transmission fluid Ram ProMaster City 2019 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 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.
— Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
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 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 Restraint Systems” in “Safety” for further infor-
mation.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 77

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................149
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................149
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .149
▫ Cold Weather Operation .................149
▫ Extended Park Starting ...................150
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................150
▫ After Starting ......................... .151
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .151
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .152
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .152
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............154
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................155
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .155
▫ Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission .........156
POWER STEERING ..................... .162
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............163
 SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ..........164
▫ To Activate .......................... .164
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................164
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................165
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................166
▫ To Resume Speed ...................... .166
▫ To Deactivate ........................ .166
 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................... .166
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ..........167
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........168
▫ ParkSense

Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .169
6

•The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
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
152 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 161

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................233
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .234
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................237
▫ Engine Compartment — 2.4L ..............237
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................238
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................238
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................239
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .240
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .240
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .241
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................242
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............242
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .243
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................244 ▫
Exhaust System ....................... .244
▫ Cooling System ....................... .246
▫ Brake System ........................ .250
▫ Power Steering Fluid ....................252
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................252
▫ Upfitter Connectors — If Equipped ..........254
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................256
 TIRES ............................... .256
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................256
▫ Tires — General Information ..............266
▫ Tire Types ........................... .272
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ................273
▫ Wheel

And Wheel Trim Care ..............276
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) .............277
8

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the fluid level with the vehicle on flat ground and
engine cold. Fluid should be between MIN and MAX
references on the reservoir body.
The level may go over the MAX line when oil is hot.
If topping off is required, make sure the oil you use is
approved. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
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.
252 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.
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 transmissionfluid 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.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 253

Chassis
ComponentFluid, 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.
294 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............248
Additives, Fuel ........................... .290
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ........................113
Driver Knee Air Bag ......................114
Enhanced Accident Response .............120, 229
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................229
FrontAirBag ...........................111
If Deployment Occurs .....................119
Knee Impact Bolsters ......................114
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............121
Maintenance ........................... .121
Transporting Pets ....................... .142
Air Bag Light .......................... .74, 143
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......242
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................242
Air Conditioner Refrigerant ................242, 243
Air Conditioner System ..................... .242
Air Conditioning Filter .......................53
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............52, 54
Air Filter ............................... .242
Air Pressure Tires................................. .267
Alarm Security Alarm ...........................22 Alterations/Modifications
Vehicle .................................6
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................247, 292
Disposal .............................. .249
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................88
Anti-Lock Warning Light ......................78
Assist, Hill Start ............................90
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .296
Auto Down Power Windows ...................55
Automatic Transmission ..................154, 156
Adding Fluid ....................... .253, 294
Fluid And Filter Change ...................253
Fluid Change .......................... .253
Fluid Level Check .....................252, 253
Fluid Type ......................... .252, 294
Special Additives ........................ .253
Auto Up Power Windows .....................56
Auxiliary

Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ..........63
Axle Fluid .............................. .294
Battery .............................. .76, 239
Charging System Light .....................76
Keyless Key Fob Replacement ................18
Belts, Seat ............................... .143
Body Builders Guide ..........................5
326 INDEX