engine coolant Ram ProMaster 2018 User Guide

NOTE:
• If fog or mist appears on the windshield orside glass, select Defrost mode and in-
crease 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 ra-
diator), for an accumulation of dirt or in-
sects. 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. 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
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to pro-
vide proper corrosion protection and to pro-
tect against engine overheating. A solution of
50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology) cool-
ant that meets the requirements of FCA Ma-
terial Standard MS.90032 and 50% water is
recommended. Refer to “Dealer Service” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for proper
coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during
winter months is not recommended because
it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out
of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or
more, run the air conditioning system at idle
for about five minutes in the fresh air and
high blower setting. This will ensure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the
system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be
quickly removed by turning the mode selector
to Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode can be
used to maintain a clear windshield and pro-
vide sufficient heating. If side window fog-
ging becomes a problem increase blower
speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the
inside in mild but rainy or humid weather.
23

— Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine
condition. If the engine coolant temperature
is too high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound.
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 nor-
mal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Over-
heats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when this light
turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
— Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the ON/
RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, if the driver’s
seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound
and the light will turn on. When driving, if the
driver or front passenger seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will
flash or remain on continuously and a chime
will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints
Systems” in “Safety” for further information.
— Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with a
message in the instrument cluster display
and a buzzer) to indicate a transmission
fault. Contact your authorized dealer if the
message remains after restarting the engine.
For vehicles with a diesel engine, see "Instru-
ment Cluster Messages" in "Automated
Manual Transmission" for additional informa-
tion.
— Transmission Temperature Warning
Light — If Equipped
This light indicates high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with strenuous
usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle
or slightly faster, with the transmission in
PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off.
Once the light turns off, you may continue to
drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause
a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
36

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

Driving
Condition LoadTurbo-
charger
Tempera- ture Idle Time
(min.)
Before
Engine
Shutdown
Stop and Go Empty Cool Less than
One
Stop and Go Medium
One
Highway Speeds Medium Warm Two
City Traf- fic Maximum
GCWR Three
Highway Speeds Maximum
GCWR Four
Uphill Grade Maximum
GCWR Hot Five
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
— GASOLINE ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle)
in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
within the limits of local traffic laws contrib-
utes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided.
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. For
the recommended viscosity and quality
grades, refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during
its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of
operation. This should be considered a nor-
mal part of the break-in and not interpreted
as a problem. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the
break in period. Add oil as required.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
– DIESEL ENGINE
The diesel engine does not require a break-in
period due to its construction. Normal opera-
tion is allowed, providing the following rec-
ommendations are followed:
• Warm up the engine before placing it under
load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for pro- longed periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and tempera- ture indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
77

3. Disconnect the positive end(+)of the
jumper cable from the positive (+)post of
the booster battery.
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the posi- tive (+)jumper cable from the remote
positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
5. Close the cover of the Front Power Distri- bution Center.
If frequent jump starting is required to start
your vehicle you should have the battery and
charging system inspected at your authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehi-
cle’s battery, even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular devices, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough without engine
operation, the vehicle’s battery will dis-
charge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
Battery Location
There are two remote jump starting posts
under the hood which is the recommended
jump start location. If access to the battery is
needed, an access panel on the driver’s side
floor will allow for battery access.
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 in-
crease the engine idle speed while prevent-
ing 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.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
118

SCHEDULED SERVICING — GASOLINE
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 cluster. This means that ser-
vice 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. Se-
vere 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 pos-
sible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the sched-
uled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is
performed by someone other than your autho-
rized dealer, the message can be reset byreferring to the steps described under “Instru-
ment Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know
Your Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual on
www.ramtrucks.com/en/owners/
manuals for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals 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 predomi-
nately 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 reser- voir, brake master cylinder, and power
steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
124

Mileage or time passed (whichever comesfirst)
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: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
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
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, boot
seals, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake pads, replace as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. X X X X X
Replace cabin/air conditioning filter. X X X X X X X
Replace Brake Fluid every two years. * X X X X X X X
Replace spark plugs. ** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter. XX
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. X
* The brake fluid change interval is time
based only, mileage intervals do not apply.** The spark plug change interval is mile-
age based only, yearly intervals do not
apply.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
126

Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle
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 environ-
ment or is operated predominately at idle or
only very low engine RPM’s. This type of
vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE — 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 cluster. This means that ser-
vice 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. Se-
vere Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as pos-
sible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals 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 reser- voir, brake master cylinder, and power
steering, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Maintenance Plan — Diesel Fuel
Up To B5 Biodiesel
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the
following page for the required maintenance
intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By The Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before your
next scheduled service.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten ter- minals as required.
• Inspect brake pads, rotors, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
128

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
Additional Inspections
Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid
tank. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the CV joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends,
boot seals, and replace if necessary. XXX X X X X
Inspect the brake pads, replace as neces-
sary. XXX X X X X
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. X X X X X X X
Replace Brake Fluid every two years. * X X X X X X X
Replace Hydraulic Clutch Oil every two
years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) which
ever comes first. XXX X X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
129

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.6L Engine
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Engine Oil Dipstick4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
6 — Coolant Reservoir7 — Power Steering Reservoir
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
132