service Ram ProMaster 2016 Diesel Supplement

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
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Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the
brake system is not functioning and service is required. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
40 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

EVIC — Displays
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Messages
•“DPF cleaning: safely keep the vehicle moving” message
on the EVIC + Engine emission filter lamp lighted solid
indicates that the exhaust particulate filter loading is
above the specified range and a regeneration is required.
• Safely Drive at Highway Speeds to Remedy (the
procedure lasts roughly 15 minutes at speed of about
40 mph (60 km/h) and with engine speed above
approximately 2000 rpm).
• When the exaust filter is overloaded, the MIL lamp
will turn on and the “Service engine” message will
display in the EVIC, ETC lamp blinks and the PCM
limits the engine power to limit the likelihood of
permanent damage to the after-treatment system. To
correct this condition, it will be necessary to have your
vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
See your authorized dealer, as damage to the exhaust
system could occur soon with continued operation.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Messages
•First low level warning will be given at around 500 miles,
which is determined by current consumption rate. DEF
Low level lamp icon and display message for refill will be
displayed at dashboard. DEF Low level Lamp will stay on
until a DEF refill is detected (minimum 1 gallon).
• To correct, this condition it will be necessary to fully
refill the DEF tank.
•
If refill is not performed, a second low level warning will
be given about 200 miles are left to empty the DEF Tank.
• Display message of speed limitation with DEF Low
Level lamp will be there on dashboard.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 49

•The driver will be informed about the speed restriction
also when about 150 and 125 miles are left to empty the
DEF Tank.
• When 100 miles are left to empty, the DEF Tank, a
continuous message display with chimes will be there
on dashboard.
•
When count down is over (0 mile left), continuous
message Speed limited at refuel or next engine start is
shown on EVIC. In this case, if an engine restart or a
diesel refuel action in engine-on condition is performed,
vehicle’s speed will be limited to 5 mph and continuous
message Speed limited DEF low is shown on EVIC.
• The restriction becomes inactive as soon as the DEF
refill event is detected (minimum quantity to be added
is 1 gallon).
Transmission Messages
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Messages” under “Automated
Manual Transmission” in “Starting And Operating” for
detailed information on transmission warning messages.
• Gear unavailable
• Shift not allowed
• Manual unavailable
• Automatic unavailable
• Reduce gear changes
• Press brake and try again
• Transmission temperature high
• Press brake pedal
• Press brake pedal startup delayed
• Shift to neutral
• Tow/Haul ON
• Service transmission
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, both inside
and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
The starter is allowed to crank for up to 10-second
intervals. Waiting a few minutes between such intervals
will protect the starter from overheating.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
NOTE: Engine start up in very low ambient temperature
could result in evident white smoke. This condition will
disappear as the engine warms up.
CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on and a
“Service Fuel Filter” message displays, DO NOT
START engine before you drain the water from the
fuel filter housing to avoid engine damage. Please
see your authorized dealer for draining the fuel
filter/water separator and fuel filter replacement.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 53

Normal Starting Procedure
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL (N) position,
and the brake pedal must be pressed, to allow engine
cranking. Place the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N) and
apply the brake pedal BEFORE turning the key to the
START/AVV position; otherwise, the engine will not
crank and the key must be cycled OFF, then back on,
before cranking is allowed.
Observe the instrument panel cluster lights when starting
the engine.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Place the shift lever into the NEUTRAL (N) position while keeping the brake pedal depressed. 3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN/MAR posi-
tion and watch the instrument panel cluster lights.
CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on and a
“Service Fuel Filter” message displays, DO NOT
START engine before you drain the water from the
fuel filter housing to avoid engine damage. Please
see your authorized dealer for draining the fuel
filter/water separator and fuel filter replacement.
4. After the Glow Plug light turns off, turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) position to start the engine.
Do not press the accelerator during starting.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, release the ignition key so that it
turns back to the ON/RUN position.
54 STARTING AND OPERATING

Do Not Operate The Engine With Failed Parts
All engine failures give some warning before the parts
fail. Be on the alert for changes in performance, sounds,
and visual evidence that the engine requires service.
Some important clues are:
•Engine misfiring or vibrating severely.
• Sudden loss of power.
• Unusual engine noises.
• Fuel, oil or coolant leaks.
• Sudden change, outside the normal operating range, in
the engine operating temperature.
• Excessive smoke.
• Oil pressure drop.
ENGINE BLOCK/TRANSMISSION HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED
To ensure reliable starting/operating at these tempera-
tures, use of an externally powered electric engine block/
transmission heater (available from your authorized
dealer) is recommended.
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. The transmission
heaters warm gearbox oil and hydraulic actuation system
oil to operate in cold weather. Connect the heater cord to
a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt AC
electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
Its use is recommended for environments that routinely
fall below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the
vehicle has not been running overnight or longer periods
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STARTING AND OPERATING 61

Instrument Cluster Messages
Messages will be displayed in the instrument cluster to
alert the driver when certain unusual conditions occur.
These messages are described below.
MESSAGEDESCRIPTION
Service Transmission When the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN/MAR, the Transmis-
sion Fault Indicator light turns on and should go off after a few sec- onds.
The Transmission Fault Indicator illuminates either steady or blinking (together with this message and a buzzer) to indicate a transmission fault.
Contact your authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
Reduce Gear Changes This message indicates that the driver is operating the transmission
incorrectly.
Incorrect use (by the driver) could automatically activate a procedure for protecting the system.
Contact you authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
72 STARTING AND OPERATING

For most year-round service, No. 2 diesel fuel meeting
ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for
Testing and Materials) specification D-975 Grade S15 will
provide good performance.
If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 20°F or
-7°C), or is required to operate at colder-than-normal
conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2
diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1
diesel fuel. This will provide better protection from fuel
gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filter.
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel blending
agent. They can be unstable under certain conditions
and hazardous or explosive when mixed with diesel
fuel.Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water. If water is
detected in the water separator while the engine is
running or while the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position, the “Generic Warning Light” will illuminate
and the specific message, “Service Fuel Filter” will ap-
pear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
If this occurs you should stop the engine and drain the
water from the filter housing.
NOTE:
Please see your authorized dealer for draining the
fuel/water separator and fuel filter replacement.
Purchasing good quality fuel and by following the cold
weather advice above, fuel conditioners should not be
required in your vehicle.
NOTE: If available in your area, a high cetane “pre-
mium” diesel fuel may offer improved cold-starting and
warm-up performance.
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