transmission fluid Ram ProMaster City 2018 Owner's Manual

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. Refer to “If
Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
— Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light
turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the
engine as soon as possible. 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.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light indicates 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 or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Trans-
mission 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 Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
— 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 un-
buckled, 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. Refer to
“Occupant Restraints Systems” in “Safety” for further
information.
86 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................155
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................155
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .155
▫ Cold Weather Operation .................155
▫ Extended Park Starting ...................156
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................156
▫ After Starting ......................... .156
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .157
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .157
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .158
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............160
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................161
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .161
▫ Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission .........161
POWER STEERING ..................... .168
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............169
 SPEED CONTROL ...................... .170
▫ To Activate .......................... .170
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................171
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................171
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................172
▫ To Resume Speed ...................... .172
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .172
 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .173
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ..........173
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........174
▫ ParkSense

Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .175
6

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.
NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem. Please check your oil level with
the engine oil indicator often during the break in period.
Add oil as required.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an auto-
matic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To
apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
Parking Brake
158 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Op-
erating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Operation” in this section for further information) to select
a lower gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower
gear range will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the transmis-
sion shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Transmis-
sion Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may operate differently until the transmission
cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter
clutch, and shifts into 8th or 9th gear, are inhibited until the
transmission fluid is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section). Normal opera-
tion will resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home Mode is
activated. In this mode, the transmission may operate only in
166 STARTING AND OPERATING

a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL. The Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode
may allow the vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer
for service without damaging the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is nolonger detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to assess the condition of your transmission.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE: The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid is warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2
to 5 km) of driving]. Because the engine speed is higher
when the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may
seem as if the transmission is not shifting properly when
cold. This is normal. The torque converter clutch will
function normally once the transmission is sufficiently
warm.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the
driver to limit the highest available gear. For example, if
you set the transmission gear limit to 5 (fifth gear), the
transmission will not shift above fifth gear, but will shift
through the lower gears normally.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 167

You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at any
vehicle speed. When the gear selector is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate automatically, shift-
ing between all available gears.
Moving the gear selector to the ERS position (beside
DRIVE) will activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top available
gear. Once in ERS mode, moving the gear selector forward
(-) or rearward (+) will change the top available gear, which
will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
To exit ERS mode, simply return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
NOTE: To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector into
the ERS position, then simply press and hold it forward (-).
The transmission will shift to the range from which the
vehicle can best be slowed down.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................237
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .238
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................241
▫ Engine Compartment — 2.4L ..............241
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................242
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................242
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................243
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .244
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .244
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .246
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................246
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............246
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .247
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................248 ▫
Exhaust System ....................... .249
▫ Cooling System ....................... .250
▫ Brake System ........................ .255
▫ Power Steering Fluid ....................256
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................257
▫ Upfitter Connectors — If Equipped ..........258
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................261
 TIRES ............................... .261
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................261
▫ Tires — General Information ..............271
▫ Tire Types ........................... .277
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................278
▫ Wheel

And Wheel Trim Care ..............281
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............282
8

WARNING!
Because it is flammable, do not allow the power
steering fluid to come into contact with hot engine
parts
NOTE: Power steering fluid consumption is very low. If
you need to top off your fluid often and multiple times
have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid.
NOTE: No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Techni-
cal Specifications” for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission. Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid (ATF) is an engineered product and its perfor-
mance may be impaired by supplemental additives. There-
fore, do not add any fluid additives to the transmission.
Avoid using transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 257

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 transmis-
sion has no dipstick. An authorized dealer can check your
transmission fluid level using special service tools. 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 im-
proper fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
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.
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 contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is disas-
sembled for any reason.
Upfitter Connectors — If Equipped
The preparation connectors are to be only used by upfitters
This connector is located under the dash
Connector Location
258 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CAUTION!(Continued)
introduced into the cooling system in an emergency,
the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed,
and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032), by an authorized dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
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 (antifreeze).
Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is not recommended.
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent.
Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or performance of your
transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use Mopar DOT 4.
The fluid must be changed every 24 months. This interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.
Power Steering Reservoir Use Pentosin CHF 11S power steering fluid meeting FCA Material Standard
MS-11655.
298 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS