harmful to paint or trim.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 233

NOTE:Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
maintenance interval if applicable.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the ve-
hicle with the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) removed. Failure to do so can result in serious
personal injury.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. Mopar engine air cleaner
filters are a high quality filter and are recommended.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
•
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants ap-
proved by the manufacturer for your air conditioning
system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flam-
mable and can explode, injuring you. Other unap-
proved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the sys-
tem to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Warranty Information Book, for further warranty
information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant un-
der high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condition-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 237

WARNING!(Continued)
•You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS-12106) only by an authorized
dealer. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the face
of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE: 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 your local autho-
rized dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains visible
sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and flush with
OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the
proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-
tions” for further information.
CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT) en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine dam-
age and may decrease corrosion protection. Organic
(Continued)
242 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (anti-
freeze) 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 prop-
erly. 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 a local autho-
rized dealer.
• Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is not recom-
mended and can result in cooling system damage. If
HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency,
have a authorized dealer drain, flush, and refill with
OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) as soon as pos-
sible.Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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.
WARNING!
• Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is over-
heated. 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 speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
244 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based coolant in open contain-
ers 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.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers 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 (anti-
freeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle. •
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 245

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............243
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .233
Additives, Fuel ........................... .282
AirBag..................................112 Air Bag Operation ........................114
Air Bag Warning Light .....................111
Enhanced Accident Response ................222
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................223
If A Deployment Occurs ....................119
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............122
Side Air Bags ...........................115
Transporting Pets ....................... .130
Air Bag Light ....................... .74, 111, 131
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .122
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......236
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................237
Air Conditioning Filter ....................52, 238
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............51, 53
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............237, 238
Air Conditioning System .....................237
Air Filter ............................... .236
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .259
Alarm (Security Alarm) .......................21
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................21
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
................242, 286
Disposal .............................. .244
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................88
Anti-Lock Warning Light ......................80
Assist, Hill Start ............................94
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .290
Auto Down Power Windows ...................54
Automatic Door Locks ........................23
Automatic Transaxle .........................18
Automatic Transmission ..................140, 248
Adding Fluid .......................... .248
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................248
Fluid Change .......................... .248
Fluid Level Check .................... .247, 248
Fluid

Type ......................... .247, 288
Special Additives ........................ .247
Battery .............................. .75, 233
Charging System Light .....................75
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................17
Belts, Seat ............................... .131
Body Builders Guide ..........................6
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................239
B-Pillar Location .......................... .254
Brake Assist System .........................90
322 INDEX

Brake Control System, Electronic................89
Brake Fluid .......................... .246, 288
Brake, Parking ............................ .139
Brake System ......................... .246, 280
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..........................88
Fluid Check ........................... .246
Master Cylinder ........................ .246
Parking .............................. .139
Warning Light ...........................76
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................142
Bulb Replacement ......................... .179
Bulbs, Light .......................... .133, 179
Camera, Rear ............................ .157
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .286
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................. .159
Oil (Engine) ........................... .232
Power Steering ......................... .150
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................244
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................131, 285
Cargo Area Features .........................57
Cargo Compartment .........................57
Cargo Light ...............................42
Car Washes .............................. .273Cellular Phone
........................... .306
Certification Label ......................... .161
Changing A Flat Tire .....................195, 248
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .250
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) ....84
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............130
Checks, Safety ............................ .130
Child Restraint ........................... .123
Child Restraints Booster Seats ........................... .126
Child Restraints ........................ .123
Child Seat Installation .....................129
Infants And Child Restraints ................125
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........126
Clean

Air Gasoline ........................ .282
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .267
Climate Control ............................45
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .137
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ................314
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .265
Contract, Service .......................... .318
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............244
Cooling System ........................... .241
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................243
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INDEX 323

Compartment.......................... .232
Compartment Identification .................232
Coolant (Antifreeze) ...................242, 286
Cooling .............................. .241
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................131, 285
Fails To Start ........................... .137
Flooded, Starting ........................ .137
Fuel Requirements ....................282, 286
Jump Starting .......................... .214
Oil .............................. .235, 286
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .232
Oil Filter .............................. .236
Oil Selection ........................ .235, 286
Oil Synthetic ........................... .236
Overheating ........................... .218
Starting .............................. .137
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .235
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................235
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............222
Entry System, Illuminated .....................44
Ethanol ................................. .283
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................131, 285
Exhaust System ....................... .131, 240
Exterior Lighting ............................39 Exterior Lights
......................... .38, 133
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .236
Air Conditioning ..................... .52, 238
Engine Oil ......................... .236, 286
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .236
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .179
Turn Signal ......................... .82, 133
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .137
Fluid Capacities ........................... .286
Fluid Leaks .............................. .134
Fluid Level Checks Automatic
Transmission ....................248
Brake ................................ .246
Cooling System ......................... .242
Power Steering ......................... .150
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .286
Fog Lights ................................40
Folding Rear Seat ...........................23
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................179
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .219
Fuel ................................... .282
Additives ............................. .282
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INDEX 325

Immobilizer (Sentry Key)......................20
Inside Rearview Mirror .......................34
Instrument Cluster ....................... .66, 82
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ................275
Interior And Instrument Lights ..................41
Interior Appearance Care .....................274
Interior Lights ..............................41
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ...............44
Introduction ................................4
Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions ...........200
Jack Operation ........................ .195, 248
Jump Starting ............................ .214
Key Fob Programming Additional Key Fobs .............18
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) .....17
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) ......18
Key-In Reminder ............................20
Key, Replacement ...........................20
Keys ....................................16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ......................20
Lane Change Assist ..........................41
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................ .102Latches
................................. .134
Hood ..................................56
Lead Free Gasoline ........................ .282
Leaks, Fluid ............................. .134
Life Of Tires ............................. .262
Light Bulbs .......................... .133, 179
Lights .................................. .133
AirBag ..........................74, 111, 131
Brake Assist Warning ......................92
Brake Warning ...........................76
Bulb Replacement ....................... .179
Cruise .................................82
Daytime Running .........................39
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................38, 39
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .......92
Engine Temperature Warning .................76
Exterior .............................. .133
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................179
Headlights ..............................39
High Beam ..............................39
Illuminated Entry .........................44
Interior ................................

41
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...........80
Park ............................... .40, 82
Passing ................................40
12
INDEX 327