stop start Ram ProMaster 2018 Owner's Manual

CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on
and a “Service Fuel Filter” message dis-
plays, 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 re-
placement.
Normal Starting Procedure
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL
(N) position, and the brake pedal must be
pressed, to allow engine cranking. Place the
gear selector 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 al-
lowed.
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 press-
ing the accelerator pedal.
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Place the gear selector into the NEUTRAL
(N) position while keeping the brake pedal
depressed.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN/ MAR position and watch the instrument
panel cluster lights.CAUTION!
If the “Generic Warning Light” remains on
and a “Service Fuel Filter” message dis-
plays, 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 re-
placement.
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.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
To start the engine if the transmission is
faulty, the “Delayed startup” procedure may
be required.
NOTE:
Not all Transmission Failures requires the
“Delayed startup” Procedure, it depends on
the type of failure.(refer to "Instrument Clus-
ter Messages" under "Automated Manual
Transmission" in this section for further infor-
mation):
• Begin with the key in the OFF position.
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Turn the key to the START/AVV position and hold it there for at least seven seconds with
the brake depressed. The engine will start,
and the transmission will operate in recov-
ery mode (maximum gear permitted = 3rd,
75

automatic mode not available). If the en-
gine does not start, contact your authorized
dealer.
Extreme Cold Weather
Your vehicle may be equipped with three
heating elements; one engine block heater (a
resistance heater installed in the water jacket
of the engine) and two transmission heaters
(one resistance heater installed under the oil
reservoir of the hydraulic actuation system
and one on the differential cover of the trans-
mission). To ensure reliable starting/
operating in extreme cold temperatures, use
of an externally powered electric engine
block/transmission heater (available from
your authorized dealer) is recommended.
They require a 110–115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord. Their use is recommended for environ-
ments that routinely fall below -10°F
(-23°C). They should be used when the ve-
hicle has not been running overnight or lon-
ger periods and should be plugged in two
hours prior to start. Their use is required for
cold starts with temperatures under -17°F
(-27°C).NOTE:
The engine is designed to work at an ambient
temperature ranging from -22°F to + 122°F
(-30°C to + 50C°). Rubber, pipes, timing belt
cover and electronic devices are not designed
to work out of this range.
In the case of LOW temperature after Start-
ing, the Automated Manual Transmission
may not be able to engage first gear. In this
case a message "Shift not allowed" appears.
In this situation use the engine block heater.
NOTE:
The engine and transmission block heater
cord is a factory installed option. If your
vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are
available from your authorized Mopar dealer.
• A 12 Volt heater built into the fuel filter
housing aids in preventing fuel gelling. It is
controlled by a built-in thermostat.
• A Diesel Pre-Heat system both improves engine starting and reduces the amount of
white smoke generated by a warming
engine.
NORMAL OPERATION
Observe the following when the diesel engine
is operating.
• All message center lights are off.
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is off.
• Generic Warning Light is off.
• Engine Oil Pressure telltale is notilluminated.
Stopping The Diesel Engine
Idle the engine a few minutes before routine
shutdown. After full load operation, idle the
engine three to five minutes before shutting it
down. This idle period will allow the lubricat-
ing oil and coolant to carry excess heat away
from the combustion chamber, bearings, in-
ternal components, and turbocharger. This is
especially important for turbocharged diesel
engines.
NOTE:
Refer to the following chart for proper engine
shutdown.STARTING AND OPERATING
76

• Vary accelerator pedal position at highwayspeeds when carrying or towing significant
weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer
towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency.
Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
factory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consis-
tent with anticipated climate conditions un-
der which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades
are shown under “Fluids And Lubricants” in
the “Technical Specifications” chapter in
this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER
BE USED.ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE (EPB) —
DIESEL ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric
Park Brake System (EPB) that offers simple
operation, and some additional features that
make the park brake more convenient and
useful.
The park brake is primarily intended to pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling while parked.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that
the park brake is applied.
You can engage the park brake in two ways;
• Manually, by applying the park brake switch.
• Automatically, by the Auto Park Brake fea- ture whenever the vehicle speed is below
1.25 mph (2 km/h) and the ignition switch
is in the STOP/OFF position.
The park brake switch is located on the in-
strument panel to the right of the instrument
cluster. To apply the parking brake manually, pull and
tilt the top of the switch away from the
instrument panel momentarily. You may hear
a mechanical sound while the parking brake
operates; this is normal operating noise.
Once the parking brake is fully engaged, the
BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter and an indicator on the switch will illumi-
nate. The park brake can be applied even
Electric Park Brake SwitchSTARTING AND OPERATING
78

prevent the Electronic Park Brake system
from working properly and result in unin-
tended vehicle movement.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always removethe key fob from the ignition and lock
your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, or in a location accessible to
children, and do not leave a vehicle
equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls,
or move the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
WARNING!
• Always fully apply the parking brakewhen leaving your vehicle, or it may roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains
on with the parking brake released, a brake
system malfunction is indicated. Have the
brake system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
If exceptional circumstances should make it
necessary to engage the park brake while the
vehicle is in motion, a buzzer repeats until
the park brake switch is released or vehicle
speed is below 1.25 mph (2 km/h).
To disengage the park brake while the vehicle
is in motion, release the switch. If the vehicle
is brought to a complete stop using the park
brake, when the vehicle reaches approxi-
mately 1.25 mph (2 km/h) the parking brake
will remain engaged.
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake
engaged, or repeated use of the parking
brake to slow the vehicle may cause seri-
ous damage to the brake system. Be sure
the parking brake is fully disengaged be-
fore driving; failure to do so can lead to
brake failure and a collision.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the
Electric Park Brake system, a yellow triangle
EPB fault lamp will illuminate. In this status
some EPB functionality may be deactivated,
in this event, urgent service of the electric
park brake system is required. Do not rely on
the parking brake to hold the vehicle station-
ary, wheel chocks or other mechanical secur-
ing of the vehicle is required to prevent roll-
ing.
Loss Of Electric Power
If electric power is not available and the EPB
must be released for towing the vehicle, the
EPB can be mechanically released by use of
STARTING AND OPERATING
80

Only shift into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R)
when the accelerator pedal is released and
the vehicle is stopped. It is necessary to keep
your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from NEUTRAL into another gear
range.NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait to allow
the selected gear to engage before accelerat-
ing. This is especially important when the
engine is cold.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle back-
ward. Shift into REVERSE only after the ve-
hicle has come to a complete stop.
To engage REVERSE (R):
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Move the gear selector to the REVERSE (R)
position.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, REVERSE engage-
ment will only occur if the vehicle speed is
less than 2 mph (3 km/h). Otherwise, a chime
will sound, a "Shift not allowed" message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster dis-
play, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL,
and the REVERSE request must then be
repeated by returning the lever to NEUTRAL
then back into REVERSE once the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. • Release the brake pedal and gently press
the accelerator pedal.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing
for prolonged periods with the engine run-
ning. The engine can only be started in this
range. Apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into gear, and turn the engine
OFF if you must exit vehicle.
With the engine running, you may shift to
NEUTRAL (N) at any time if the accelerator
pedal is released. Attempting to shift to NEU-
TRAL when the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed will display a "Shift not allowed"
message in the instrument cluster display,
and will activate a continuous chime until the
gear selector is returned to its previous posi-
tion.
DRIVE (D) (Automatic Mode)
This range may be used for both city and
highway driving. The transmission will shift
gears automatically, based on vehicle speed,
engine RPM and accelerator pedal position.
There are some instances where this mode
may be necessary (climbing slippery slopes).
Gear SelectorSTARTING AND OPERATING
82

NOTE:
Do not press the brake and accelerator pedals
at the same time. Use only one foot to operate
the brake and accelerator.
To operate in DRIVE (D) (Automatic mode):
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Move the gear selector to the DRIVE (D)position.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, DRIVE engagement
will only occur if the vehicle speed is less
than 2 mph (3 km/h). Otherwise, a chime will
sound, the transmission will shift to NEU-
TRAL, and the DRIVE request must then be
repeated by returning the lever to NEUTRAL
and then back into DRIVE once the speed has
been sufficiently reduced.
• To drive, release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal.
When in DRIVE (D) the transmission will shift
gears automatically. The Automated Manual
Transmission uses a geartrain and clutch
similar to other manual transmissions. There- fore, you should become familiar with some
of the normal operational characteristics of
the Automated Manual Transmission:
• Engine torque will be interrupted briefly
during the transmission upshifts, making
these shifts more abrupt than with a typical
automatic transmission. This is normal.
• Although transmission shifting is per- formed automatically, the vehicle will not
"creep" when the brake pedal is released,
and may in fact roll down on an incline.
Leaving from a stop, the accelerator pedal
must be pressed to transmit driving torque
to the wheels.
• In Automatic Mode, the Automated Manual Transmission adapts the gear changing
strategy evaluating the road condition such
as slopes in the road.
• During low-speed driving conditions in first gear, vehicle momentum changes may feel
exaggerated in response to changes in ac-
celerator pedal position. This behavior is
normal and is similar to other vehicles
equipped with manual transmissions. • At low speeds you may hear mechanical
noises similar to a manual transmission as
the transmission changes gears. These
noises are normal and will not damage the
transmission.
• Very aggressive driving may result in some clutch odor. A warning message will display
in the instrument cluster display if cool
down actions are needed.
• Before and after the engine is started, you may hear a hydraulic pump for a short
period of time. This noise is normal and will
not damage the transmission.
During extremely cold temperatures, the
transmission will not operate if the oil tem-
perature is -22°F (-30°C) or below. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.
When transmission actuation oil temperature
is lower than -22°F (-30°C), engine start will
not be allowed. For this reason the block
heater is recommended below -17°F (-27°C).
83

Manual (M) (Manual Mode)
In the MANUAL (M) position the driver is
responsible for choosing the best gear ratio to
engage, depending on driving conditions.
NOTE:
Do not press the brake and accelerator pedals
at the same time. Use only one foot to operate
the brake and accelerator.
To operate in MANUAL (M) mode:
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Move the gear selector to the MANUAL (M)position. The current gear will be displayed
in the instrument cluster.
• To drive, release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal.
• Tap the gear selector towards the (+) to engage a higher gear.
• Tap the gear selector towards the (–) posi- tion to engage a lower gear.
• The accelerator pedal need not be released during gear changes in MANUAL mode. • You can shift between DRIVE (D) and
MANUAL (M) positions at any speed, with-
out taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
• The system will shift down through the gears automatically (to prevent engine lug-
ging) during closed-throttle decelerations.
• The transmission will automatically down- shift to first gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle
is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear. Tap (+) (at a stop) to select
second gear. Starting out in second gear
may be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
• The system will ignore shift commands that would cause engine lugging or overspeed.
An audible beep will sound and a "Shift not
allowed" message will appear in the instru-
ment cluster if an inappropriate gear is
requested.
NOTE:
Avoid keeping your hand on the lever when
you are not requesting a gear shift.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, press 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 oper-
ating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission
shift calibration is modified to accommodate
steep grades in the smoothest possible man-
ner. TOW/HAUL mode is only applicable in
the DRIVE (D) position.
Parking The Vehicle
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended without fully ap-
plying the parking brake. The parking
brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
To ensure proper parking performance, it is
essential to engage MANUAL (1st) gear,
DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) gear while your
foot is on the brake pedal. Once MANUAL
STARTING AND OPERATING
84

(1st) gear, DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster display,
turn the engine off and engage the parking
brake. It is essential to wait until the gear
engaged appears in the display before turning
the engine off and releasing the brake pedal.
Always remember to apply your parking
brake.
NOTE:
NEVER leave your vehicle with the gearbox in
NEUTRAL (N) without the parking brake en-
gaged. Always remember to fully apply your
parking brake. Always remember to apply the
parking brake when the “Set Park Brake”
message is displayed.
General Warnings
• With the vehicle at a standstill and a gearengaged, keep the brake pedal pressed un-
til you decide to drive away. Then release
the brake and accelerate gradually. • When parked for long periods with the en-
gine running, it is advisable to place the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and apply
the parking brake.
• To avoid accelerated clutch wear, do not use the accelerator to keep the vehicle at a
standstill (for example, holding on a hill);
the clutch could be damaged by overheat-
ing. Use the brake pedal instead and oper-
ate the accelerator only when you are ready
to drive away.
• Only launch (from a stop) in second gear when you need more control on surfaces
with low traction.
• Only shift between DRIVE (D) and RE- VERSE (R) gears when the vehicle has
come to a stop and the brake pedal is
pressed. • Although very inadvisable, if the vehicle is
unexpectedly allowed to roll downhill with
the gearbox in NEUTRAL (N) the system
will automatically engage the gear best
suited to vehicle speed when a gear shift is
requested to allow drive to be correctly
transmitted to the wheels.
• If necessary, with the engine off, it is pos- sible to engage 1st, REVERSE (R) or NEU-
TRAL (N) with the key in ON/RUN/MAR
position and the brake pressed.
• During hill starts, accelerate immediately after releasing the parking brake or brake
pedal to allow the engine to increase its
rpm to a greater extent and overcome
higher gradients with more torque.
85

Instrument Cluster Messages
Messages will be displayed in the instrument
cluster to alert the driver when certain un-
usual conditions occur. These messages are
described below.
MESSAGEDESCRIPTION
Service Transmission When the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN/MAR, the Transmission Fault Indicator light turns on and
should go off after a few seconds.
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.
Manual Unavailable MANUAL (M) mode is not available, due to a fault or other condition. Use the DRIVE (D) position to op-
erate the vehicle.
Contact your authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
Automatic Unavailable Automatic (DRIVE) mode is not available due to a fault or other condition. Use MANUAL (M) mode to
operate the vehicle.
Contact your authorized dealer if the message continues to appear.
Transmission Temperature High This message appears, together with a buzzer, when the clutch overheats.
In this situation, limit stop and go driving and gear shifts or if necessary stop the vehicle and turn the engine off to allow the clutch to cool.
If the message continues to appear, contact your authorized dealer.
To avoid clutch malfunction, do not use the accelerator to keep the vehicle at a standstill (for example
holding on a hill); the clutch could be damaged by overheating. Use the brake pedal instead and operate the accelerator only when you are ready to drive away.
STARTING AND OPERATING
86

The DEF injection system and SCR catalyst
enable the achievement of diesel emissions
requirements; while maintaining outstanding
fuel economy, drivability, torque and power
ratings.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
system messages and warnings.
NOTE:
• Your vehicle is equipped with a DEF injec-tion system. You may occasionally hear an
audible clicking noise from under the ve-
hicle at a stop. This is normal operation.
• The DEF pump will run for a period of time after engine shutdown to purge the DEF
system. This is normal operation and may
be audible from under the vehicle.
Adding Diesel Exhaust Fluid
NOTE:
Driving conditions (altitude, vehicle speed,
load, etc.) will effect the amount of DEF that
is used by your vehicle.
DEF Fill Procedure
NOTE:
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for the correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
It is extremely important to avoid any con-
tamination of the diesel fuel with Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Ensure that the die-
sel fuel filler cap is in place and com-
pletely tightened before opening or filling
the DEF.
1. Remove cap from DEF filler neck (located on drivers side of the vehicle in the fuel
door).
2. Insert DEF fill adapter/nozzle into DEF tank filler neck.
CAUTION!
•To avoid DEF spillage, and possible dam-
age to the DEF tank from overfilling, do
not “top off” the DEF tank after filling.
• DO NOT OVERFILL. DEF will freeze be- low 12ºF (-11ºC). The DEF system is
designed to work in temperatures below
the DEF freezing point, however, if the
tank is overfilled and freezes, the system
could be damaged.
Fuel/DEF Fill Locations
1 — Diesel Fuel Fill Location
2 — Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Fill
Location
STARTING AND OPERATING
94