towing Ram ProMaster 2020 Owner's Guide

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY151
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 OFF the ground (using a
flatbed truck, or wheel lift equipment with the
front wheels raised).ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Acci -
dent Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” under the paragraph “Fuel Cut Off
Switch” for further information on the Enhanced
Accident Response System (EARS) function.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such
as an air bag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in
“Safety” for further information on the Event
Data Recorder (EDR).
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
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.6

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE163
Under normal operating conditions, the cata-
lytic converter will not require maintenance.
However, it is important to keep the engine
properly tuned to ensure proper catalyst opera -
tion and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc -
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over -
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans -
mission 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 malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protec-
tion every 12 months (before the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable). If the
engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with
fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
only by an authorized dealer. Check the front of
the A/C condenser for any accumulation of
bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with OAT coolant (anti -
freeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section
for the proper maintenance intervals.
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 open a cooling system pres -
sure cap when the radiator or coolant
bottle is hot.
Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
engine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
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174SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
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 pres -
sures specified on the Tire and Loading Infor -
mation placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the
“Starting And Operating” 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. 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. Consult this 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).

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE181
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 orig -
inal 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 orig -
inal 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
studded 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.
Refer to the “Towing Requirements - Tires” in
“Starting And Operating” for restrictions when
towing with a spare tire designated for tempo -
rary 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 autho -
rized tire dealer for the recommended tire rota -
tion pattern.
NOTE:
This spare tire may not have a tire pressure
monitor sensor.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
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.
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251

Cargo Area Cover

..................................... 37
Cargo Compartment
.................................. 37
Cargo Light
............................................ 26
Certification Label
.................................. 112
Change Oil Indicator
.................................. 44
Changing A Flat Tire
........................ 133, 168
Chart, Tire Sizing
.................................... 169
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)
......................... 55
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety
................... 89
Checks, Safety
........................................ 89
Child Restraint
........................................ 83
Child Restraints
Booster Seats.................................... 86Child Seat Installation.......................... 88Infant And Child Restraints................... 85Older Children And Child Restraints........ 85
Clean Air Gasoline
.................................. 192
Cleaning
Wheels........................................... 183
Climate Control
........................................ 28Manual............................................ 28Rear................................................ 32
Cold Weather Operation
.............................. 92
Compact Spare Tire
................................. 181
Contract, Service
.................................... 247
Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)
............. 165

Cooling System
...................................... 163Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)................. 164Coolant Level........................... 163, 165Cooling Capacity............................... 195Disposal Of Used Coolant................... 165Drain, Flush, And Refill....................... 163Inspection....................................... 165Points To Remember......................... 165Pressure Cap................................... 165Radiator Cap................................... 165Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).. 164, 195
Corrosion Protection
................................ 187
Cruise Light
............................................53
Cupholders
..................................... 38, 190
Customer Assistance
............................... 246
Customer Programmable Features
................ 199
Cybersecurity
........................................ 198
D

Dealer Service
....................................... 158
Defroster, Windshield
.................................90
Diagnostic System, Onboard
......................... 54
Dimmer Control Switch
............................... 27
Dimmer Switch
Headlight..........................................24
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission..................... 168Power Steering................................. 103
Disable Vehicle Towing
............................. 149

Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 165
Door Ajar
.............................................. 47
Door Ajar Light
........................................ 47
Door Locks
............................................ 14Automatic........................................ 15
Doors
.................................................. 14
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt
............................... 15
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water
............................... 121
E

Electric Brake Control System
....................... 57
Electric Remote Mirrors
.............................. 22
Electrical Power Outlets
............................. 39
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
....... 103
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
................... 57
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
.......... 48
Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 149Jacking...................................133, 168Jump Starting.................................. 145
Emission Control System Maintenance
............ 55
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253
H

Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising,
Or Shallow Standing Water
................. 121
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 123
Head Restraints
....................................... 20
Headlights
Cleaning......................................... 187High Beam........................................ 24High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch....... 24Passing............................................ 24Switch.............................................. 23
Heated Mirrors
........................................ 23
Heated Seats
.......................................... 18
Heater, Engine Block
................................. 93
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch
... 24
Hill Start Assist
........................................ 60
Hitches
Trailer Towing.................................. 114
Hood Prop
............................................. 36
Hood Release
......................................... 36
I

Ignition
.................................................11Key.............................................. 9, 11Switch.............................................. 11
Ignition Key Removal
.................................11
Illuminated Entry
......................................27
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)
............................. 12
Inside Rearview Mirror
................................21
Instrument Cluster
.............................. 41, 53Display............................................. 43
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning
................... 189
Interior And Instrument Lights
.......................25
Interior Appearance Care
........................... 188
Interior Lights
..........................................25
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)
..................28
Introduction
..............................................7
iPod/USB/MP3 Control
............................. 238
J

Jack Location
........................................ 133
Jack Operation
.............................. 133, 168
Jacking And Tire Changing
......................... 133
Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions
...........135
Jump Starting
........................................ 145
K

Key Fob
Programming Additional Key Fobs
.......... 10
Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry)
.. 10
Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless Entry)
.... 10
Key-In Reminder
...................................... 12
Keys
..................................................... 9Replacement.................................... 12Sentry (Immobilizer)............................ 12
L

Lane Change Assist
.................................. 25
Lap/Shoulder Belts
.................................. 67
Latches
................................................ 91Hood............................................... 36
Lead Free Gasoline
................................ 192
Leaks, Fluid
........................................... 91
Life Of Tires
......................................... 179
Light Bulbs
.....................................91, 123
Lights
.................................................. 91Air Bag................................. 47, 73, 90Brake Assist Warning.......................... 59Brake Warning.................................. 48Bulb Replacement............................ 123Cruise............................................. 53Daytime Running............................... 24Dimmer Switch, Headlight...............23, 2411
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255
P

Paint Care

........................................... 187
Parking Brake
......................................... 94
ParkSense System, Rear
........................... 105
Passing Light
.......................................... 24
Pets
.................................................... 89
Placard, Tire And Loading Information
............ 173
Power
Mirrors............................................. 22Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)............ 39Steering................................. 102, 103Windows.......................................... 35
Power Steering Fluid
................................ 197
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts
.................... 71
Preparation For Jacking
.................... 133, 135
R

Radial Ply Tires
...................................... 178
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)
............. 165
Radio Frequency
General Information.......................... 240
Rear Camera
........................................ 109
Rear ParkSense System
............................ 105
Rearview Mirror
....................................... 21
Recreational Towing
................................ 120

Reformulated Gasoline
............................. 192
Refrigerant
........................................... 160
Release, Hood
......................................... 36
Reminder, Seat Belt
.................................. 66
Remote Keyless Entry
Programming Additional Key Fobs........... 10
Replacement Bulbs
................................. 123
Replacement Keys
.................................... 12
Replacement Tires
.................................. 179
Reporting Safety Defects
........................... 248
Restraints, Child
.......................................83
Restraints, Head
......................................20
Rotation, Tires
....................................... 185
S

Safety Checks Inside Vehicle
........................ 90
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle
......................91
Safety Defects, Reporting
.......................... 248
Safety Information, Tire
............................. 168
Safety Tips
............................................. 89
Safety, Exhaust Gas
................................... 89
Schedule, Maintenance
............................ 152
Seat Belts
........................................ 66, 90Adjustable Shoulder Belt......................70Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 70
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage.................................... 70Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)......... 72Child Restraints................................. 83Energy Management Feature................ 71Front Seat............................. 66, 67, 68Inspection........................................ 90Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation................ 68Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting............... 69Lap/Shoulder Belts............................ 67Operating Instructions......................... 68Pregnant Women............................... 71Rear Seat......................................... 67Reminder......................................... 66Untwisting Procedure.......................... 69
Seat Belts Maintenance
........................... 189
Seats
.................................................. 15Adjustment....................................... 15Heated............................................ 18Rear Folding..................................... 15Tilting.............................................. 15
Security Alarm
...................................13, 49
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)
................. 195
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256

Sentry Key (Immobilizer)

............................. 12
Service Assistance
.................................. 246
Service Contract
.................................... 247
Service Manuals
.................................... 249
Settings
Personal......................................... 199
Shift Lever Override
................................. 148
Shoulder Belts
......................................... 67
Signals, Turn
.................................... 53, 91
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)
......................... 184
Snow Tires
........................................... 181
Spare Tires
.......................... 181, 182, 183
Spark Plugs
.......................................... 195
Speed Control (Cruise Control)
.................... 103
Starting
................................................ 92Automatic Transmission....................... 92Button............................................. 11Cold Weather..................................... 92Engine Fails To Start............................ 92
Steering
................................................ 21Column Lock..................................... 21Power.................................... 102, 103
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
.................... 238
Storage, Vehicle
............................... 33, 186
Storing Your Vehicle
................................ 186
Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag
......... 74
Sway Control, Trailer
.................................. 61
Synthetic Engine Oil
................................ 159
T

Telescoping Steering Column
........................ 21
Tire And Loading Information Placard
............. 173
Tire Markings
........................................ 168
Tire Safety Information
............................. 168
Tire Service Kit
...... 139, 140, 142, 143, 144
Tires
............................ 91, 176, 181, 185Aging (Life Of Tires)........................... 179Air Pressure.....................................176Chains........................................... 184Changing................................ 133, 168Compact Spare................................ 181General Information.................. 176, 181High Speed.....................................177Inflation Pressure............................. 177Jacking................................... 133, 168Life Of Tires.....................................179Load Capacity.......................... 173, 174Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 50, 61Quality Grading................................ 185Radial............................................ 178Replacement................................... 179Rotation......................................... 185Safety.................................... 168, 176
Sizes............................................. 169Snow Tires..................................... 181Spare Tires...................... 181, 182, 183Spinning........................................ 178Trailer Towing.................................. 117Tread Wear Indicators....................... 179Wheel Nut Torque............................ 191
To Open Hood
......................................... 36
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight
.................... 115
Torque Converter Clutch
........................... 102
Towing
........................................113, 149Disabled Vehicle.............................. 149Guide............................................ 115Recreational................................... 120Weight........................................... 115
Towing Behind A Motorhome
...................... 120
Traction
.............................................. 121
Traction Control
...................................... 60
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
........................... 61
Trailer Towing
....................................... 113Cooling System Tips.......................... 119Hitches.......................................... 114Minimum Requirements.................... 116Tips.............................................. 118Trailer And Tongue Weight.................. 115Wiring........................................... 118
Trailer Towing Guide
............................... 115
Trailer Weight
....................................... 115
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