cooling 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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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE41
NOTE:
For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is
in Mix, Floor or Defrost mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system could remain
active to prevent fogging of the windows.
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or side
glass, select Defrost mode, and increase blower
speed if needed.
If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C
condenser (located in front of the radiator), for
an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean with a
gentle water spray from the front of the radiator
and through the condenser.
Recirculation Button

Press and release this button to change the
system between recirculation mode and
outside air mode. The Recirculation indicator
and the A/C indicator illuminate when the
Recirculation button is pressed. Recirculation can be
used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Recirculation can be
used in all modes except for Defrost. Recirculation may
be unavailable if conditions exist that could create
fogging on the inside of the windshield. The A/C can be deselected manually without disturbing the mode
control selection. Continuous use of the Recirculation
mode may make the inside air stuffy and window
fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not
recommended. Recirculation mode may automatically
adjust to optimize customer experience for warming,
cooling, dehumidification, etc.
On systems with Manual Climate Controls, if equipped,
the Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost mode
to improve window clearing operation. Recirculation
is disabled automatically if this mode is selected.
Attempting to use Recirculation while in this mode
causes the LED in the control button to blink and
then turns off.

MAX Defrost Button

Push the MAX Defrost button to change
the current airflow setting to Defrost mode.
The indicator illuminates when this feature is
on. Max defrost set maximum temperature
setting for best windshield and side window defrosting
and defogging. If MAX Defrost mode is turned off, the
Climate Control system will return to the previous
setting. Air comes from the windshield and side window
demist outlets.

Rear Defrost Button — If Equipped
Push and release the Rear Defrost
Control button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated outside mirrors
(if equipped). The Rear Defrost indicator
illuminates when the rear window defroster is on.
The rear window defroster automatically turns off
after 10 minutes the first time it is activated after
the first key cycle. If the key cycle is engaged again,
the rear window defroster will automatically turn
off 5 minutes after it is activated.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners
on the interior surface of the window. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Labels can
be peeled off after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE43
Climate Control OFF Button
Press and release this button to turn the
Climate Control ON/OFF.
ADDITIONAL REAR CLIMATE CONTROL —
I
F EQUIPPED
These switches, mounted on the instrument panel
to the left of the steering column, activate the
additional rear heating/air conditioning system.
NOTE:These switches must be enabled for operation by
the Upfitter.

Additional Rear Climate Controls Switches

Rear Blower Control

Push this button to turn on the rear climate
controls. An indicator light will turn on when
the rear climate control is on.

OPERATING TIPS
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect against
engine overheating. OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) is recommended.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster
performance, make sure the engine cooling
system is functioning properly and the proper
amount, type, and concentration of coolant is
used. Use of the Air Recirculation mode during
Winter months is not recommended, because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
For information on maintaining the Climate Control
system when the vehicle is being stored for an
extended period of time, see Ú page 265.
Window Fogging

Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy,
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
Defrost or Mix mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the Recirculation mode without A/C
for long periods, as fogging may occur.

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of
the windshield, is free of obstructions, such as
leaves. Leaves collected in the air intake may
reduce airflow, and if they enter the air distribution
box, they could plug the water drains. In Winter
months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
Cabin Air Filter
The Climate Control system filters out dust and
pollen from the air. Contact an authorized dealer to
service your cabin air filter, and to have it replaced
when needed.
2

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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 PANEL55
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

This gauge measures engine revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000). Before the
pointer reaches the red area, ease up on
the accelerator to prevent engine damage.
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this
display shows instrument cluster display
messages Ú page 56.
Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Area

US Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser
the correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven.
If your odometer needs to be repaired or serviced,
the repair technician should leave the odometer
reading the same as it was before the repair or
service. If the technician cannot do so, then the
odometer must be set at zero, and a sticker must be
placed in the door jamb stating what the mileage
was before the repair or service. It is a good idea
for you to make a record of the odometer reading
before the repair/service, so that you can be sure
that it is properly reset, or that the door jamb sticker
is accurate if the odometer must be reset at zero.

Gear Selector Status (PRND)
The gear selector status “P, R, N, D, 1, 2, 3, 4,
etc.” are displayed indicating the gear selector
position. Telltales “1, 2, 3, 4, etc.” indicate the
manual mode has been engaged and the gear
selected is displayed Ú page 81.
3. 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 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. 4. Fuel GaugeThe pointer 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 Ú page 122.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats.
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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192SAFETY
(Continued)
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the
exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle, or when the underside
or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have an
authorized dealer inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
Open seams or loose connections could permit
exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust
system each time the vehicle is raised for
lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless
and odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you.
To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to
move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/lift
-
gate/rear doors open, make sure that all
windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running, adjust your heating or
cooling controls to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning:

Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.

Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system
inspected every time the vehicle is raised.
Have any abnormal conditions repaired
promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock your vehicle.
WARNING!

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214IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
(Continued)
JUMP STARTING

If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be jump
started using a set of jumper cables and a battery in
another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster
pack. Jump starting can be dangerous if done
improperly, so please follow the procedures in this
section carefully.

NOTE:When using a portable battery booster pack, follow
the manufacturer’s operating instructions and
precautions.
PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP START

The vehicle’s jump starting remote posts are located
under the hood, in the engine compartment on the
driver's side.

The Remote positive (+) Post is covered with a
protective cap located on the side of the Front
Power Distribution Center.
The Remote negative (-) Post is located on the core
support closest to the front of the vehicle.

Jump Starting Locations
See the following steps to prepare for jump
starting:

1. Apply the parking brake, shift the automatic
transmission into PARK (P) and turn the
ignition to the OFF position.

2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all electrical accessories.
3. Pull upward and remove the protective cover over the remote positive (+) battery post.
4. If using another vehicle to jump start the battery, park the vehicle within the reach of the
jumper cables, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or
any other booster source with a system voltage
greater than 12 Volts or damage to the battery,
starter motor, alternator or electrical system
may occur.
Remote Positive (+) Post
Remote Negative (-) Post
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as
this could establish a ground connection and
personal injury could result.
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan
whenever the hood is raised. It can start
anytime the ignition switch is ON. You can be
injured by moving fan blades.

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216IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable from the remote positive (+) post
of the discharged vehicle, and reinstall the
protective cap.
5. Close the cover of the Front Power Distribution Center.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your
vehicle you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at an authorized dealer.
BATTERY LOCATION
There are two remote jump starting posts under
the hood which is the recommended jump start
location. If access to the battery is needed, an
access panel on the driver’s side floor will allow for
battery access.
Battery Access Panel
Battery Location

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce
the potential for overheating by taking the
appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the
engine idle speed while preventing vehicle
motion with the brakes.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling
system and turning the A/C off can help remove
this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the heater
core to act as a supplement to the radiator and
aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power
outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular devices, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough without
engine operation, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY217
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the gear selector
cannot be moved out of the PARK (P) position, you
can use the following procedure to temporarily
move the gear selector:

1. Turn the engine OFF.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool,
remove the shifter boot material of the gear
selector by pulling up to carefully separate the
gear selector bezel and boot assembly from
the console.

Shifter Boot And Bezel
4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake
pedal.
5. Insert the screwdriver or similar tool into the gear selector override release and push down
while depressing the shifter button at the
same time.

Gear Selector Override Release Lever

6. Move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL (N) position.
7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
8. Reinstall the shifter boot and bezel.
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 try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator or
coolant bottle is hot.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
HOT (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 HOT (H), and you
hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
7

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222SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE PLAN
Refer to the maintenance plan for the required maintenance intervals. More frequent maintenance may be needed in severe conditions, such as dusty areas
and very short trip driving. In some extreme conditions, additional maintenance not specified in the maintenance schedule may be required.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
Change oil and filter.
Rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
Inspect the CV/Universal joints.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter if using in dusty or off-road conditions.

Inspect and replace the Evaporative System Fresh Air Filter as necessary, replacement may be more frequent if vehicle is operated in extreme dusty conditions.

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