flat tire Ram ProMaster 2020 User Guide

STARTING AND OPERATING121
DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is
possible for a wedge of water to build up
between the tire and road surface. This is hydro -
planing and may cause partial or complete loss
of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precau -
tions should be observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the
roads are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
Replace the tires when tread wear indicators
first become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid
a collision in a sudden stop.
Driving Through Water
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause
sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could
lose control of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing water can wear away
the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to
follow this warning may result in injuries that
are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
5

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 121

136IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel
diagonally opposite the jacking position. For
example, if the right front wheel is being
changed, block the left rear wheel.
Wheel Blocked
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being lifted or raised.Jacking Instructions
Jack Warning Label
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings
to help prevent personal injury or damage to
your vehicle:
Always park on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible
before raising the vehicle.
Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
Apply the parking brake firmly and place an
automatic transmission in PARK; a manual
transmission in REVERSE.
Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it
is on a jack.
Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised
vehicle, take it to a service center where it
can be raised on a lift.
Only use the jack in the positions indicated
and for lifting this vehicle during a tire
change.
If working on or near a roadway, be
extremely careful of motor traffic.
To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated,
are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the
ground.
WARNING!
(Continued)
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 136

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY139
NOTE:
Do not install the wheel cover on the spare tire.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw
counterclockwise.
8. Refer to “Wheel And Tire Torque Specifica -
tions” in “Technical Specifications” for
proper wheel lug bolt torque.
9. Lower the jack to its fully-closed position.
10. Stow the damaged wheel/spare tire with the cable and wheel spacer before driving
the vehicle. 11. Install the winch extension and
rotate the
wrench handle clockwise until the winch
mechanism operator hears “3 clicks” from
the device to indicate the wheel is properly
stowed under the vehicle.

12. Stow the jack, jack handle and winch handle tools back in the storage compartment.

13. Check the spare tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct the tire pressure, as
required.
For vehicles with aluminum wheels:
The center cap must be pushed out from the
rear to install the retainer and stow the tire.
Wheel Covers
The wheel covers on the vehicle are held in
place by the wheel lug bolts and can be
removed after the wheel lug bolts are taken off.
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED
Small punctures up to 1/4 inch (6 mm) in the
tire tread can be sealed with Tire Service Kit.
Foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) should not
be removed from the tire. Tire Service Kit can be
used in outside temperatures down to approxi -
mately -4°F (-20°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal,
allowing you to drive your vehicle up to
100 miles (160 km) with a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Tire Service Kit Storage
The Tire Service Kit is located under the
passenger seat or the driver side door.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the wheel nuts fully until
the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to
follow this warning may result in serious
injury.
CAUTION!
Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve
stem facing outward. The vehicle could be
damaged if the spare tire is mounted
incorrectly.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack
parts and the spare tire in the places
provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired
or replaced immediately.
CAUTION!
Use a back-and-forth motion to remove the
hub cap. Do not use a twisting motion when
removing the hub cap, damage to the hub
cap finish may occur.
6

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 139

140IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Tire Service Kit Components And Operation
Tire Service Kit Components
Using The Mode Select Knob And Hoses
Your Tire Service Kit is equipped with the
following symbols to indicate the air or sealant
mode.
Selecting Air Mode
Push in the Mode Select Knob (2)
and turn to this position for air
pump operation only. Use the Black
Air Pump Hose (5) when selecting
this mode.
Selecting Sealant Mode
Push in the Mode Select Knob (2)
and turn to this position to inject
the Tire Service Kit Sealant and to
inflate the tire. Use the Sealant
Hose (3) when selecting this mode.
Using The Power Button
Push and release the Power Button
(1) once to turn on the Tire Service
Kit. Push and release the Power
Button (1) again to turn Off the Tire
Service Kit.
Using The Deflation Button
Push the Deflation Button (9) to
reduce the air pressure in the tire if
it becomes over-inflated.
Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions
Replace the Tire Service Kit Sealant Bottle
(4) and Sealant Hose (3) prior to the expira -
tion date (printed at the upper right hand
corner on the bottle label) to assure optimum
operation of the system. Refer to “Sealing A
Tire With Tire Service Kit” section (F) “Sealant
Bottle And Hose Replacement in this section
for further information”.
Tire Service Kit Sealant Expiration Date Location
1 — Power Button
2 — Mode Select Knob
3 — Sealant Hose (Clear)
4 — Sealant Bottle
5 — Air Pump Hose (Black)
6 — Sealant Bottle Release Button
7 — Power Plug
8 — Pressure Gauge
9 — Deflation Button

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 140

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY141
(Continued)
The Sealant Bottle (4) and Sealant Hose (3)
are a one tire application use and need to be
replaced after each use. Always replace
these components immediately at your orig -
inal equipment vehicle dealer.
When the Tire Service Kit sealant is in a liquid
form, clean water and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire
and wheel components. Once the sealant
dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded.
For optimum performance, make sure the
valve stem on the wheel is free of debris
before connecting the Tire Service Kit.

You can use the Tire Service Kit air pump to
inflate bicycle tires. The kit also comes with
two needles, located in the Accessory Storage
Compartment (on the bottom of the air pump)
for inflating sport balls, rafts, or similar inflat -
able items. However, use only the Air Pump
Hose (5) and make sure the Mode Select
Knob (2) is in the Air Mode when inflating such
items to avoid injecting sealant into them. The
Tire Service Kit Sealant is only intended to
seal punctures less than 1/4 inch (6 mm)
diameter in the tread of your tire.

Do not lift or carry the Tire Service Kit by the
hoses.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of
the vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far enough
off the road to avoid the danger of being hit
when using the Tire Service Kit.
Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the
vehicle under the following circumstances:
If the puncture in the tire tread is
approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or
larger.
If the tire has any sidewall damage.
If the tire has any damage from driving
with extremely low tire pressure.
If the tire has any damage from driving
on a flat tire.
If the wheel has any damage.
If you are unsure of the condition of the
tire or the wheel.
Keep Tire Service Kit away from open
flames or heat source.
A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
Tire Service Kit in the place provided.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
Take care not to allow the contents of Tire
Service Kit to come in contact with hair,
eyes, or clothing. Tire Service Kit sealant is
harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
through the skin. It causes skin, eye, and
respiratory irritation. Flush immediately
with plenty of water if there is any contact
with eyes or skin. Change clothing as soon
as possible, if there is any contact with
clothing.
Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains
latex. In case of an allergic reaction or rash,
consult a physician immediately. Keep Tire
Service Kit out of reach of children. If swal -
lowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty
of water and drink plenty of water. Do not
induce vomiting! Consult a physician imme -
diately.
WARNING!
(Continued)

6

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 141

142IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the
vehicle’s Hazard Warning flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near
to the ground. This will allow the Tire Service
Kit Hoses (3) and (5) to reach the valve
stem and keep the Tire Service Kit flat on
the ground. This will provide the best posi -
tioning of the kit when injecting the sealant
into the deflated tire and running the air
pump. Move the vehicle as necessary to
place the valve stem in this position before
proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK (P) (auto transmission) or in Gear (manual transmis -
sion) and place the ignition in the OFF posi -
tion.
4. Apply the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use Tire Service Kit:
1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (2) and turn to the Sealant Mode position. 2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (3) and then
remove the cap from the fitting at the end of
the hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the
Sealant Hose (3) onto the valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (7) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE:
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
Always start the engine before turning ON the
Tire Service Kit.
NOTE:
Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the gear selector in
NEUTRAL.
After pushing the Power Button (1), the
sealant (white fluid) will flow from the Sealant
Bottle (4) through the Sealant Hose (3) and
into the tire. NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within 0
– 10 seconds through the Sealant Hose (3):
1. Push the Power Button (1) to turn Off the
Tire Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant
Hose (3) from the valve stem. Make sure
the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect
the Sealant Hose (3) to the valve stem.
Check that the Mode Select Knob (2) is in
the Sealant Mode position and not Air
Mode. Push the Power Button (1) to turn On
the Tire Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (7) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another
vehicle, if available. Make sure the engine is
running before turning ON the Tire Service
Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (4) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE:
If the Mode Select Knob (2) is on Air Mode and
the pump is operating, air will dispense from the
Air Pump Hose (5) only, not the Sealant Hose
(3).

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 142

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY143
(Continued)
If the sealant (white fluid) does flow through the
Sealant Hose (3):
1. Continue to operate the pump until sealant
is no longer flowing through the hose (typi -
cally takes 30 - 70 seconds). As the sealant
flows through the Sealant Hose (3), the
Pressure Gauge (8) can read as high as 70
psi (4.8 Bar). The Pressure Gauge (8) will
decrease quickly from approximately 70 psi
(4.8 Bar) to the actual tire pressure when
the Sealant Bottle (4) is empty.
2. The pump will start to inject air into the tire immediately after the Sealant Bottle (4) is
empty. Continue to operate the pump and
inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on
the tire pressure label on the driver-side
latch pillar (recommended pressure). Check
the tire pressure by looking at the Pressure
Gauge (8).
If the tire does not inflate to at least 26 psi (1.8
Bar) pressure within 15 minutes:
The tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt
to drive the vehicle further. Call for assis -
tance. NOTE:
If the tire becomes overinflated, push the Defla-
tion Button to reduce the tire pressure to the
recommended inflation pressure before
continuing.
If the tire inflates to the recommended pressure
or is at least 26 psi (1.8 Bar) pressure within
15 minutes:
1. Push the Power Button (1) to turn off the
Tire Service Kit.
2. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the top of the Sealant Bottle (4) and place the
sticker on the instrument panel.
3. Immediately disconnect the Sealant Hose (3) from the valve stem, reinstall the cap on
the fitting at the end of the hose, and place
the Tire Service Kit in the vehicle storage
location. Quickly proceed to (D) “Drive
Vehicle.”
(D) Drive Vehicle:
Immediately after injecting sealant and inflating
the tire, drive the vehicle 5 miles (8 km) or ten
minutes to ensure distribution of the Tire
Service Kit Sealant within the tire. Do not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION!
The metal end fitting from Power Plug (8)
may get hot after use, so it should be
handled carefully.
Failure to reinstall the cap on the fitting at
the end of the Sealant Hose (6) can result
in sealant contacting your skin, clothing,
and the vehicle’s interior. It can also result
in sealant contacting internal Tire Service
Kit components which may cause perma -
nent damage to the kit.
WARNING!
Tire Service Kit is not a permanent flat tire
repair. Have the tire inspected and repaired
or replaced after using Tire Service Kit. Do
not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) until the tire is
repaired or replaced. Failure to follow this
warning can result in injuries that are serious
or fatal to you, your passengers, and others
around you.
CAUTION!
(Continued)

6

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 143

144IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(E) After Driving:
Pull over to a safe location. Refer to “(A) When -
ever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit” before
continuing.
1. Push in the Mode Select Knob (2) and turn to the Air Mode position.
2. Uncoil the power plug and insert the plug into the vehicle's 12 Volt power outlet.
3. Uncoil the Air Pump Hose (5) (black in color) and screw the fitting at the end of hose onto
the valve stem.
4. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the Pressure Gauge (8).
If tire pressure is less than 19 psi (1.3 Bar):
The tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle further. Call for assistance.
If the tire pressure is 19 psi (1.3 Bar) or higher:
1. Push the Power Button (1) to turn on Tire Service Kit and inflate the tire to the pres-
sure indicated on the tire and loading infor -
mation label on the driver-side door
opening. NOTE:
If the tire becomes over-inflated, push the
Deflation Button to reduce the tire pressure to
the recommended inflation pressure before
continuing.
2. Disconnect the Tire Service Kit from the
valve stem, reinstall the cap on the valve
stem and unplug from 12 Volt outlet.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit in its proper storage area in the vehicle.
4. Have the tire inspected and repaired or replaced at the earliest opportunity at an
authorized dealer or tire service center.
5. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the instrument panel after the tire has been
repaired.
6. Replace the Sealant Bottle (4) and Sealant Hose (3) assembly at an authorized dealer
as soon as possible. Refer to “(F) Sealant
Bottle And Hose Replacement”.
NOTE:
When having the tire serviced, advise the autho -
rized dealer or service center that the tire has
been sealed using the Tire Service Kit.
(F) Sealant Bottle And Hose Replacement:
1. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (3) (clear in color).
2. Locate the red colored round Sealant Bottle release button at the lower right hand
corner of the kit.
3. Push and hold the Sealant Bottle release button, then pull out the bottle holding the
button.
4. Clean any remaining sealant from the Tire Service Kit housing.
5. Position the new Sealant Bottle (4) in the housing so that the Sealant Hose (3) aligns
with the hose slot in the front of the
housing. Push and hold the Sealant Bottle
release button, then push the bottle into the
housing by holding the button. An audible
click will be heard indicating the bottle is
locked into place. Release the button.
6. Verify that the cap is installed on the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (3) and
return the hose to its storage area (located
on top of the housing).
7. Return the Tire Service Kit to its storage location in the vehicle.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 144

152
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indi-
cator 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 service 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. Severe Operating Condi-
tions can cause the change oil message to illu -
minate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles
(805 km). An 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 an autho -
rized dealer, the message can be reset by refer -
ring to the steps described under “Instrument
Cluster Display” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
12 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 predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. 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. Rotate at the
first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs
before the oil indicator system turns on
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
brake master cylinder, and power steering
and fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 152

170SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
R = Construction code
"R" means radial construction, or
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL = Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
EXAMPLE:

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 170