RAM Cargo Van (2015 year). Manual

CAUTION!

• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-

tween 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 trans-
mission shifting occurring).

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated 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 vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE

If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:

1. Turn the engine OFF.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.

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3. Using a small screwdriver or similar tool, remove the

shift lever override access cover (located near the top
right of the shift lever in the instrument panel).

4. Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.

5. Insert the screwdriver or similar tool into the access

hole, and push and hold the override release lever
forward.

6. Move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position.

7. The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.

8. Reinstall the shift lever override access cover.

Shift Lever Override Access Cover

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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.

Towing Condition

Wheels OFF the Ground

ALL MODELS

Flat Tow

NONE

If transmission is operable:

• Transmission in NEUTRAL

• 25 mph (40 km/h) max speed

• 15 miles (24 km) max distance

Wheel lift

Rear

Front

Flatbed

ALL

BEST METHOD

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Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed.

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.

If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to

⬙Shift Lever Override⬙ in this section

for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK
for towing.

CAUTION!

• Do not use sling type equipment when towing.

Vehicle damage may occur.

• When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck, do not

attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.

• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another

vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.

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The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed. If flatbed
equipment is not available, and the transmission is
operable, the vehicle may be flat towed (with all four
wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:

• The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
• The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
• The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must
be towed faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than
15 miles (24 km), it must be towed with the front
wheels OFF the ground (using a flatbed truck, or wheel
lift equipment with the front wheels raised).

CAUTION!

• Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or farther than

15 mi (24 km) with front wheels on the ground can
cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-

quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L

1 — Air Filter

6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir

2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

7 — Engine Oil Dipstick

3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir

8 — Engine Oil Fill

4 — Battery

9 — Coolant Pressure Cap

5 — Totally Integrated Power Module (Fuses)

10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir

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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II

Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.

CAUTION!

• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause

further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.

• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,

severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to

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“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until a

⬙clicking⬙ sound is heard.

This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.

Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem persists, the message will appear the next
time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged
cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row, the system
will turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the
MIL light off.

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not

on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.

Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

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Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which
you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if
your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the
following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do

not crank or start the engine.

NOTE:

If you crank or start the engine, you will have to

start this test over.

2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON

position, you will see the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.

3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will

happen:

• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then

return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF

the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should
not

proceed to the I/M station.

• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully

illuminated until you place the ignition in the off
position or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is ready and you can proceed
to the I/M station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

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Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is
ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal
vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced
before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail
your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use of genuine MOPAR® parts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-MOPAR® parts for mainte-
nance and repairs will not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.

DEALER SERVICE

Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are

available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.

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MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The pages that follow contain the required maintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.

Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.

CAUTION!

• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-

form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer or qualified
repair center.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids

that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level

To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at

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regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.

Change Engine Oil

The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for further informa-
tion.

NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve
months, whichever occurs first.

Engine Oil Selection

For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

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American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your engine oil as the
chemicals can damage your engine. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Viscosity — 3.6L Engine

MOPAR® SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to Chrysler
Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil®, Shell
Helix® or equivalent is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.

The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.

NOTE:

MOPAR® SAE 5W-30 engine oil approved to

Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 such as Pennzoil®,
Shell Helix® or equivalent may be used when SAE 5W-20
engine oil meeting MS-6395 is not available.

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Synthetic Engine Oils

You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.

Materials Added To Engine Oil

The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.

Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters

Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service

station or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in
your area.

Engine Oil Filter

The engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter
at every engine oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection

This manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type oil
filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality
of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high
quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MOPAR® engine oil filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter

Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.

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RAM Cargo Van (2015 year). Manual - part 36