check engine RAM PROMASTER 2023 Owners Manual

5
SAFETY TIPS ........................................................ 189 Transporting Passengers .............................. 189Transporting Pets ......................................... 190
Connected Vehicles....................................... 190
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ........................................................... 190Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................................... 191Exhaust Gas ................................................... 192Carbon Monoxide Warnings ......................... 192
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ......................... 193
SOS AND ASSIST SYSTEM ................................. 193
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING.......................... 196
Preparations For Jacking .............................. 197Jack And Tools Location................................ 197
Spare Tire Removal ....................................... 198
Jacking Instructions ...................................... 200Wheel Covers ................................................. 203
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ..................... 203
Alternate Tire Service Kit —
If Equipped..................................................... 209
Tire Service Kit Components And
Operation ....................................................... 209
Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .............. 210
Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .............. 211 JUMP STARTING .................................................. 214
Preparations For Jump Start ........................ 214
Jump Starting Procedure .............................. 215Battery Location ............................................ 216
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .......................... 216
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ............................. 217
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............................. 218
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ......................... 219 Automatic Transmission ............................... 220
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) ................................................... 220
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ........................ 220SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 221
Maintenance Plan ......................................... 222
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................................... 225
3.6L Engine .................................................. 225
Checking Oil Level ......................................... 226
Adding Washer Fluid ..................................... 226
Maintenance-Free Battery ........................... 227Pressure Washing ......................................... 227
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE..................................... 227
Engine Oil ....................................................... 228
Engine Oil Filter ............................................ 228
Engine Air Cleaner Filter .............................. 228Air Conditioner Maintenance ....................... 229 Body Lubrication ........................................... 231
Windshield Wiper Blades ............................. 231
Exhaust System ............................................ 232
Cooling System.............................................. 233
Brake System ............................................... 235Automatic Transmission ............................... 236
Fuses.............................................................. 236
Bulb Replacement ....................................... 244
TIRES .................................................................... 249
Tire Safety Information ................................ 249Tires — General Information ......................... 256
Tire Types....................................................... 259Spare Tires — If Equipped ............................ 260
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care ........................ 262Snow Traction Devices ................................. 263
Tire Rotation Recommendations ................. 264
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES ...................................... 264
Treadwear...................................................... 264
Traction Grades ............................................. 264Temperature Grades..................................... 265
STORING THE VEHICLE ...................................... 265
BODYWORK .......................................................... 265
Protection From Atmospheric Agents .......... 265
Body And Underbody Maintenance ............. 266
Preserving The Bodywork ............................. 266

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10 Hood Open Warning Light Úpage 68
Rear Cargo Door Warning Light Úpage 68
Swivel Seat (Driver or Passenger) Unlocked Warning Light Úpage 68
Yellow Warning Lights
Immobilizer Fail / VPS Electrical Alarm Warning Light Úpage 69
Drowsy Driver Detected System Fault Warning Light Úpage 69
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light Úpage 70
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning Light Úpage 69
Red Warning Lights
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light
Úpage 69
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL) Úpage 69
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light Úpage 68
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light Úpage 70
Service Required/Call For Service Warning Light Úpage 70
Speed Limiter Fail Warning Light Úpage 70
Swivel Seat (Driver or Passenger) Fail Warning Light Úpage 70
Transmission Temperature Warning Light Úpage 71
Yellow Warning Lights

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16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer system
serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Keys must be ordered to the correct key cut to
match the vehicle locks.
It is not mandatory to replace the key fob if a
new emergency key is needed, and vice versa.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents
unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling the
engine. The system does not need to be armed or
activated. Operation is automatic, regardless of
whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses a key fob, keyless push button
ignition and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to
prevent unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore,
only key fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
The system will shut the engine off in two seconds
if an invalid key fob is used to start the engine.
After placing the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for
three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a
problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates
that someone used an invalid key fob to start the
engine. Either of these conditions will result in the
engine being shut off after two seconds.

If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than
10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in the
electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible by an authorized dealer.

All of the key fobs provided with your new vehicle
have been programmed to the vehicle electronics
Ú
page 280.
NOTE:A key fob that has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key.
IGNITION SWITCH
KEYLESS ENTER ‘N GO™ IGNITION
This feature allows the driver to operate the
ignition switch with the push of a button as long as
the key fob is in the passenger compartment within
the area of the front driver and passenger seats.
The START/STOP ignition button has three
operating modes: OFF, ON/RUN, and START.

START/STOP Ignition Button

The push button ignition can be placed in the
following modes:
OFF
The engine is stopped
Some electrical devices (e.g. power locks,
alarm, etc.) are still available
CAUTION!

The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatible
with some aftermarket Remote Start systems. Use
of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL53
Use this QR code to access your
digital experience.
BASE / MIDLINE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
D
ESCRIPTIONS

1. Speedometer

Indicates vehicle speed.
2. Instrument Cluster Display
The instrument cluster display features a
driver interactive display Ú page 56.
3. Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
4. Fuel Gauge
The gauge shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to
the side of the vehicle where the
fuel door is located.
5. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within the
normal range indicates that the engine
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather or up mountain grades. It should
not be allowed to exceed the upper limits of
the normal operating range.
NOTE:The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
when the ignition is first cycled.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats
Ú page 233.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the
vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range.
If the pointer remains on the “H”, turn the
engine off immediately and call an authorized
dealer for service.
3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL65
Security – If Equipped
By selecting the item “Security” you can make the
following adjustments (if equipped):
Passenger Airbag: Front passenger air bag may
be enabled or disabled
Speed Warning: Set the vehicle speed limit,
which the driver is notified through a visual and
acoustic signaling (display of a message and a
symbol on the display)
Seat Belt Reminder: This function is only view -
able when the Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) system
is active
Hill Start Assist: Activation/Deactivation of the
Hill Start Assist system
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES

The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the
instrument panel together with a dedicated message
and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These
indications are indicative and precautionary and as
such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or
alternative to the information contained in the Owner’s
Manual, which you are advised to read carefully in all
cases. Always refer to the information in this chapter in
the event of a failure indication. All active telltales will
display first if applicable. The system check menu may
appear different based upon equipment options and
current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and
may not appear.

RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light

This light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position. If the
light is either not on during startup, stays on,
or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at
an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the
Air Bag Warning Light has been detected, it will stay
on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on
intermittently or remains on while driving, have an
authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately.

Safety & Assitance
Warning Buzzer Volume
—Off, Low, Medium, High
Backup Alarm —On / Off
Vehicle Shut Off ——By selecting the item “Vehicle Shut
Off”, you can turn off the engine from
the instrument cluster. This feature is
available in the event of a Keyless
Ignition system failure, and will
display instructions for turning off the
engine via the instrument cluster
display controls.
*If Equipped
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66GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various brake
functions, including brake fluid level and
parking brake application. If the brake
light turns on it may indicate that the
parking brake is applied, that the brake fluid level
is low, or that there is a problem with the Anti-Lock
Brake System reservoir.

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related
to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking
capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the
hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual
brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning
Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid
level in the master cylinder has dropped below a
specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD
failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along
with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON/RUN position. The light should
illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light
should then turn off unless the parking brake is
applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does
not illuminate, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer. The light also will turn on when the parking brake
is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Battery Charge Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the
battery is not charging properly. If it stays on
while the engine is running, there may be
a malfunction with the charging system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

This indicates a possible problem with the
electrical system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light

This indicator will illuminate when one or
more door(s) are not fully closed. A pop-up
appears on the instrument cluster display
showing which door is open.

NOTE:If the vehicle is moving and a door is opened, there
will also be a single chime.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have
failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have a collision. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL67
Drowsy Driver Detected Warning Light —
If Equipped
Drowsy driver detection helps to avoid
crashes caused by fatigue by advising
drivers to take a break in time. Once a
Drowsy Driver is detected, A pop-up will
display continuously until the driver presses the
OK button to clear.
Once the pop-up message is cleared, it is stored
until the condition is no longer true.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault
Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the EPS system
Ú page 85.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light

This warning light will illuminate to inform of
a problem with the ETC system. If a problem
is detected while the vehicle is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the
transmission is placed in the PARK (P) position.
The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the
vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.

If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/
rough idle, or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing. The light will come on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN
position and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the
light does not come on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.

Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine coolant
temperature is too high, this indicator will
illuminate and a single chime will sound.

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does
not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately
and call for service
Ú
page 216.

Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will illuminate
to signal the failure of one or more safety
warning lights with a corresponding
message. The safety systems that may
cause the Generic Warning Light to illuminate
include but are not limited too: Seat belt Reminder,
Electric Park Brake, Brakes, Air Bag, and Swivel
Seat failure.
The telltale will remain on in case of swivel seat
failure and will blink in case of Air Bag Warning
Light Failure. Contact an authorized dealer
immediately for service.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.
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68GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Hood Open Warning Light
The telltale turns on when the hood is not
properly closed. Along with the icon, an
image of the vehicle with an open hood
cap appears on the display.
Close the hood properly.
Rear Door Open Warning Light —
If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
rear door is open.
NOTE:This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately
15 seconds when the vehicle security system is
arming, and then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon
as possible, and contact an authorized dealer.
A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how much
oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, if the
driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime
will sound and the light will turn on. When
driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will flash or remain on continuously and a chime
will sound Ú page 170.
Transmission Fault Warning Light

This light will illuminate (together with
a message in the instrument cluster display
and a buzzer) to indicate a transmission
fault. Contact an authorized dealer if the
message remains after restarting the engine.

Vehicle Security Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security system is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle is
disarmed.
Swivel Seat (Driver or Passenger)
Unlocked Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the driver
or passenger seat is unlocked.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the ACC system.
Contact a local authorized dealer for
service Ú page 89.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
This light monitors the ABS. The light will
turn on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will
continue to operate normally if the brake warning
light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL69
Immobilizer Fail / VPS Electrical Alarm
Warning Light
This telltale will illuminate when the
vehicle security system has detected an
attempt to break into the vehicle.
NOTE:After cycling the ignition to the ON/RUN position,
the Vehicle Security Warning Light could illuminate
if a problem with the system is detected. This
condition will result in the engine being shut off
after two seconds.
Drowsy Driver Detected System Fault
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
Drowsy Driver Detected System is not
operating correctly and requires service.
Please see an authorized dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning
Light

The ESC Indicator Light in the instrument
cluster will come on when the ignition is
placed in the ON/RUN or MAR (ACC/ON/
RUN) position, and when ESC is activated.
It should turn off with the engine running. If the ESC
Indicator Light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the problem diagnosed and corrected.

The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi
-
cator Light come on momentarily each time
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or MAR
(ACC/ON/RUN) position.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
MAR (ACC/ON/RUN), the ESC system will be on,
even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in an
ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light
This light indicates the ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN, the ESC
system will be on, even if it was turned off
previously.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches the low
threshold, this light will turn on and
remain on until fuel is added.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) Warning Light

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems.
This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the ignition switch from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if
the light stays on through several typical driving
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and will not require towing.

When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to
alert serious conditions that could lead to immediate
loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage.
The vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer
as soon as possible if this occurs.

3

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator
is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.

Towing Hook Breakdown Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light illuminates when there is a
failure with the tow hook. Contact an
authorized dealer for service.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N), until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket
tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have
your sensor function checked.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.
3

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