overheating Ram ProMaster City 2019 Owner's Manual

Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the operator to
manually activate or deactivate the air conditioning sys-
tem. When the air conditioning system is turned on, cool
dehumidified air will flow through the outlets into the
cabin. For improved fuel economy, press the A/C button to
turn off the air conditioning and manually adjust the
blower and airflow mode settings. Also, make sure to select
only Panel, Bi-Level or Floor modes.
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 shall 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
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may lead to
excessive window fogging. The Recirculation feature may
be unavailable (button on the touchscreen greyed out) if
conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield.
On systems with Manual Climate Controls, if equipped,
the Recirculation mode is not allowed in Defrost mode to
improve window clearing operation. Recirculation is dis-
abled 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.
Operating Tips
NOTE: 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. Refer
to “Fluids and Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for
proper coolant selection.
52 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

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 trans-
mission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or ex-
pand 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 ab-
normal 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 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 trans-
mission.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive(+)jumper
cable from the positive (+)post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
If frequent jump starting is required to start your vehicle
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at an authorized dealer.
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.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
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 transmission in
NEUTRAL, 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.
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.
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 223

5. Insert a small screwdriver or a similar tool into the gearselector override access hole (at the right front corner of
the gear selector assembly), then push and hold the
override release lever down. While holding the override
release lever down, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the gear selector to the NEUTRAL
position.
6. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
7. Reinstall the gear selector boot.FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it can
often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn the steering
wheel right and left to clear the area around the front
wheels. Push and hold the lock button on the gear selector.
Then shift back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE,
while gently pressing the accelerator. Use the least amount
of accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
NOTE: Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for more
than two seconds, you must press the brake pedal to
engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the
risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to
free a stuck vehicle.
Gear Selector Override Access Hole
226 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

NOTE:Push the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode, before
rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake Control
System” in “Safety” for further information. Once the
vehicle has been freed, push the ESC Offswitch again to
restore ESC On mode.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated
by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or even
failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you are
stuck and do not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between
DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmis-
sion shifting occurring).
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 227

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the
vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not interrupt the ignition when the transmission is in
gear and the vehicle is in motion.
• Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
• Do not idle the engine with any ignition components
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough idle
or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
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,
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator 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, discon-
nect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition to the
OFF mode. The fan is temperature controlled and can
start at any time the ignition is in the ON mode.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty, the system
should be drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer.
Check the front of the A/C condenser for any accumula-
tion of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently spraying
water from a garden hose vertically down the face of the
condenser.
246 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Four primary areas
are affected by improper tire pressure:
•Safety and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause collisions.
• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result
in overheating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
266 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Towing............................... .228
Emission Control System Maintenance ............84
Engine ................................. .237
Air Cleaner ............................ .242
Block Heater ........................... .151
Break-In Recommendations .................152
Checking Oil Level ...................... .238
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .292
Cooling .............................. .246
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................143, 291
Fails To Start ........................... .150
Flooded, Starting ........................ .150
Jump Starting .......................... .220
Oil .............................. .240, 292
Oil Filler Cap ....................... .237, 241
Oil Filter .............................. .241
Oil Selection ........................ .240, 292
Oil Synthetic ........................... .241
Overheating ........................... .223
Starting .............................. .149
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .241
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ....................241
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .........120, 229
Ethanol ................................. .289
Exhaust Gas Cautions ....................143, 291 Exhaust System
....................... .143, 244
Exterior Lights ......................... .41, 145
Filters Air Cleaner ............................ .242
Air Conditioning ..........................53
Engine Oil ......................... .241, 292
Engine Oil Disposal ...................... .241
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................ .191
Turn Signals ......................... .82, 145
Flooded Engine Starting ..................... .150
Fluid, Brake ............................. .294
Fluid
Capacities ........................... .292
Fluid Leaks .............................. .146
Fluid Level Checks Brake ................................ .251
Engine Oil ............................ .238
Power Steering ......................... .163
Fluids And Lubricants ...................... .292
Fog Lights ................................42
Fold-Flat Seats .............................29
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................191
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................... .226
Fuel ................................... .288
12
INDEX 329

Viscosity.......................... .241, 292
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .241
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .241
Oil Pressure Light ...........................77
Onboard Diagnostic System ....................83
Operating Precautions ........................83
Operator Manual Owner’s Manual .......................5,324
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................38
Overheating, Engine ....................... .223
Paint Care ............................... .280
Parking Brake ............................ .152
ParkSense System, Rear ..................... .166
Passing Light ..............................42
Personal Settings .......................... .297
Pets ................................... .142
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........262
Power Mirrors ................................39
Steering ........................... .162, 163
Windows ...............................54
Power Steering Fluid ....................... .294
Pregnant Women And Seat Belts ................106
Preparation For Jacking ...................204, 208 Pretensioners
Seat Belts ............................. .107
Radial Ply Tires ........................... .268
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .............249
Radio Frequency General Information .....................19, 21
Radio Operation .......................... .310
Rear Camera ............................. .171
Rear ParkSense System ..................... .166
Recreational Towing ........................ .185
Reformulated Gasoline ...................... .289
Refrigerant .............................. .243
Release, Hood ..............................58
Reminder, Seat Belt ..........................99
Remote Keyless Entry Programming Additional Key Fobs .............19
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls ...........308
Replacement

Bulbs ........................ .191
Replacement Keys ...........................21
Replacement Tires ......................... .271
Reporting Safety Defects .....................323
Restraints, Child .......................... .122
Restraints, Head ............................34
12
INDEX 333