overheating Ram ProMaster 2017 Owner's Manual

Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
NOTE:
As the coolant temperature gauge approaches
H,a Red Dot lamp located to the left of the “H”
will illuminate and a single chime will sound. Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass H.In this case, a continuous chime will sound until the engine is allowed to cool
or the 4 minute duration is expired, whichever comes first.
Brake Warning Light
Red Telltale Light What It Means
United States
Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107

NOTE:
•If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side glass,
select Defrost mode and increase blower speed if
needed.
• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than
expected, check the front of the A/C condenser (located
in front of the radiator), for an accumulation of dirt or
insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from the front of
the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation
When outside air contains smoke, odors, or high humidity,
or if rapid cooling is desired, you may wish to recirculate
interior air by pressing the Recirculation control button.
The recirculation indicator will illuminate when this button
is selected. Press the button a second time to turn off the
Recirculation mode and allow outside air into the vehicle. NOTE:
In cold weather, use of recirculation mode may lead
to excessive window fogging. The recirculation feature
may be unavailable (button on the touchscreen greyed out)
if conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield. On systems with Manual Climate Controls,
the Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost mode to
improve window clearing operation. Recirculation will be
disabled automatically if this mode is selected. Attempting
to use Recirculation while in this mode will cause the LED
in the control button to blink and then turn off.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to protect against engine overheating. A
solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology) cool-
ant that meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032 and 50% water is recommended. Refer to “Main-
tenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
proper coolant selection.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 163

NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector 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 con-
trolled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector 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.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
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 transmission
will automatically downshift (for engine braking) 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 automatically
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 185

•Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result
in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure. Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
•
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel below the climate controls.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic
of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to turn off
the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down. •
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase the engine idle speed
while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
WARNING!
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
242 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and
REVERSE , while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the
least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will main-
tain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels or
racing the engine.NOTE:
Vehicles with diesel engine (automated manual
transmission) cannot be rocked in this manner, because the
transmission will not allow shifts between forward and
REVERSE gears while the wheels are turning.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode, before
rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion. Once the vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Off
switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
Battery Location
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 271

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck. And do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the following
procedure to temporarily move the gear selector:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the gear selector override access cover which is located
below the gear selector.
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Insert the screwdriver or similar tool into the access port, and push and hold the override release lever
forward.
6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the gear selector override access cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!(Continued)
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded
fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions control device
and may seriously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control sys-
tems 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 specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
• 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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285

Flooded, Starting........................ .176
Fuel Requirements ....................223, 315
Jump Starting .......................... .267
Oil ........................... .281, 315, 316
Oil Filter .............................. .283
Oil Selection ........................ .282, 315
Oil Synthetic ........................... .283
Overheating ........................... .242
Starting .............................. .176
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .282
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................282
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............274
Entry System, Illuminated .....................14
Ethanol ................................. .224
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................50, 226
Exhaust System ........................ .50, 284
Exterior Lighting ............................74
Exterior Lights .............................53
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .284
Air Conditioning .....................164, 287
Engine Oil ......................... .283, 316
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .283Flashers
Hazard Warning ........................ .242
Turn Signal ......................... .53, 118
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .176
Fluid Capacities ........................... .315
Fluid Leaks ...............................53
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ....................296
Brake ................................ .294
Cooling System ......................... .290
Power Steering ......................... .189
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ............316
Fog Lights ................................76
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................242
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .271
Fuel ................................... .223
Adding .............................. .227
Additives ............................. .225
Clean

Air ............................. .223
Ethanol .............................. .224
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .227
Gasoline .............................. .223
Materials Added ........................ .225
Methanol ............................. .224
Octane Rating ....................... .223, 316
Requirements ....................... .223, 315
10
INDEX 337

Maintenance Procedures..................... .281
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .320
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .....115,279
Manual, Service ........................... .330
Methanol ............................... .224
Mirrors ..................................58
Electric Remote ...........................59
Exterior Folding ..........................58
Heated .................................59
Outside ................................58
Rearview ...............................58
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................219
MOPAR Parts ......................... .280, 329
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .224
Multi-Function Control Lever ...................74
New Vehicle Break-In Period ...................49
Occupant Restraints .........................20
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................223
Oil Change Indicator ....................... .124
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...................124
Oil, Engine ........................... .281, 316
Capacity .............................. .315Change Interval
........................ .282
Checking ............................. .281
Disposal .............................. .283
Filter ............................. .283, 316
Filter Disposal .......................... .283
Identification Logo ...................... .282
Materials Added To ...................... .283
Pressure Warning Light ....................109
Recommendation .....................282, 315
Synthetic ............................. .283
Viscosity .......................... .282, 315
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .283
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .283
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .109
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................278
Operator

Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................58
Overhead Console ...........................91
Overheating, Engine ....................... .242
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) ...........4,330
Paint Care ............................... .297
Parking Brake ............................ .189
ParkSense System, Rear .......................85
Passing Light ..............................76
340 INDEX