weight Ram ProMaster 2020 Owner's Manual

4

VEHICLE LOADING ................................................112
Vehicle Certification Label ............................... 112
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .............. 112
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .................. 112
Tire Size .............................................................112
Rim Size ............................................................ 112
Inflation Pressure ............................................. 112
Curb Weight ...................................................... 112
Overloading ....................................................... 112
Loading .............................................................113

TRAILER TOWING ..................................................113

Common Towing Definitions ............................113
Trailer Hitch Classification ............................... 114
Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ................. 115 Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............................115Towing Requirements ..................................... 116
Towing Tips ...................................................... 118

RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) ............................120

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle .. 120
Recreational Towing ......................................... 120

DRIVING TIPS.........................................................121

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..........................121
Driving Through Water ....................................121

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ..........................123 BULB REPLACEMENT ........................................... 123

Replacement Bulbs .......................................... 123
Replacing Exterior Bulbs .................................. 125
Replacing Interior Bulbs .................................. 127

FUSES..................................................................... 128

Underhood Fuses ............................................. 128
Interior Fuses.................................................... 131
Right Central Pillar Fuses ................................ 132

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING .......................... 133

Jack Location .................................................... 133
Spare Tire Removal .......................................... 134
Preparations For Jacking ................................. 135
Jacking Instructions ......................................... 136Wheel Covers .................................................... 139

TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ...................... 139

Tire Service Kit Storage ................................... 139
Tire Service Kit Components And Operation .. 140Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions ................. 140
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit ................. 142

JUMP STARTING ................................................... 145

Preparations For Jump Start ........................... 145
Jump Starting Procedure ................................. 146
Battery Location ............................................... 147

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............................ 147
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE .............................. 148FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................... 149
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE........................... 149
Automatic Transmission .................................. 150
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) ....................................................................151
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .......................... 151

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING .....................................152

Maintenance Plan ............................................ 152
Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ....................... 155

ENGINE COMPARTMENT...................................... 156

3.6L Engine ..................................................... 156
Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine ................... 157
Adding Washer Fluid ........................................ 157Maintenance-Free Battery .............................. 157
Pressure Washing ............................................ 158

DEALER SERVICE ................................................. 158

Engine Oil ......................................................... 158Engine Oil Filter ................................................ 159
Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................................. 159
Air Conditioner Maintenance ......................... 160
Body Lubrication .............................................. 161
Windshield Wiper Blades ................................ 162
Exhaust System ............................................... 162
Cooling System................................................. 163
Brake System .................................................. 166
Automatic Transmission
(3.6L Gasoline Engine Only) ............................ 167

RAISING THE VEHICLE..........................................168

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 4

16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Height Adjustment
Without Swivel Seat
The height adjusting levers are located on the
center outboard side of the seat. Lift up on the
front lever to adjust the front of the seat, or lift
up on the rear lever to adjust the rear of the
seat.
To raise the front or rear of the seat, lift the
appropriate lever while none or minimal
weight is applied to the seat.
To lower the front or rear of the seat, lift the
appropriate lever while seated or applying
weight to the seat.
Height Adjustment Levers With Swivel Seat
The height adjusting knobs are located on the
center outboard side of the seat. Rotate the
front knob to adjust the front of the seat up or
down. Rotate the rear knob to adjust the rear of
the seat up or down.
Height Adjustment Knobs
Recliner Adjustment
Without Swivel Seat
The recliner knob is on the rear outboard side of
the seat. To recline the seatback, lean back,
rotate the knob rearward to position the seat -
back as desired. To return the seatback to its
normal upright position, lean forward, rotate the
knob forward until the seatback is in the upright
position.
Recliner Knob
1 — Front Height Adjusting Lever
2 — Rear Height Adjusting Lever
1 — Front Height Adjusting Knob
2 — Rear Height Adjusting Knob

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 16

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE17
With Swivel Seat
The recliner lever is located at the lower front
outboard side of the seat. To recline the seat -
back, lean forward slightly, pull the lever
outward, lean back to the desired position and
release the lever. To return the seatback to its
normal upright position, lean forward and pull
the lever outward. Release the lever once the
seatback is in the upright position.
Recliner Lever
Lumbar Support — If Equipped
This feature allows you to increase or decrease
the amount of lumbar support. The lumbar
control knob is located on the rear upper
outboard side of the driver's seatback. Rotate
the control forward to increase and rearward to
decrease the desired amount of lumbar
support.
Suspension Seat — If Equipped
The seat is equipped with a mechanical spring
system and hydraulic shock absorber to ensure
maximum comfort and safety. The system of
springs also effectively absorbs impact from
uneven road surfaces.
Damper Weight Adjustment
Use the weight adjustment knob to set the
required setting based on body weight, with
settings between 88 lbs (40 kg) and 286 lbs
(130 kg).Weight Adjustment KnobWARNING!
Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving
is dangerous. The sudden movement of the
seat could cause you to lose control. The
seat belt might not be adjusted properly
and you could be injured. Adjust the seat
only while the vehicle is parked.
Do not ride with the seatback reclined so
that the shoulder belt is no longer resting
against your chest. In a collision, you could
slide under the seat belt and be seriously or
even fatally injured. Use the recliner only
when the vehicle is parked.
2

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 17

SAFETY61

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
(in the instrument cluster) will start to flash as
soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels
begin to spin. This indicates that the TCS is
active. If the indicator light flashes during accel -
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road condi -
tions, and do not switch off the ESC or TCS.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) uses sensors in the
vehicle to recognize an excessively swaying
trailer and will take the appropriate actions to
attempt to stop the sway. The system may reduce engine power and apply the brake of
the appropriate wheel(s) to counteract the
sway of the trailer. TSC will become active
automatically once an excessively swaying
trailer is recognized.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the trailer tongue weight recommenda
-
tions. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine
power may be reduced, and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” mode.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based
on the vehicle recommended cold placard pres -
sure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by
about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This
means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire
pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure molded into the
tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for information on how to prop -
erly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure
will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is
normal and there should be no adjustment for
this increased pressure.
WARNING!
The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded.
The TCS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the
vehicle down, stop at the nearest safe
location, and adjust the trailer load to
eliminate trailer sway.
4

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 61

84SAFETY
Summary Of Recommendations For Restraining Children In Vehicles
Child Size, Height, Weight Or Age Recommended Type Of Child Restraint
Infants and Toddlers Children who are two years old or younger and
who have not reached the height or weight limits
of their child restraintEither an Infant Carrier or a Convertible Child
Restraint, facing rearward in a rear seat of the
vehicle
Small Children Children who are at least two years old or who
have outgrown the height or weight limit of their
rear-facing child restraintForward-Facing Child Restraint with a five-point
Harness, facing forward in a rear seat of the
vehicle
Larger Children Children who have outgrown their forward-facing
child restraint, but are too small to properly fit
the vehicle’s seat beltBelt Positioning Booster Seat and the vehicle
seat belt, seated in a rear seat of the vehicle
Children Too Large for Child Restraints Children 12 years old or younger, who have outgrown the height or weight limit of their
booster seatVehicle Seat Belt, seated in a rear seat of the
vehicle

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 84

SAFETY85
Infant And Child Restraints
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rear-facing in the vehicle until they are two years
old or until they reach either the height or
weight limit of their rear-facing child restraint.
Two types of child restraints can be used
rear-facing: infant carriers and convertible child
seats.
The infant carrier is only used rear-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children from
birth until they reach the weight or height limit of
the infant carrier. Convertible child seats can be
used either rear-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a
higher weight limit in the rear-facing direction
than infant carriers do, so they can be used
rear-facing by children who have outgrown their
infant carrier but are still less than at least two
years old. Children should remain rear-facing
until they reach the highest weight or height
allowed by their convertible child seat.
Older Children And Child Restraints
Children who are two years old or who have
outgrown their rear-facing convertible child seat
can ride forward-facing in the vehicle.
Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are
for children who are over two years old or who
have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height
limit of their rear-facing convertible child seat.
Children should remain in a forward-facing child
seat with a harness for as long as possible, up
to the highest weight or height allowed by the
child seat.
All children whose weight or height is above
the forward-facing limit for the child seat
should use a belt-positioning booster seat
until the vehicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the
child cannot sit with knees bent over the
vehicle’s seat cushion while the child’s back
is against the seatback, they should use a
belt-positioning booster seat. The child and
belt-positioning booster seat are held in the
vehicle by the seat belt.WARNING!
Never place a rear-facing child restraint in
front of an air bag. A deploying passenger
front air bag can cause death or serious
injury to a child 12 years or younger,
including a child in a rear-facing child
restraint.
Never install a rear-facing child restraint in
the front seat of a vehicle. Only use a
rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat. If
the vehicle does not have a rear seat, do
not transport a rear-facing child restraint in
that vehicle.
4

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 85

SAFETY87
Installing Child Restraints In Commercial Vehicles
This commercial vehicle is not designed for use
as a family vehicle and is not intended for
carrying children in the front passenger seat(s).
Never install rear-facing child restraints in this
vehicle. Although the seat belt can be locked to
secure a child restraint, there are no tether
anchorages to complete the proper installation
of a forward-facing child restraint. If you must
carry a child in a forward-facing child restraint,
the passenger seat should be moved to the full
rearward position and the child must be in a
proper restraint system based on its age, size
and weight. Follow the instructions below to
secure the child restraint using the seat belt.
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt
Child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap
belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt.
The seat belts in the passenger seating posi -
tions are equipped with a Switchable Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR). This seat belt is
designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt
tight around the child restraint so that it is not
necessary to use a locking clip. The ALR
retractor can be “switched” into a locked mode
by pulling all of the webbing out of the retractor
and then letting the webbing retract back into
the retractor. If it is locked, the ALR will make a
clicking noise while the webbing is pulled back
into the retractor. Refer to the “Automatic Locking Mode” description in “Switchable Auto
-
matic Locking Retractors (ALR)” under “Occu -
pant Restraint Systems” for additional
information on ALR.
Front Bucket Seat Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) Location
WARNING!
Rear-facing infant restraints must never be
secured in the passenger seat of a vehicle
with a passenger air bag. In a collision, a
passenger air bag may deploy causing severe
injury or death to infants riding in rear-facing
infant restraints.
WARNING!
Improper installation or failure to properly
secure a child restraint can lead to failure
of the restraint. The child could be badly
injured or killed.
Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s
directions exactly when installing an infant
or child restraint.
ALR — Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
4

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 87

112STARTING AND OPERATING
VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration regulations, your vehicle has a
certification label affixed to the driver's side
door or B-Pillar.
If seats are removed for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label
affixed to the drivers side B-Pillar or the rear of
the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
Name of manufacturer
Month and year of manufacture
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Month, Day, and Hour of manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the
total allowable weight of your vehicle. This
includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The
total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the
maximum capacity of the front and rear axles.
Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either
front or rear GAWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total weight of the vehicle with all fluids,
including vehicle fuel, at full capacity condi -
tions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle
on a commercial scale before any occupants or
cargo are added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR).
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it
is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 112

STARTING AND OPERATING113
The best way to figure out the total weight of
your vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded
and ready for operation. Weigh it on a commer -
cial scale to ensure that it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear axle
of the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible.
Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), but the total load is within the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), you must
redistribute the weight. Improper weight distri -
bution can have an adverse effect on the way
your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate. NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and infor
-
mation on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow
your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and recom -
mendations in this manual concerning vehicles
used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the
total allowable weight of your vehicle. This
includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle
Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
is the total allowable weight of your vehicle and
trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of
the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consum
-
ables and equipment (permanent or temporary)
loaded in or on the trailer in its “loaded and
ready for operation” condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the
maximum capacity of the front and rear axles.
Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either
front or rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/
Vehicle Certification Label” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
5

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 113

114STARTING AND OPERATING
Tongue Weight (TW)
The Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi -
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) can be a
mechanical telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable
friction associated with the telescoping motion
to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying
motions while traveling. If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically applies indi
-
vidual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine
power to attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located
at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of
the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are the most
popular on the market today and they are
commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are
typically used for heavier loads to distribute
trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front
axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accor -
dance with the manufacturer's directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control thereby
enhancing towing safety. The addition of a fric -
tion/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway
caused by traffic and crosswinds and contrib -
utes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom
-
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry stan -
dard for the maximum trailer weight a given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to
assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch
for your intended towing condition.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling,
stability, braking performance, and could
result in a collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 114