RAM ProMaster (2019 year). Manual

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STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle.

• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is

dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be seriously or fatally injured. Children
should be warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

Automatic Transmission

The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting out

of PARK.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine

is obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.

Turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) position and
release it when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start
within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the “Normal Starting” procedure.

Cold Weather Operation (Below –22°F Or −30°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the

⬙Normal Starting⬙ or ⬙Extreme Cold Weather⬙ procedure,
and has not experienced an extended park condition as
identified in

⬙Extended Park Starting⬙ procedure it may be

flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the RUN

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position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the “Nor-
mal Starting” procedure.

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables

may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump
Starting Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 25 seconds at a time.
Wait 60 seconds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.

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.

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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.

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The parking brake lever is located on the outboard side of
the driver’s seat. To apply the parking brake, pull the lever
up as firmly as possible. To release the parking brake, pull
the lever up slightly, push the release button with your
thumb, then lower the lever completely.

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, the Brake Warning
Light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. The parking brake should always
be applied whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving unattended
children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children, and do not leave a
vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

(Continued)

Parking Brake

1 — Parking Brake Release Button
2 — Parking Brake Lever

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle always come to a
complete stop, then apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is re-
moved, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-

tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children). A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

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CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the LOCK/OFF (key removal)
position. The key can only be removed from the ignition
when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and once
removed the transmission is locked in PARK.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but the
key cannot be removed until you obtain service.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be turned to
the ON/RUN mode (engine running or not), and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

NOTE:

Swivel seats that are unlocked can also prevent the

transmission gear selector from being moved out of the
PARK position. To shift the transmission out of the PARK
position the first time after cranking is allowed, ensure
swivel seats are locked in the forward facing position.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector
out of PARK (Refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive, move the gear selector
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle

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may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift
positions. Manual downshifts can be made using the ERS
shift control. Moving the gear selector into the ERS (-/+)
position (beside the DRIVE position) activates ERS mode,

displays the current gear in the instrument cluster, and
prevents automatic upshifts beyond this gear. In ERS
mode, toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+)
will change the highest available gear. Refer to

⬙Electronic

Range Select (ERS) Operation

⬙ in this section for further

information.

NOTE:

If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,

REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward)
it is probably in the ERS (+/-) position (beside the DRIVE
position). In ERS mode, the transmission gear limit (1, 2, 3,
etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the gear
selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position) for access
to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.

Gear Selector

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Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade, and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.

When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the engine OFF.
• Remove the ignition key.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF,
and remove the ignition key. Once the key is re-
moved, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the ignition

key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle

(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the gear selector

all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With the brake pedal released, verify that the gear

selector will not move out of PARK.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK

or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be

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started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
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), select Tow/Haul mode or use the
Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control (refer to

⬙Elec-

tronic 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 transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.

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
is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to
the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this sec-
tion). During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or
below), operation may briefly be limited to third gear only.
Normal operation will resume once the transmission tem-
perature has risen to a suitable level.

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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 remains
in third gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.

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 no

longer 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.

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 4 (fourth gear), the
transmission will not shift above fourth gear, but will shift
through the lower gears normally.

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.

To exit ERS mode, simply return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position.

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WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

Instrument
Cluster Dis-
play

Actual

Gear(s) Al-

lowed

1–2

1–3

1–4

1–5

1–6

NOTE:

To select the proper gear position for maximum

deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector into
the ERS position, then tap it forward (-) repeatedly as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down.

Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (sixth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.

• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-

perature.

• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-

ture.

• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.

When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting occurs,
push the TOW/HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL

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mode. This will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/HAUL mode,
transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission
will automatically downshift (for engine braking) during
steady braking maneuvers.

The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pushing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. Normal operation is always the default
at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pushed each time the engine is started.

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 and engine coolant are 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 into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Over-
drive.

• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the

first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.

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.

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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.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at
every oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

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If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h) up to
the maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).

The Speed Control Lever is located on the left side of the
steering column.

NOTE:

In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed

Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by
rotating the Speed Control ON/OFF center ring and reset-
ting the desired vehicle set speed.

To Activate

Rotate the center ring upward on the Speed Control lever
to turn the system on. The Cruise Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster display will illuminate. To turn the
system off, rotate the center ring upward a second time.
The Cruise Indicator Light will turn off. The system should
be turned off when not in use.

WARNING!

Leaving the Speed Control system on when not in use
is dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always leave the system
off when you are not using it.

Speed Control Lever

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RAM ProMaster (2019 year). Manual - part 9