Ram Promaster

The Promaster is a eurovan based on the Fiat Ducato platform. It is the most popular RV platform in Europe.²⁾

The PM is a front-wheel drive platform with nearly straight sides, tight turning circle, low cargo deck height, and a wide (74“) cargo area.

It comes in low (65” standing room) and high roof (76“ standing room) models, and beginning in 2023 there was the introduction of the “Super High” roof (86” standing room). Wheelbase options are either 136“ or 159”, yielding 10' and 12' cargo areas respectively. There is also an extended body on the 159“ wheelbase; this option has a 13.33' cargo area and is only available on the 3500 model.³⁾

The 1500/2500/3500 badges are ambiguous.⁴⁾ The 159” wheelbase is offered on the 2500 and up.. The 159“ Extended model is available only on the 3500. The only confirmed difference between the 2500 and 3500 is a sway bar added on the 3500.⁵⁾

The gas version has a 3.6L Pentastar and 62TE 6 speed transmission⁶⁾. Brian P explains how this transmission works.

The diesel version has a 3.0L turbo diesel, the Fiat industrial F1C engine used in the Mitsubishi Fuso and IVECO Daily.⁷⁾ It is mated with an M40 automated manual transmission (AMT); this is a manual transmission which is shifted automatically. It is the same combination found in the Ducato.⁸⁾

Promasters have an Electronic Brake Control System (EBCS) which allows independent operation of each wheel's brake. The system is comprised of:

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Brake Assist System (BAS), which reportedly assists ABS.⁹⁾
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - controls oversteer/understeer through selective braking and engine torque management.
• Traction Control System (TCS) monitors wheel spin on the driven (front) wheels. It applies light braking to the spinning wheel so torque will be transferred through the open diff to the other wheel. The overall effect is like a virtual limited slip differential.
  When TCS is managing a spinning wheel the ESC light in the instrument cluster flashes.
  TCS may also use engine torque management.¹⁰⁾
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC) to minimize side-to-side oscillations
• Hill Start Assist (HSA) which momentarily holds brake on inclines while the driver's foot moves to the accelerator.

In certain wheelspin situations at low forward speeds it can help to set ESC “partially off”. This reduces ESC intervention also turns off TCS' engine torque management. This allows the tires to spin up faster than TCS would normally allow. To do this press the ESC OFF button. In general, ESC should remain ON anytime the vehicle is moving faster than “parking lot speeds”.

TCS may not work with the transmission in reverse.

Note that immoderate use of brake-based controls can result in overheating or premature wear of brake components. [ie, don't turn off ESC then keep your foot in it for 3 miles of muddy road – secessus]

Also see FCA's description of a similar system in the Jeep line.

The gasoline PM has either a 180A¹¹⁾ or an optional 220A Denso-type alternator¹²⁾; they are traditional “fixed voltage” and not of the modern “smart” variety. This VIN decoder will indicate which alternator a van was built with. In either case the six-groove pulley ratio is 2.84:1.¹³⁾ Output when cold is ~14.3v; voltage may be regulated down to ~13.8v when hot.

The diesel may have a 225A unit.

the ECM controls the field circuit, so now a computer has replaced the relatively inexpensive, stand-alone voltage regulator. Fourth, Chrysler gradually changed over to B-circuit control; this means the ECM switches the hot side of the field circuit instead of the ground side. – source

• This post on the Promaster forum shares official load estimates for various accessories.
• This post describes the procedure for alternator replacement.
• this post describes the voltage regulation via ECU

see this post on the use/abuse of the PM alt for house bank charging

Using 28A as the idle draw¹⁴⁾, 750rpm as the idle speed, 2.84 as the pulley ratio, 50% as the continuous duty rating, and the hot rating output curves linked below:

• at idle the 180A alt will have ~25A excess capacity
• at idle the 220A alt will have ~37A excess capacity

Note that the radiator fans can add 65A when they come on, reducing excess capacity to zero.

Data on fuelly suggests the gasser averages ~15mpg. The large frontal area of the van means that reducing cruising speed may affect MPG greatly.

Experiments on the Promaster forum suggest idling consumption is between 0.4-0.6 GPH based on ambient temps:

.6gph in winter (below 38f kicks in the high idle) and .4gph summer.¹⁵⁾

Additional loads (HVAC fans, aux battery charging) would increase gph somewhat.

See the Promaster entry on the All Vans Have Issues page.

• Strange driving position with high seat pedestals.
• Cup holders poorly located and designed.
• steering wheel adjustable for distance but not angle
• rough ride when empty.
• 6th gear is very tall for MPG; the van will downshift in headwinds and on hills.
• The transmission will downshift automatically on long descents for engine braking.
• the clipboard is largely useless, but can be opened to allow for wiring or hardmounting accessories.

• a strong case for gas over diesel in the PM
• Also see this page on the problems with all modern diesel engines

Bluebonnet Chrysler in San Marcos, Tx has a good reputation with out of state buyers.¹⁶⁾

• Engine air Filter (video walkthrough, forum walkthrough)
  • 3.6L gas – EcoGuard¹⁷⁾, WW Grainger p/n 34NN15¹⁸⁾, PG Air Filter PA99079¹⁹⁾, Carquest Premium 93703 (Advance Auto).
  • 3.0L diesel – ECOGARD XA10258²⁰⁾, Carquest Premium 501453 (Advance Auto)
• Cabin air filter (video walkthrough, and same forum walkthrough post above)
  • 3.6L gas – Ecoguard²¹⁾, PG²²⁾, Carquest Premium 504496 (Advance Auto)
  • 3.0L diesel – possibly same as for gas model

• Coolant
  • 3.6L gas – FCA specifies coolant meeting MS-12106. Valvoline claims their Zerex Dex-Cool meets spec, and appear to manufacture the OEM coolant for FCA.²³⁾

• Oil Filter
  • 3.6L gas – Note: the oil filter is a cartridge type located in a long-necked plastic assembly . Do not overtighten or the oil filter housing adapter it's attached to²⁴⁾ can crack, resulting in an oil leak. You may want to hold the cartridge housing still with one hand while gently snugging the cap with a stubby 15/16ths or 24mm wrench. The location, lack of working space, and small diameter of the cap will likely make normal hand tightening²⁵⁾ impractical.
    • Motorcraft FL2066²⁶⁾
    • Purolator L36296²⁷⁾
    • Wix WL10010²⁸⁾
    • OEM MOPAR = 68191349AA²⁹⁾
    • Aftermarket MOPAR = M0-349³⁰⁾
    • Fram = CH11665,³¹⁾ included for completeness but rarely recommended³²⁾
    • Champ/LuberFiner = P1009³³⁾))
  • 3.0L diesel
    • Baldwin B7388³⁴⁾
    • OEM 68095335AA³⁵⁾
    • MAN W9009³⁶⁾
    • NAPA FIL 100058³⁷⁾
    • WIX WL10058³⁸⁾

• oil
  • 3.6L gas - 5w20. must meet Mopar MS 6395 or ³⁹⁾ or Fiat9.55535-CR1⁴⁰⁾
    • Castrol Edge synthetic
    • Castrol Edge extended performance synthetic
    • Pennzoil Platinum
    • Pennzoil Ultra Platinum
    • Quaker State Advanced Durability
  • 3.0L diesel - must meet Fiat 9.55535-S1⁴¹⁾))

• oil drain plug
  • gas
    • M14-1.5⁴²⁾
    • fumoto quick drain⁴³⁾
      • F-106 valve
      • F106N valve with nipple
      • F106S valve with short nipple
      • F316L valve with L-shaped nipple
      • F106sx new style valve
  • diesel
    • FCA part number 68094567AA⁴⁴⁾
    • quick drain valve not recommended as the drain plug points down. Using one could reduce ground clearance.⁴⁵⁾

Newer gas models have the 9-speed ZF transmission.

This 6-speed auto is used in gas models. It uses ATF+4 and/or Chrysler MS-9602 spec fluid.⁴⁶⁾
Note: the trans technically has 7 forward speeds but 4th prime is only used during downshifts.

One rebuilder recommends full trans service (with synthetic) every 25k miles.⁴⁷⁾ Frequent service and correct fluids appear to be critical:

Many problems with Chrysler automatic transmissions are started when the automatic transmission fluid or “ATF” is replaced or topped-up with standard, more common fluids like DEXRON or MERCON type fluids. Chrysler transmissions need to use their own fluid, designated as ATF+4 Synthetic type 9602 fluid from Chrysler, not any other or any other plus an additive. If any quantity of other type of fluid is added to the transmission, a complete drain, flush and replacement with the correct ATF+4 will be needed. When properly serviced (periodic fluid and filter changes with the required ATF+4 fluid), the transmission performs correctly.⁴⁸⁾

There is a possibility P0734 & P0792 transmission codes can be caused by a faulty TRS(Transmission Range Sensor), an inexpensive part.⁴⁹⁾

A whine from the transmission that sounds like a power steering pump may be from foamy ATF. This could be caused by low AT fluid level.⁵⁰⁾

• 62TE overview and history
• 62TE Transmission codes
• Common electrical problems with teh 62TE
• 62TE information on wikipedia
• Promaster Forum thread on servo pack failure (and replacement) on a 200k mile transmission

It is possible that transmission temperature can be monitored with ScanGauge using the following settings:⁵¹⁾

• TXD: 10F1229110​
• RXF: C46205913610​
• RXD: 3010​
• MTH: 000100400000​
• NAME: ATF​

Tow/Haul is off by default. See this post about adding a 12v timer to automate the process of turning it on.

The PM roof is quite wide at the top and larger, higher-voltage residential/commercial panels can be mounted. If large panels are fitted across the whole width taller z-bracket or spacers may be need to allow for the PM's roof curve.⁵²⁾

The roof of the 136” PM can fit 600w (2x300w) with sufficient room for a roof vent.

The 159“ can fit about 900w (3x300w) + roof vent.

Hein makes custom hardware for mounting panels to the Promaster roof.

The Promaster has a raised roof vent pad near the cab. Parts of it have no ribbing to make waterproofing easier.

There is a rear tow point on the passenger side. The front tow point is hidden behind an access port in the front bumper. A tow loop found in the jack kit screws into the port.⁵³⁾

In either case a shackle of some sort will be required to attach loop-ended recovery straps.

• Curt 13295 - Class III Square Tube Hitch - Concealed. 5000# GTW. 500# TW.
• Curt 13207 - - Class III Square Tube Hitch - Exposed. 6000# GTW. 750# TW.
• Curt 13170 Original version for Promaster, now deprecated? Some reports of flimsiness.⁵⁴⁾
• Curt 13150 - better for cutaway models?⁵⁵⁾
• Draw-tite 75882 - Max-Frame receiver.⁵⁶⁾ 6000# GTW. 750# TW.⁵⁷⁾

• insulated windshield and side window set on Eurocampers
• Sprinter sunscreens are reported to work⁵⁸⁾
• Autozone SJ (super jumbo) sunscreens are reported to work⁵⁹⁾
• custom PM sunscreen on Amazon
• PM sunscreens on eBay

• MOPAR 82214034AB
• Auto Ventshade 192083 [note from Secessus: “I shattered both sides of this one trying to install. The MOPAR one above cost 2x as much but works great.”]

• Rostra 250-9642

The Promaster has only two roof heights so identification is easy. The roofline is compared to the top of the van's cab.

• the Low Roof is just above the cab
• the High Roof extends beyond the cab

Wheelbase can be identifed by looking at the amount of body beyond the sliding door track.

• the 136” Regular Wheelbase (RWB) ends just after the track.
• the 159“ Long Wheelbase (LWB) has about a third of a track length behind the track.
• the 159” Long Wheelbase Extended(LWE) has about a two-thirds of a track length behind the track.

• Kip's Promasters Only YT channel
• Promaster Forum
• Promasterforum Dealer / Pricing subforum
• Promasterforum Review subforum
• Promasterforum RV trips subforum
• Allpar van forum
• CAD model of a Promaster/Ducato⁶⁰⁾
• teardown after engine failure at 620k
• unconfirmeded: ex-Pentastar engineer discusses 5w-20 vs 5w-30