The 2016 Ram ProMaster City represents a unique blend of compact utility and modern engineering, powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine designed for efficiency and reliability. To keep this vehicle performing at its peak, maintaining a rigorous fluid regimen is essential. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of critical components but also ensures consistent fuel economy and driving confidence in varying weather conditions. Whether you are navigating city streets or hauling light loads, the right lubricants provide the protection your vehicle deserves.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection and can be used for up to 25,000 miles, making it the top choice for maximum performance.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A robust option that provides extended protection up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Features a filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns and provides greater capacity to reduce engine wear.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that protects cooling system metals and lasts up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
Engine Oil and Filtration
The heart of your 2016 Ram ProMaster City is its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which requires a specific viscosity to ensure optimal flow and protection. The factory recommendation calls for 0W-20 synthetic motor oil. For a standard oil change, the system holds approximately 5.5 quarts including the filter. It is crucial to torque the drain plug to the correct specification of 30 ft/lbs and always install a new washer on the drain bolt to prevent leaks.
For drivers seeking the highest level of protection, the AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil stands out. This premium lubricant is engineered to provide up to 25,000 miles of protection between changes, significantly reducing wear and horsepower loss caused by friction. It contains a high concentration of base oils and additives that fight sludge and deposit formation, ensuring the engine runs cleaner and cooler. The oil also offers superior thermal stability, which is vital for the turbocharger and other critical engine components under load.
Those looking for a slightly different maintenance interval might prefer the AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil. This formulation provides up to 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection while maintaining excellent cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly. It is particularly effective at preventing Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), a condition that can damage modern engines.
Equally important is the filtration system. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to capture contaminants down to 20 microns with 99 percent efficiency. Its synthetic media allows for lower restriction compared to standard filters, ensuring that oil flows freely to all engine parts even in cold starts. For a cost-effective alternative, the WIX Oil Filter is also compatible, offering premium media that improves upon original equipment manufacturer standards.
Cooling System and Transmission
The cooling system in the ProMaster City requires a specialized antifreeze to prevent corrosion and overheating. The system holds approximately 7.2 quarts of coolant. For long-lasting protection, the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an excellent choice. This pre-mixed, 50/50 ethylene glycol formula is free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, making it compatible with a wide variety of vehicle metals and seals. It is guaranteed for up to 150,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first.
For those who prefer to mix their own antifreeze, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a concentrated solution. This non-toxic formulation can be mixed with distilled water to create a coolant that surpasses industry standards for corrosion protection. It is available in a gallon jug, allowing you to create the exact volume you need for your specific vehicle.
Transmission health is just as critical as engine health. The 2016 ProMaster City features an automatic transmission that benefits from a fluid designed to handle both fuel efficiency and durability demands. The capacity for an initial fill is 6.3 quarts. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is formulated to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting regardless of the weather conditions.
Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides reliable protection against wear while maintaining fuel efficiency. Both transmission fluids are engineered to provide reserve protection during heavy use, extending the life of the transmission components.
Brake and Power Steering Fluids
Safety is paramount, and your braking system relies on high-quality fluid to function correctly. The recommended brake fluid for the ProMaster City is MOPAR DOT 4, but you can upgrade to a superior synthetic alternative. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid offers a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range. This stability ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness, providing a safer driving experience by preventing brake fade during heavy usage.
The power steering system also requires a fluid that can handle friction reduction and seal protection. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is designed to keep seals soft to prevent leaks and reduce friction within the system. It resists heat for long fluid life and offers strong anti-wear protection, ensuring quiet operation even during tight turns or low-speed maneuvers.
Seasonal Storage and Fuel Additives
For vehicle owners who do not drive their ProMaster City year-round, proper storage preparations are necessary. The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup. This is ideal for stored seasonal equipment, ensuring that the fuel system remains clean when the vehicle is taken out of storage.
Additionally, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is a highly-effective rust preventive designed to protect internal engine components during storage. By coating internal parts, it prevents rust and corrosion during long periods of inactivity, ensuring the engine starts smoothly and runs quietly when you need it again.
For daily driving, maintaining fuel quality is key to optimal performance. The AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive restores up to 14% horsepower and can restore GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after a single tank of fuel. It helps improve fuel economy and reduces the need for costly higher-octane fuel. The AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor complements this by lubricating the fuel system and upper cylinders, providing an extra layer of protection against wear and corrosion.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Ram ProMaster City is a compact cargo van that bridges the gap between a standard passenger car and a heavy-duty commercial truck. Built on a platform derived from the Fiat Fiorino, it brings a European design sensibility to the North American market. The vehicle is powered by the 2.4-liter inline-four engine, which was specifically designed to offer a balance of fuel efficiency and sufficient power for urban delivery and utility work.
Owners appreciate the ProMaster City for its maneuverability in tight city environments. Its compact footprint makes it easier to navigate crowded streets and tight parking spaces compared to larger vans, while still offering a generous cargo area for its size. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate passengers or serve as a mobile workspace. The vehicle’s reputation for reliability has made it a popular choice for small businesses and individual operators who need a dependable workhorse for daily deliveries. Its combination of a low step-in height, wide-opening rear doors, and a versatile interior layout makes it an attractive option for those who value utility without sacrificing drivability.