towing Ram ProMaster 2019 Owner's Guide

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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmis-
sion overheating and failure. It can also damage the
tires. Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h)
while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground ALL Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly
To w Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equipment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is man-
datory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
220 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or
associated brackets. State and local laws regarding vehicles
under tow must be observed.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Gear Selector Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out
of PARK for towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Dam-
age to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
Automatic Transmission
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed. If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission
is operable, this vehicle may be towed (with front wheels
on the ground) under the following conditions:
•
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be
towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than 15
miles (24 km), tow with the front wheels OFFthe ground
(using a flatbed truck, or wheel lift equipment with the
front wheels raised).
CAUTION!
• Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 221

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 interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
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,
(Continued)
238 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and sparetires.Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the
load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will
not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you adhere to
the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation
pressures specified on the Tire and Loading Information
placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operat-
ing” section of this manual.
NOTE: Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, gross
axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and
trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting
And Operating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer
tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed the
weight referenced here.
Tire And Loading Information Placard
252 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750
(5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consultthis manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and there will
be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-
340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
•
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The following
table shows examples on how to calculate total load,
cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your vehicle
with varying seating configurations and number and
size of occupants. This table is for illustration purposes
only and may not be accurate for the seating and load
carry capacity of your vehicle.
• For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 253

Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall.If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the origi-
nal equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should not
be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).
For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended
safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on ice, skid and
traction capability on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded tires. Some states prohibit stud-
ded tires; therefore, local laws should be checked before
using these tire types.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead
of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with a
compact or limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in “Starting
And Operating” for restrictions when towing with a spare
tire designated for temporary emergency use.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire And
Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire and wheel
equivalent in look and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle. This spare tire may be used in the tire rotation for
your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire rotation
pattern.
262 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Compact Spare Tire........................ .263
Contract, Service .......................... .312
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) ............241
Cooling System ........................... .238
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................240
Coolant Level ....................... .239, 242
Cooling Capacity ........................ .282
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................242
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................239
Inspection ............................. .242
Points To Remember ..................... .242
Pressure Cap ........................... .241
Radiator Cap .......................... .241
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........239, 282
Corrosion Protection ....................... .269
Cruise Light ...............................82
Cupholders ........................... .60, 273
Customer Assistance ....................... .310
Customer Programmable Features ...............287
Cybersecurity ............................ .286
Dealer Service ............................ .231
Defroster, Windshield ....................... .131
Diagnostic System, Onboard ....................83
Dimmer Control Switch .......................43 Dimmer Switch
Headlight ...............................39
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ....................245
Power Steering ......................... .150
Disable Vehicle Towing ..................... .220
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) .................242
Door Ajar .................................75
Door Ajar Light ............................75
Door Locks ................................22
Automatic ..............................23
Doors ....................................22
Driver ’s Seat Back Tilt ........................23
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .175
Electrical

Power Outlets .......................60
Electric Brake Control System ...................89
Electric Remote Mirrors .......................36
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........151
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ................90
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ..........75
318 INDEX

Fluids And Lubricants...................... .282
Fog Lights ................................40
Fold-Flat Seats .............................23
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................179
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .219
Fuel ................................... .278
Additives ............................. .279
Clean Air ............................. .278
Ethanol .............................. .279
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ..................... .160
Gasoline .............................. .278
Materials Added ........................ .279
Methanol ............................. .279
Octane Rating ....................... .278, 282
Requirements ....................... .278, 282
Tank Capacity .......................... .282
Fuses .................................. .186
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .................160, 161
Gasoline, Clean Air ........................ .278
Gasoline, Reformulated ..................... .278
Gear Ranges ............................. .143
Gear Selector Override ...................... .218
General Information .........................99
Glass Cleaning ........................... .273Gross Axle Weight Rating
.................162, 164
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...............162, 163
Guide Body Builders ............................5
GVWR ................................. .162
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .175
Hazard Warning Flashers .....................179
Headlights Cleaning .............................. .270
High Beam ..............................39
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...........39
Passing ................................40
Switch .................................39
Head Restraints ............................32
Heated

Mirrors .............................38
Heated Seats ...............................29
Heater, Engine Block ....................... .138
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch ......39
Hill Start Assist .............................94
Hitches Trailer Towing .......................... .166
Hood Prop ................................55
320 INDEX

Oil, Engine........................... .232, 282
Capacity .............................. .282
Change Interval ........................ .232
Dipstick .............................. .230
Disposal .............................. .233
Filter ............................. .233, 282
Filter Disposal .......................... .233
Identification Logo ...................... .232
Materials Added To ...................... .233
Pressure Warning Light .....................77
Recommendation .....................232, 282
Synthetic ............................. .233
Viscosity .......................... .232, 282
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .233
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .233
Oil Pressure Light ...........................77
Onboard Diagnostic System ....................83
Operating Precautions ........................83
Operator Manual Owner’s Manual .......................5,314
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................34, 35
Overheating, Engine ....................... .217
Paint Care ............................... .269
Parking Brake ............................ .139ParkSense System, Rear
..................... .154
Passing Light ..............................40
Pets ................................... .129
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........251
Power Mirrors ................................36
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .............60
Steering ........................... .149, 150
Windows ...............................53
Power Steering Fluid ....................... .284
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ................108
Preparation For Jacking ...................194, 200
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .257
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .............241
Radio Frequency General
Information .................18, 21, 300
Rear Camera ............................. .158
Rear ParkSense System ..................... .154
Rearview Mirror ............................34
Recreational Towing ........................ .173
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .278
Refrigerant .............................. .235
Release, Hood ..............................55
Reminder, Seat Belt ........................ .101
12
INDEX 323

Signals, Turn.......................... .82, 133
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ....................266
Snow Tires .............................. .262
Spare Tires ........................ .262, 263, 264
Spark Plugs ............................. .282
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .................151
Starting ................................ .137
Automatic Transmission ....................137
Button .................................18
Cold Weather .......................... .137
Engine Fails To Start ..................... .137
Steering ..................................34
Column Lock ............................34
Power ............................ .149, 150
Steering Wheel Audio Controls .................298
Storage, Vehicle ........................ .51, 269
Storing Your Vehicle ....................... .269
Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag ..........112
Sway Control, Trailer .........................93
Synthetic Engine Oil ....................... .233
Telescoping Steering Column ...................34
Tire And Loading Information Placard ............251
Tire Markings ............................ .246
Tires......................... .133, 254, 262, 267Aging (Life Of Tires)
..................... .259
Air Pressure ........................... .254
Chains ............................... .266
Changing .......................... .194, 245
Compact Spare ......................... .263
General Information ...................254, 262
High Speed ............................ .257
Inflation Pressure ....................... .256
Jacking ........................... .194, 245
Life Of Tires ........................... .259
Load Capacity ...................... .251, 252
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .........77, 95
Quality Grading ........................ .267
Radial ............................... .257
Replacement ........................... .260
Rotation .............................. .267
Safety ............................ .245,

254
Sizes ................................ .247
Snow Tires ............................ .262
Spare Tires ......................... .262, 264
Spinning .............................. .258
Trailer Towing .......................... .169
Tread Wear Indicators .....................258
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .276
Tire Safety Information ...................... .245
12
INDEX 325