check engine Ram ProMaster 2015 Diesel Supplement

spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the A/C condenser (if equipped) or the back of the
radiator core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection at the
coolant recovery bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire
system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
engine coolant (antifreeze) from the radiator drain cock.
The radiator drain cock is located in the lower radiator
tank. If the cap is sealing properly, the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will begin to drain from the coolant expan-
sion bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT PRES-
SURE CAP WHEN THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System — Drain Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
98 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that the engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
expansion bottle.
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
overheated. 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
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 101

engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers 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.
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 nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
• 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.
102 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 emis-
sions.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service, or immedi-
ately if the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates
system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent plastic
reservoir. On the outboard side of the reservoir, there is a
“MAX” mark and a “MIN” mark. The fluid level must be
kept within these two marks. Do not add fluid above the
full mark because leakage may occur at the cap. With disc brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as
the brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
6
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 103

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
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 accident.
•
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 an accident.
Automated Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Levels
To check the gear oil and check/replace the hydraulic
clutch operating system fluid, contact only your autho-
rized dealer.
NOTE: Do not add or use leak detection dye in the
hydraulic clutch operating system fluid.
WARNING!
Used gear oil contains substances that are hazardous
for the environment. It is advisable to have oil
changed by your authorized dealer where used oil
will be disposed of according to the law.
104 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — DIESEL ENGINE
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 clus-
ter. 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 otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 18,500 miles (29,773 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
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
112 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
10,000
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: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
16,000
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
Check Transmission Actuation
System Oil and Hydraulic
Clutch Operating Oil XX X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace fuel filter and drain
water from fuel. XX X X X
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace cabin/air conditioning
filter. XXX X X X X
Replace Brake Fluid every two
years. XXX X X X X
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 115

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............99
Adding Fuel ..............................66
Air bag Light .............................17
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) .....92
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...............98, 105
Disposal ............................. .101
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................17
Automated Manual Transmission Fluid Type ........................... .109
Battery .................................96
Brake Fluid ............................ .109
Brake System ........................... .103
Fluid Check .......................... .103
Master Cylinder ....................... .103
Warning Light ..........................17
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .105Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine) ............................91
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................101
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . . .17
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ...........101
Cooling System ...........................97
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ................99
Coolant Capacity ...................... .105
Coolant Level ...........................97
Disposal of Used Coolant .................101
Drain, Flush, and Refill ....................98
Points to Remember .....................102
Pressure Cap ......................... .101
Radiator Cap ......................... .101
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......98, 105, 106
Cruise Light ..............................17
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) ..................106
Diesel Fuel .......................... .60, 106
122 INDEX

Diesel Fuel Requirements.................60, 106
Bulk Storage of .........................67
Diesel Fuel System, Re-Priming ................94
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................101
Draining Fuel/Water Separator Filter ............93
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........12
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......30
Engine ..................................88
Air Cleaner ............................92
Block Heater ...........................45
Break-In Recommendations ..................8
Compartment ...........................88
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................106
Fuel Requirements ..................... .105
Identification ...........................88
Idling ................................43
Oil........................... .90, 105, 106Oil Filler Cap
...........................91
Oil Selection .......................... .105
Filters Air Cleaner ............................92
Engine Fuel ............................93
Engine Oil ......................... .92, 106
Engine Oil Disposal ......................92
Flashers Turn Signal ............................17
Fluid Capacities ......................... .105
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................... .103
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........106
Fog Lights ...............................17
Fuel ................................ .60, 66
Adding ...............................66
Diesel ......................... .60, 66, 106
Filter ............................ .93, 106
8
INDEX 123

Gauge................................17
Light .................................17
Requirements ...................... .60, 105
Specifications ...........................62
Tank Capacity ......................... .105
Gauges Fuel .................................17
Odometer .............................17
Speedometer ...........................17
Tachometer ............................17
Gear Ranges ..............................48
General Maintenance .......................17
Gross Axle Weight Rating ....................73
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ..................72
Hitches Trailer Towing ..........................76 Information Center, Vehicle
...................30
Instrument Cluster ...................... .16, 17
Intervention Regeneration Strategy ..............96
Lights Airbag ................................17
Anti-Lock .............................17
Brake Warning ..........................17
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) ..........17
Cruise ................................17
Engine Temperature Warning ................17
Fog ..................................17
High Beam ............................17
High Beam Indicator ......................17
Instrument Cluster .......................17
Low Fuel ..............................17
Oil Pressure ............................17
Seat Belt Reminder .......................17
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .............17
124 INDEX