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Types Of Gas A RAM ProMaster Takes (+City Editions)

By: Author Stefan K.

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Minivans

Types Of Gas A RAM ProMaster Takes (+City Editions)

Writing about RAM is almost a daily practice on this blog. Today we will look at what type of gas best suits the RAM ProMaster and ProMaster City. The ProMaster was launched in 2014 in the United States and is still made to this day. The City followed in 2015. However, both have different engine configurations, so it can be confusing what type of gas it needs. Here’s a quick answer:

All model years of the RAM ProMaster manufactured from 2014 onwards with a 3.6L Pentastar engine take regular, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.

All model years of the RAM ProMaster City manufactured from 2015 onwards with a 2.4L Tigershark engine take regular, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.

However, this doesn’t tell us the whole story. The article below will discuss what kind of gasoline is used for what engine. Furthermore, we’ll discuss different additives that can and can’t be used, what percentage of ethanol is acceptable, and the gas tank size of the different ProMaster model years. Read on!

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Infographic on the fuel types for a RAM Promaster.

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Regular Or Premium Gasoline For The RAM ProMaster/City?

First, we have to talk about using regular or premium gasoline. Many people wonder whether premium gasoline (which is gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher) isn´t a better option in general. They´re assuming that premium gasoline improves the performance and lifespan of the engine.

However, this is only true for engines designed to derive benefits from premium gasoline. The RAM ProMaster uses a Chrysler-designed 3.6L Pentastar engine, and the City has a 2.4L Tigershark engine. Both take 87-octane gasoline, and the use of 91-octane gasoline will not provide any benefit to these engines.

Also read: 14 Common RAM Promaster Problems You Should Know

What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?

Reformulated Gasoline

First, we need to discuss the use of reformulated and non-reformulated gasoline. Reformulated gasoline is gasoline that is designed to burn cleaner than non-reformulated gasoline. For this reason, it has become widely popular in many regions of the United States, and it has even become mandatory in many states to use this fuel.

Therefore, it’s good to know that all RAM ProMaster and City engine configurations are designed to take reformulated and non-reformulated gasoline. Consequently, you don’t have to worry about what gasoline you put in your engine (at least not for this criteria).

However, we have to say that RAM recommends using reformulated gasoline whenever possible. Like other carmakers, RAM realizes that this gasoline type is better for the environment. Furthermore, this type of gasoline doesn’t diminish the performance of your engine in any way, shape, or form, and it also carries the same price as non-reformulated gasoline.

Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85

Secondly, we have to talk about using oxygenated blends of gasoline in the RAM ProMaster/City. Oxygenated blends of gasoline consist of regular gasoline mixed with ethanol or methanol. Ethanol and methanol are both made from bio sources, and, therefore, they burn cleaner. However, not every car is compatible with these kinds of oxygenates.

The 2014 and 2015 model year of the ProMaster can only take gasoline with a maximum of 10% ethanol (also referred to as E10). All model years made from 2016 onwards can take gasoline with a maximum of 15% ethanol (E10 or E15 are both safe to use. However, this also means that E30, E50, and E85 (with the latter known as flex-fuel) cannot be used, resulting in engine and fuel system damage.

Furthermore, all model years of the RAM ProMaster City sold in the United States can take a maximum of 15% ethanol.

Furthermore, using methanol is strictly forbidden, and doing so will also severely damage the engines and fuel systems of both the ProMaster and ProMaster City.

Gasoline With Added Materials

Furthermore, we need to talk about gasoline with added materials. Typically, these additives are advertised as octane boosters or fuel system cleaners. However, these types of additives can do more harm than good, as explained in the 2022 owners manual of the ProMaster:

The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may void or not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
(…)
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning agents should be avoided. Many of these materials intended for gum and varnish removal may contain active solvents or similar ingredients. These can harm fuel system gasket and diaphragm materials.

Source, 2022 owner

Instead of using additives, RAM recommends using gasoline with all the proper additives mixed into it. Typically, this type of gasoline is sold by TOP TIER retailers, and it’s highly recommended that you use it to keep your engine in optimum condition. Find a TOP TIER retailer in your area at toptiergas.com.

What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?

Hearing a slight knocking coming from the engine is an entirely regular occurrence. Especially when the car is performing at peak levels, such as when you’re towing with your RAM ProMaster/City, a slight knocking sound can be heard. However, if this knocking sound becomes audible and happens right after refilling, you may have more significant problems.

First off, in this case, you’re likely using gasoline with a lower than recommended octane rating. For example, in the RAM ProMaster/City, we would talk about gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87. This will almost always result in an engine knock.

This knocking noise tells you the engine is misfiring because it can’t handle the octane level used. This will be the case if you use lower than recommended octane level gasoline. It’s best to stop your car immediately and call your dealer or garage. Your car will need to be drained from its fuel, and the fuel filter will need to be replaced. Continuing to drive will result in severe engine damage.

What’s The Fuel Economy Of The ProMaster/City?

The RAM ProMaster is a full-size van; because of this, it´s exempt from fuel economy standards and hasn´t been tested by the EPA. However, according to Motortrend, you can expect a fuel economy of 13 MPG in the city and 18 on the highway. Carandriver also reported a combined MPG of 14.

On the other hand, the ProMaster City has been tested. All model years of the ProMaster City have the same 2.4L engine. Therefore, they have a combined MPG of 24, a city MPG of 21, and a highway MPG of 28.

What’s The Gas Tank Size Of The RAM ProMaster/City?

  • All model years of the RAM ProMaster manufactured from 2014 onwards have a fuel tank capacity of 24 gallons or 90 liters.
  • All model years of the RAM ProMaster City manufactured from 2015 onwards have a fuel tank capacity of 16 gallons or 60.5 liters.

Sources

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