Spare RAM PROMASTER 2021 User Guide

240SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TIRES
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the
following information: Tire Markings, Tire
Identification Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings

Tire Markings

NOTE:

P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based
on US design standards. P-Metric tires have
the letter “P” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation.
Example: P215/65R15 95H.

European — Metric tire sizing is based on
European design standards. Tires designed
to this standard have the tire size molded
into the sidewall beginning with the section
width. The letter "P" is absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based
on US design standards. The size designation
for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric
tires except for the letters “LT” that are
molded into the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
Temporary spare tires are designed for
temporary emergency use only. Temporary
high pressure compact spare tires have the
letter “T” or “S” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
High flotation tire sizing is based on US
design standards and it begins with the tire
diameter molded into the sidewall.
Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

1 — US DOT Safety Standards Code (TIN)

2 — Size Designation
3 — Service Description
4 — Maximum Load
5 — Maximum Pressure
6 — Treadwear, Traction and Tempera -
ture Grades

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE241
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on US design standards, or
"....blank...." = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on US design standards, or
T or S = Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
"R" means radial construction, or
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)8

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE245
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of
the driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire,
including the spare tire (if equipped), at least
monthly and inflate to the recommended
pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

Tire And Loading Information Placard

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 spare tires.
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 Ú page 76.
8

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE251
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in determining
when your tires should be replaced.

Tire Tread

These indicators are molded into the bottom of
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands
when the tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
Driving style.
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation
pressures can cause uneven wear patterns
to develop across the tire tread. These
abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replace -
ment.
Distance driven.
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and Summer tires typically have
a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is
highly recommended. NOTE:
Wheel Valve Stem must be replaced as well
when installing new tires due to wear and tear
in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires

The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected
regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation
pressures. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph
on “Tread Wear Indicators” in this section. Refer
to the Tire and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall.

See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the
Tire Safety Information section of this manual
for more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire Ú
page 241.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result
in sudden tire failure. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury
or death.
8

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE253
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
original 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
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.

For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú page 82.
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.

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
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
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.
8

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254SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than
one compact spare tire and wheel on the
vehicle at any given time.Collapsible Spare Tire — If Equipped
The collapsible spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if your
vehicle is equipped with a collapsible 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.
Collapsible spare tire description example:
165/80-17 101P.
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is
properly installed to the vehicle. Inflate the
collapsible tire using the electric air pump
before lowering the vehicle. Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the collapsible spare
wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically
for the collapsible spare tire.
WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary use
spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
WARNING!
Compact and Collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary use
spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE255
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full
size spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is
not the same as your original equipment tire,
replace (or repair) the original equipment tire
and reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
NOTE:
This spare tire may not have a tire pressure
monitor sensor.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped

The limited use spare tire is for temporary
emergency use only. This tire is identified by a
label located on the limited use spare wheel. This
label contains the driving limitations for this
spare. This tire may look like the original
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited
use spare tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is
not the same as your original equipment tire,
replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.

WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum
and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned
regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water
to maintain their luster and to prevent
corrosion. Wash wheels with the same soap
solution recommended for the body of the
vehicle and remember to always wash when the
surfaces are not hot to the touch.
Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration
caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium
chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road
chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on
dirt roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild
soap to wipe away promptly. Do not use harsh
chemicals or a stiff brush. They can damage the
wheel’s protective coating that helps keep them
from corroding and tarnishing.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire
affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the
limited use spare wheel. Keep inflated to the
cold tire inflation pressures listed on your Tire
and Loading Information Placard located on
the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of
the driver’s side door. Replace (or repair) the
original equipment tire at the first opportunity
and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do
so could result in loss of vehicle control.
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258SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The tires on the front and rear of your vehicle
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, driving, and braking functions. For
these reasons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation
of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially
worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such
as those on all season type tires. Rotation will
increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow
and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride. Refer to the Maintenance Plan for the proper
maintenance intervals Ú
page 212. The
reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should be
corrected prior to rotation being performed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward
cross” shown in the following diagram. This
rotation pattern does not apply to some
directional tires that must not be reversed.

Tire Rotation (Forward Cross)

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device clear -
ance between tires and other suspension
components, it is important that only trac-
tion devices in good condition are used.
Broken devices can cause serious damage.
Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device breakage.
Remove the damaged parts of the device
before further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km). Autosock traction devices do not
require retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and
large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the traction device manufacturer’s
instructions on the method of installation,
operating speed, and conditions for use.
Always use the suggested operating speed
of the device manufacturer’s if it is less
than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
CAUTION! (Continued)

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276 C
Camera, Rear
.................................................. 73Capacities, Fluid............................................ 268Caps, Filler Fuel............................................................. 75Oil (Engine)................................................ 215Power Steering............................................ 67Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 224Car Washes................................................... 261Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 189Cargo Area Cover............................................. 41Cargo Compartment........................................ 41Cargo Light...................................................... 28Certification Label........................................... 76Change Oil Indicator........................................ 45Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 190Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 241Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)........................... 56Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 186Checks, Safety............................................... 186Child Restraint............................................... 181Child RestraintsBooster Seats............................................ 184Child Seat Installation............................... 186Infant And Child Restraints....................... 183Older Children And Child Restraints..........183Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 266CleaningWheels...................................................... 255
Climate Control................................................ 31Manual........................................................ 31Rear............................................................. 34Cold Weather Operation.................................. 57Compact Spare Tire...................................... 253Contract, Service.......................................... 272Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 224Cooling System............................................. 223Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 224Coolant Level................................... 223, 225Cooling Capacity....................................... 268Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 225Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 223Inspection................................................. 225Points To Remember................................ 225Pressure Cap............................................ 224Radiator Cap............................................ 224Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 223, 268Corrosion Protection..................................... 260Cruise Control (Speed Control)........................ 67Cruise Light...................................................... 54Cupholders................................................... 263Customer Assistance.................................... 271Customer Programmable Features.................. 89Cybersecurity................................................... 88
D
Dealer Service.............................................. 218Defroster, Windshield................................... 187Deleting A Phone.......................................... 117
Diagnostic System, Onboard............................55Dimmer Control Switch....................................29Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................26DipsticksAutomatic Transmission........................... 227Oil (Engine)............................................... 216Power Steering............................................67Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 209Disconnecting............................................... 117DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 225Disturb.......................................................... 120Door Ajar..........................................................49Door Ajar Light.................................................49Door Locks.......................................................14Automatic....................................................15Doors...............................................................14Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................15DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..........................86
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 150Electric Remote Mirrors...................................24Electrical Power Outlets...................................37Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........67Electronic Stability Control (ESC)................... 150Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.........49

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280 R
Radial Ply Tires
.............................................. 250Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............ 224Radio Frequency General Information.................................. 148Rear Camera................................................... 73Rear Cross Path............................................. 158Rear ParkSense System.................................. 69Rearview Mirror............................................... 23Recreational Towing........................................ 85Reformulated Gasoline.................................. 266Refrigerant.................................................... 220Release, Hood................................................. 40Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 166Remote Keyless EntryProgramming Additional Key Fobs.............. 11Replacement Bulbs....................................... 235Replacement Keys........................................... 11Replacement Tires......................................... 251Reporting Safety Defects............................... 273Restraints, Child............................................ 181Restraints, Head.............................................. 20Rotation, Tires............................................... 258
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle......................... 187Safety Checks Outside Vehicle...................... 188Safety Defects, Reporting.............................. 273Safety Information, Tire................................. 240Safety Tips..................................................... 186
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................................... 189Satellite Radio.............................................. 102Schedule, Maintenance................................ 211Seat Belts............................................ 165, 187Adjustable Shoulder Belt.......................... 169Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 169Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage..................................... 169Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)........... 171Child Restraints........................................ 181Energy Management Feature................... 171Front Seat............................... 165, 166, 168Inspection................................................. 187Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 168Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting................... 169Lap/Shoulder Belts.................................. 166Operating Instructions.............................. 168Pregnant Women...................................... 170Rear Seat................................................. 166Reminder.................................................. 166Untwisting Procedure............................... 169Seat Belts Maintenance............................... 262Seats............................................................... 15Adjustment.................................................. 15Heated......................................................... 19Rear Folding................................................ 15Tilting........................................................... 15Security Alarm........................................... 13, 50Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 268Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 12
Service Assistance........................................ 271Service Contract............................................ 272Service Manuals........................................... 274SettingsPersonal......................................................89Settings, Audio.............................................. 107Shift Lever Override...................................... 207Shoulder Belts.............................................. 166Signals, Turn.......................................... 54, 188Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 102Favorites................................................... 106Replay....................................................... 104SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM.......................................... 106Favorites................................................... 106Replay....................................................... 104Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 257Snow Tires.................................................... 253Spare Tires........................................... 253, 255Spark Plugs................................................... 268Starting............................................................57Automatic Transmission..............................57Button..........................................................12Cold Weather...............................................57Engine Fails To Start....................................57Steering...........................................................15Column Lock................................................15Power....................................................66, 67Steering Wheel Audio Controls...................... 146Storage, Vehicle..................................... 35, 260

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