parking brake Ram ProMaster 2018 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2018, Model line: ProMaster, Model: Ram ProMaster 2018Pages: 204, PDF Size: 4 MB
Page 82 of 204
prevent the Electronic Park Brake system
from working properly and result in unin-
tended vehicle movement.
WARNING!
• When leaving the vehicle, always removethe key fob from the ignition and lock
your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• 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 disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
WARNING!
• Always fully apply the parking brakewhen leaving your vehicle, or it may 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 authorized
dealer immediately.
If exceptional circumstances should make it
necessary to engage the park brake while the
vehicle is in motion, a buzzer repeats until
the park brake switch is released or vehicle
speed is below 1.25 mph (2 km/h).
To disengage the park brake while the vehicle
is in motion, release the switch. If the vehicle
is brought to a complete stop using the park
brake, when the vehicle reaches approxi-
mately 1.25 mph (2 km/h) the parking brake
will remain engaged.
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake
engaged, or repeated use of the parking
brake to slow the vehicle may cause seri-
ous damage to the brake system. Be sure
the parking brake is fully disengaged be-
fore driving; failure to do so can lead to
brake failure and a collision.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the
Electric Park Brake system, a yellow triangle
EPB fault lamp will illuminate. In this status
some EPB functionality may be deactivated,
in this event, urgent service of the electric
park brake system is required. Do not rely on
the parking brake to hold the vehicle station-
ary, wheel chocks or other mechanical secur-
ing of the vehicle is required to prevent roll-
ing.
Loss Of Electric Power
If electric power is not available and the EPB
must be released for towing the vehicle, the
EPB can be mechanically released by use of
STARTING AND OPERATING
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an Allen wrench. EPB mechanical release
should only be performed by qualified service
personnel and only when the vehicle is se-
cured from rolling.
AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
— DIESEL ONLY
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended without fully ap-
plying the parking brake. The parking
brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
The automated manual transmission is a con-
ventional six-speed manual transmission
with an electronically-controlled hydraulic
system that controls the clutch and gear
shifting. In forward gears, this transmission
offers two modes of operation:
• MANUAL (M) Mode — where the driver con-
trols the transmission shifting. •
Automatic Mode (the DRIVE [D] position) —
where the electronic system controls the
gear shifts.
NOTE:
In either mode, there is no clutch pedal; the
electronic system always controls the clutch
operation.
Gear Selector/Transmission Gear Position
The transmission gear selector has REVERSE
(R), NEUTRAL (N), DRIVE (D) and MANUAL
(M) positions.
In the MANUAL (M) position, the lever can be
toggled rearward or forward (+/-) to upshift or
downshift the transmission to the next gear.
With the key ON and the engine OFF the gear
selector can be moved freely from NEUTRAL
(N) to DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R), however
the transmission will not actually shift unless
the brake pedal is pressed. Therefore, the
gear selector and the instrument cluster dis-
play may not correspond to the actual trans-
mission gear range. With the engine running
transmission shifts are allowed even if the
brake pedal is not pressed. NOTE:
• The Automated Manual Transmission must
be in NEUTRAL (N) to start the vehicle.
• The actual transmission gear range (R, N, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) is displayed in the
instrument cluster display whenever the
engine is running.
• When the key is turned OFF the transmis- sion remains in its previous gear position,
regardless of the gear selector position.
• When the key is turned ON (engine off), the instrument cluster display may indicate the
gear selector position rather than the actual
transmission gear position.
To shift the transmission to a particular gear
range (with key ON/engine off), press and
hold the brake pedal, move the gear selector
to NEUTRAL (N), then move the gear selector
to the desired position.
To drive, press the brake pedal and start the
engine, then move the gear selector from
NEUTRAL (N) to the DRIVE (D) position for
automatic mode, the MANUAL (M) position
for manual mode or the REVERSE (R) posi-
tion.
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Only shift into DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R)
when the accelerator pedal is released and
the vehicle is stopped. It is necessary to keep
your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.
Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from NEUTRAL into another gear
range.NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait to allow
the selected gear to engage before accelerat-
ing. This is especially important when the
engine is cold.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle back-
ward. Shift into REVERSE only after the ve-
hicle has come to a complete stop.
To engage REVERSE (R):
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Move the gear selector to the REVERSE (R)
position.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, REVERSE engage-
ment will only occur if the vehicle speed is
less than 2 mph (3 km/h). Otherwise, a chime
will sound, a "Shift not allowed" message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster dis-
play, the transmission will shift to NEUTRAL,
and the REVERSE request must then be
repeated by returning the lever to NEUTRAL
then back into REVERSE once the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. • Release the brake pedal and gently press
the accelerator pedal.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing
for prolonged periods with the engine run-
ning. The engine can only be started in this
range. Apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into gear, and turn the engine
OFF if you must exit vehicle.
With the engine running, you may shift to
NEUTRAL (N) at any time if the accelerator
pedal is released. Attempting to shift to NEU-
TRAL when the accelerator pedal is de-
pressed will display a "Shift not allowed"
message in the instrument cluster display,
and will activate a continuous chime until the
gear selector is returned to its previous posi-
tion.
DRIVE (D) (Automatic Mode)
This range may be used for both city and
highway driving. The transmission will shift
gears automatically, based on vehicle speed,
engine RPM and accelerator pedal position.
There are some instances where this mode
may be necessary (climbing slippery slopes).
Gear SelectorSTARTING AND OPERATING
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Manual (M) (Manual Mode)
In the MANUAL (M) position the driver is
responsible for choosing the best gear ratio to
engage, depending on driving conditions.
NOTE:
Do not press the brake and accelerator pedals
at the same time. Use only one foot to operate
the brake and accelerator.
To operate in MANUAL (M) mode:
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Move the gear selector to the MANUAL (M)position. The current gear will be displayed
in the instrument cluster.
• To drive, release the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal.
• Tap the gear selector towards the (+) to engage a higher gear.
• Tap the gear selector towards the (–) posi- tion to engage a lower gear.
• The accelerator pedal need not be released during gear changes in MANUAL mode. • You can shift between DRIVE (D) and
MANUAL (M) positions at any speed, with-
out taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
• The system will shift down through the gears automatically (to prevent engine lug-
ging) during closed-throttle decelerations.
• The transmission will automatically down- shift to first gear when coming to a stop.
After a stop, the driver should manually
upshift (+) the transmission as the vehicle
is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear. Tap (+) (at a stop) to select
second gear. Starting out in second gear
may be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
• The system will ignore shift commands that would cause engine lugging or overspeed.
An audible beep will sound and a "Shift not
allowed" message will appear in the instru-
ment cluster if an inappropriate gear is
requested.
NOTE:
Avoid keeping your hand on the lever when
you are not requesting a gear shift.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/
HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode.
This will improve performance and reduce
the potential for transmission overheating or
failure due to excessive shifting. When oper-
ating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission
shift calibration is modified to accommodate
steep grades in the smoothest possible man-
ner. TOW/HAUL mode is only applicable in
the DRIVE (D) position.
Parking The Vehicle
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended without fully ap-
plying the parking brake. The parking
brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
To ensure proper parking performance, it is
essential to engage MANUAL (1st) gear,
DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) gear while your
foot is on the brake pedal. Once MANUAL
STARTING AND OPERATING
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(1st) gear, DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster display,
turn the engine off and engage the parking
brake. It is essential to wait until the gear
engaged appears in the display before turning
the engine off and releasing the brake pedal.
Always remember to apply your parking
brake.
NOTE:
NEVER leave your vehicle with the gearbox in
NEUTRAL (N) without the parking brake en-
gaged. Always remember to fully apply your
parking brake. Always remember to apply the
parking brake when the “Set Park Brake”
message is displayed.
General Warnings
• With the vehicle at a standstill and a gearengaged, keep the brake pedal pressed un-
til you decide to drive away. Then release
the brake and accelerate gradually. • When parked for long periods with the en-
gine running, it is advisable to place the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and apply
the parking brake.
• To avoid accelerated clutch wear, do not use the accelerator to keep the vehicle at a
standstill (for example, holding on a hill);
the clutch could be damaged by overheat-
ing. Use the brake pedal instead and oper-
ate the accelerator only when you are ready
to drive away.
• Only launch (from a stop) in second gear when you need more control on surfaces
with low traction.
• Only shift between DRIVE (D) and RE- VERSE (R) gears when the vehicle has
come to a stop and the brake pedal is
pressed. • Although very inadvisable, if the vehicle is
unexpectedly allowed to roll downhill with
the gearbox in NEUTRAL (N) the system
will automatically engage the gear best
suited to vehicle speed when a gear shift is
requested to allow drive to be correctly
transmitted to the wheels.
• If necessary, with the engine off, it is pos- sible to engage 1st, REVERSE (R) or NEU-
TRAL (N) with the key in ON/RUN/MAR
position and the brake pressed.
• During hill starts, accelerate immediately after releasing the parking brake or brake
pedal to allow the engine to increase its
rpm to a greater extent and overcome
higher gradients with more torque.
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Recreational Towing — Gasoline
Engine All Models
Recreational towing is allowedONLYif the
front wheels are OFFthe ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this proce-
dure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow ve- hicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result. If this vehicle
requires towing, make sure the drive
wheels are OFF the ground.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Recreational Towing —
Diesel Engine All Models
NOTE:
Automated Manual transmission (diesel) ve-
hicles can also be flat towed (all four wheels
on the ground) with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL. Ensure the transmission is in neutral
(N) (by checking that the vehicle moves when
pushed) and tow in the same way as a normal
vehicle with a manual transmission.
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3. Pull the spare tire out from under thevehicle to gain access to the spare tire
retainer. 4. Lift the spare tire with one hand to give
clearance to tilt the retainer at the end of
the cable.
5. Pull the retainer through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface.
Avoid ice or slippery areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side
of the vehicle close to moving traffic, pull
far enough off the road to avoid being hit
when operating the jack or changing the
wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Apply the parking brake firmly.
4. Place the transmission in PARK (RE- VERSE for manual transmission) .
5. Turn the ignition OFF.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position.
For example, if the right front wheel is
being changed, block the left rear wheel.
Lowering Spare Tire
Spare Tire
Retainer
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NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warn-
ings to help prevent personal injury or
damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface asfar from the edge of the roadway as
possible before raising the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite thewheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an
automatic transmission in PARK; a
manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when
it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is
on a jack. If you need to get under a
raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.
• Only use the jack in the positions indi-
cated and for lifting this vehicle during a
tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be
extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or in-
flated, are securely stowed, spares must
be stowed with the valve stem facing the
ground.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by
jacking on locations other than those indi-
cated in the Jacking Instructions for this
vehicle.
Wheel Blocked
Jack Warning Label
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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WARNING!
Do not attempt jump starting if the battery
is frozen. It could rupture or explode and
cause personal injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack
or any other booster source with a system
voltage greater than 12 Volts or damage to
the battery, starter motor, alternator or
electrical system may occur.
Preparations For Jump Start
The vehicle’s jump starting remote posts are
located under the hood, in the engine com-
partment on the driver's side.The Remote Positive(+)Post is covered with
a protective cap located on the side of the
Front Power Distribution Center. The Remote Negative
(-)Post is located on
the core support closest to the front of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is raised. It can
start anytime the ignition switch is ON.
You can be injured by moving fan
blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings,
watch bands and bracelets that could
make an inadvertent electrical contact.
You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can
burn your skin or eyes and generate
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Keep open flames or sparks
away from the battery.
1. Apply the parking brake, shift the auto- matic transmission into PARK and turn
the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnec- essary electrical accessories.
Remote Battery Posts
1 — Remote Positive (+)Jump Starting
Post
2 — Remote Negative (-)Jump Starting
Post
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
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3. If using another vehicle to jump start thebattery, park the vehicle within the jumper
cables reach, apply the parking brake and
make sure the ignition is OFF.
WARNING!
Do not allow vehicles to touch each other
as this could establish a ground connec-
tion and personal injury could result.
Jump Starting Procedure
WARNING!
Failure to follow this jump starting proce-
dure could result in personal injury or
property damage due to battery explosion.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these procedures could
result in damage to the charging system of
the booster vehicle or the discharged ve-
hicle.
Connecting The Jumper Cables
1. Connect the positive (+)end of the jumper
cable to the remote positive (+)post of the
discharged vehicle.
NOTE:
The remote positive (+)post is located in
the engine compartment on the driver's
side under the cover of the Front Power
Distribution Center.
2. Connect the opposite end of the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+)post of
the booster battery.
3. Connect the negative end (-)of the jumper
cable to the negative (-)post of the
booster battery.
4. Connect the opposite end of the negative (-)jumper cable to the remote negative (-)
post of the discharged vehicle.
NOTE:
The remote negative (-)post is located in
the front of the engine compartment on
the driver's side.WARNING!
Do not connect the jumper cable to the
negative (-) post of the discharged battery.
The resulting electrical spark could cause
the battery to explode and could result in
personal injury. Only use the specific
ground point, do not use any other exposed
metal parts.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery. Let the engine idle a few
minutes and then start the engine in the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
6. Once the engine is started, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse sequence:
Disconnecting The Jumper Cables
1. Disconnect the negative end (-)of the
jumper cable from the remote negative (-)
post of the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
2. Disconnect the opposite end of the nega- tive (-)jumper cable from the negative (-)
post of the booster battery.
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