Why doesn’t my transmission shift out of gear? Am I in Limp Home Mode?
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically
for abnormal 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. Transmission Limp Home Mode
allows 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 no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience. An authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission
cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is
required.
When do I have to change my oil?
This varies. For the engine oil on the RAM Promaster (gasoline), the “Automatic Oil Change Indicator System” will provide an alert as early as 3500 miles, under severe usage.
In the User Guide that comes with your Promaster, it is suggested that the engine oil and filter be changed, at minimum, every 12 months or 10,000 miles. You should get an alert before that, in most cases.
The Indicator System should be reset by the service tech each time an oil change and filter service is performed.
What gas mileage can I expect?
Owners seem to report an average of 15-18mpgs on the gas engine. Those with diesel engines report 21-23mpgs. Diesel engine Travatos are no longer available to purchase new.
What do I need to know about engine oil changes?
The manufacturer of the ProMaster van chassis says this in the owner’s manual:
We recommend you use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil, meeting the requirements of FCA US Material Standard MS-6395 such as MOPAR®, Pennzoil®, and Shell Helix®. Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade.
The ProMaster is equipped with an oil change indicator system. It will light to announce when it’s time for the oil to be changed.