check engine RAM PROMASTER 2023 Owner's Manual

221
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change indicator
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. 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 scheduled
oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed
by someone other than an authorized dealer, the
message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under Instrument Cluster Display
Ú
page 57.
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. Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level
Check windshield washer fluid level
Check the tire pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate at the first sign of irreg
-
ular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indi -
cator system turns on
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir,
and brake master cylinder and fill as needed
Check function of all interior and exterior lights
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226SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil
must be maintained at the correct level. Check the
oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel
stop. The best time to check the engine oil level is
about five minutes after a fully warmed up engine
is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
There are four possible dipstick types:
Crosshatched zone.
Crosshatched zone marked SAFE.
Crosshatched zone marked with MIN at the low
end of the range and MAX at the high end of the
range.
Crosshatched zone marked with dimples at the
MIN and the MAX ends of the range.
NOTE:Always maintain the oil level within the crosshatch
markings on the dipstick.
Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil when the reading is at the
low end of the dipstick range will raise the oil level
to the high end of the range marking.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer
solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the
system for a few seconds to flush out any residual
water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of
fluid when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and flammable vapors may
be present, with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot: you may
get burned. Do not get too close to the radiator
cooling fan: the electric fan may start; danger
of injury. Scarves, ties and other loose clothing
might be pulled by moving parts.
CAUTION!

Be careful not to confuse the various types of
fluids while topping up: they are not compatible
with each other! Topping up with an unsuitable
fluid could severely damage your car.

The oil level must never exceed the MAX mark.
Always top up using engine oil of the same
specifications as that already in the engine.
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler
cap, particularly for vehicles with aluminum
caps (if equipped). WARNING: risk of burns!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This
could damage your engine.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will
cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could
damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling or
working around the washer solution.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE229
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality Mopar® certified
filters should be used.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection and
Replacement
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Removal

1. With a suitable tool, loosen the clamps and remove the engine air duct supply hose.

Engine Air Duct Supply Hose

2. With a suitable tool, fully loosen fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter cover and remove
the cover.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover

3. Remove the engine air cleaner filter from the housing assembly.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Installation
NOTE:Inspect and clean the housing assembly if signif
-
icant dirt or debris is present before replacing the
engine air cleaner filter.

1. Install the engine air cleaner filter into the housing assembly.

2. Install the engine air cleaner filter cover onto the housing assembly.
3. Tighten the fasteners on the engine air cleaner filter assembly.
4. Install the engine air duct supply hose and tighten the clamps
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized
dealer at the start of each warm season. This
service should include cleaning of the condenser
fins and a performance test. Drive belt tension
should also be checked at this time.
1 — Clamps
2 — Engine Air Duct Supply Hose
1 — Fasteners
2 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter Cover
1 — Engine Air Cleaner Filter
8

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE233
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing
weather, where applicable). If the engine coolant 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
(conforming to MS.90032).
For the proper maintenance intervals
Úpage 222.
Selection Of Coolant
For further information Ú page 273.
NOTE:
Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant, may result in engine damage
and may decrease corrosion protection. OAT
engine coolant is different and should not be
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology
(HOAT) engine coolant or any “globally compat -
ible” coolant. If a non-OAT engine coolant is
introduced into the cooling system in an emer -
gency, the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an autho
-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant products. Do not use additional rust
inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant
and may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
propylene glycol-based engine coolant. Use of
propylene glycol-based engine coolant is not
recommended.
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.
Adding Coolant
The vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032)
that allows extended maintenance intervals.
This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up to
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) before
replacement. To prevent reducing this extended
maintenance period, it is important to use the
same engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) throughout the life of your vehicle.
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 pressure cap when the radi -
ator 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 automatically 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 and turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is tempera -
ture controlled and can start at any time the
ignition is in the ON mode.
8

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234SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Please review these recommendations for using
OAT engine coolant that meets the requirements of
the manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
When adding engine coolant:
We recommend using Mopar® Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
Formula OAT that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032.
Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of the
manufacturer Material Standard MS.90032
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations
(not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below
−34°F (−37°C) are anticipated. Please contact
an authorized dealer for assistance.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/engine
coolant solution. The use of lower quality water
will reduce the amount of corrosion protection
in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in the
area where the vehicle is operated.

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.

Mixing engine coolant types is not recom -
mended and can result in cooling system
damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in
an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain,
flush, and refill with OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) as soon as possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that
engine coolant will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the
sealing surfaces.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to determine the
disposal rules for your community. To prevent
ingestion by animals or children, do not store
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground.
If ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency
assistance immediately. Clean up any ground spills
immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant expansion bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that the coolant
level is adequate. With engine off and cold, the
level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle
should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
Cooling System Notes
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/kilo -
meters of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being
vaporized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.

WARNING!

Do not open hot engine cooling system. Never add
engine coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.

Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE235
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the
vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon
dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant needs to be added, the contents of the
coolant expansion bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corro -
sion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, keep
the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever neces -
sary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsatisfactory
engine cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically Ú page 222.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood service
or immediately if the Brake System Warning Light
indicates system failure. If necessary, add fluid to
bring level within the designated marks on the side
of the reservoir of the brake master cylinder. Be
sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing cap. With disc brakes the fluid
level can be expected to fall as the brake linings
wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a system check
should be conducted Ú page 273.
WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

WARNING!
Use only the manufacturer recommended
brake fluid Úpage 273. Using the wrong type
of brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep
the master cylinder reservoir cap secured at
all times. Brake fluid in an open container
absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil
unexpectedly during hard or prolonged
braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts,
causing the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake
fluid can also damage painted and vinyl
surfaces, care should be taken to avoid its
contact with these surfaces.

Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contami -
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.

8

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236SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid
to ensure optimum transmission performance and
life. Use the manufacturer specified transmission
fluid Úpage 274. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the
recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any trans -
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against
using any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an
engineered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore,
do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the use of
special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks in 9-speed
transmissions. Avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check

The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore
the transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick
is provided. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using a special service dipstick.
If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,
visit an authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle
with an improper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.

Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle.
Routine fluid and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
FUSES
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against
excessive current.

When a device does not work, you must check the fuse
element inside the blade fuse for a break/melt.

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer recommended fluid may cause
deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or
torque converter shudder Ú
page 274.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.

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270TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to
mounting the tire and remove any corrosion or
loose particles.

Wheel Mounting Surface

Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until
each nut/bolt has been tightened twice. Ensure
that the socket is fully engaged on the lug nut/bolt
(do not insert it halfway).
Torque Patterns

After 25 miles (40 km), check the lug nut/bolt
torque to be sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are
properly seated against the wheel.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS

While operating on gasoline with the required octane
number, hearing a light knocking sound from the
engine is not a cause for concern. However, if the
engine is heard making a heavy knocking sound, see a
dealer immediately. Use of gasoline with a lower than
recommended octane number can cause engine
failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you
experience these symptoms, try another brand of
gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
3.6L ENGINE
This engine is designed to meet all
emission regulations and provide
optimum fuel economy and performance
when using high quality unleaded regular
gasoline having a posted octane number of 87
as specified by the (R+M)/2 method. The use of
higher octane premium gasoline is not required,
as it will not provide any benefit over regular
gasoline in these engines.WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the lug nuts/bolts fully until
the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow
this warning may result in personal injury.

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283
INDEX
A
Active Driving Assist....................................... 100Active Speed Limiter........................................ 86Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control)................................................ 87Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)............... 233Adding Washing Fluid.................................... 226Additives, Fuel............................................... 271Air Bag........................................................... 179Air Bag Operation...................................... 180Air Bag Warning Light................................ 178Enhanced Accident Response...................220Event Data Recorder (EDR)....................... 220If Deployment Occurs................................ 183Maintaining Your Air Bag System.............. 184Maintenance............................................. 184Side Air Bags............................................. 180Transporting Pets...................................... 190Air Bag Light..................................65, 178, 190Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air
Cleaner Filter)...................................... 228, 229Air Conditioner Maintenance......................... 229Air Conditioner Refrigerant.................. 229, 230Air Conditioner System.................................. 229Air Conditioning Filter............................. 43, 230Air Conditioning, Operating Tips................ 43, 44
Air Filter........................................................ 228Air PressureTires......................................................... 256AlarmSecurity Alarm...................................... 20, 68Alarm SystemSecurity Alarm............................................. 20Alterations/ModificationsVehicle........................................................... 8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................. 233, 273Disposal................................................... 234Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 152Anti-Lock Warning Light................................... 68Assist, Hill Start............................................. 155Audio Systems (Radio).................................. 133Auto Down Power Windows............................. 49Auto Up Power Windows.................................. 49Automatic Door Locks...................................... 23Automatic Headlights....................................... 34Automatic High Beams.................................... 34Automatic Transmission.........................81, 236Adding Fluid.............................................. 236Fluid And Filter Change............................ 236Fluid Change............................................ 236Fluid Level Check..................................... 236
Fluid Type........................................ 236, 274Special Additives...................................... 236AUX Cord..........................................................45Auxiliary Driving Systems.............................. 158
B
Base / Midline Instrument Cluster
S
............53Battery................................................... 66, 227Charging System Light.................................66Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................14Belts, Seat.................................................... 190Blind Spot Monitoring................................... 158Body Builders Guide........................................... 8Body Mechanism Lubrication........................ 231B-Pillar Location............................................ 253Brake Assist System..................................... 153Brake Control System, Electronic.................. 153Brake Fluid........................................... 235, 274Brake System....................................... 235, 269Anti-Lock (ABS)......................................... 152Fluid Check............................................... 235Master Cylinder........................................ 235Parking........................................................78Warning Light...............................................6611

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284 Brake/Transmission Interlock
......................... 81Bulb Replacement......................................... 244Bulbs, Light.......................................... 191, 244
C
Camera, Rear...................................... 119, 120Capacities, Fluid............................................ 273Caps, Filler Fuel........................................................... 122Oil (Engine)................................................ 225Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 234Car Washes................................................... 266Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 192Cargo Area Cover............................................. 51Cargo Compartment........................................ 51Cargo Light...................................................... 36Cellular Phone............................................... 151Certification Label......................................... 123Change Engine Oil — If Equipped
S
.............. 57Change Oil Indicator........................................ 57Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 196Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 250Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)................................................ 74Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 189Checks, Safety............................................... 189Child Restraint............................................... 185
Child RestraintsBooster Seats........................................... 187Child Seat Installation.............................. 189Infant And Child Restraints....................... 186Older Children And Child Restraints......... 187Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 271CleaningWheels..................................................... 262Climate Control................................................ 40Manual........................................................ 40Rear............................................................. 43Cold Weather Operation.................................. 76Compact Spare Tire...................................... 260Contract, Service.......................................... 277Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 234Cooling System............................................. 233Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 233Coolant Level................................... 233, 234Cooling Capacity....................................... 273Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 234Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 233Inspection................................................. 234Points To Remember................................ 234Pressure Cap............................................ 234Radiator Cap............................................ 234Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 233, 273Corrosion Protection..................................... 265Cruise Control (Speed Control)................. 87, 88
Cruise Light......................................................72Customer Assistance.................................... 275Customer Programmable Features............... 134Cybersecurity................................................ 133
D
Dealer Service............................................... 227Defroster, Windshield................................... 190Diagnostic System, Onboard............................74Dimmer Control Switch....................................37Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................34DipsticksAutomatic Transmission........................... 236Oil (Engine)............................................... 226Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 219DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 234Door Ajar..........................................................66Door Ajar Light.................................................66Door Locks.......................................................21Automatic....................................................23Doors...............................................................21Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................23DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
.................................................... 131Drowsy Driver Detection................................ 157

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