ABS Ram ProMaster 2020 Owner's Manual

3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .......................................... 41
Instrument Cluster Descriptions........................ 42

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ......................... 43

Location And Controls ........................................ 43
Change Engine Oil .............................................. 44
Display Setup Menu ........................................... 44
Values Displayed ................................................ 45
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features) ............................................................. 46

TRIP COMPUTER ..................................................... 46

Trip Button .......................................................... 46
Trip Functions ..................................................... 46

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ..................... 47

Red Warning Lights ............................................ 47
Yellow Warning Lights ........................................ 50
Yellow Indicator Lights ....................................... 52
Green Indicator Lights ........................................ 53
Blue Indicator Lights .......................................... 53

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ........ 54

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ...................................................... 54

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ............................................................. 55

SAFETY

SAFETY FEATURES ..................................................56

Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ....... 56
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ........... 57

AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ..............................61

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......... 61

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .......................64

Occupant Restraint Systems Features ............ 64
Important Safety Precautions............................ 65
Seat Belt Systems ............................................. 66
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ........... 73
Child Restraints .................................................. 83
Transporting Pets .............................................. 89

SAFETY TIPS ............................................................89

Transporting Passengers ................................... 89
Exhaust Gas ........................................................ 89
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ........................................................ 90 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ........................................... 91

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE ENGINE ..........................................92

Automatic Transmission .................................... 92
Normal Starting .................................................. 92
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ................................. 92 If Engine Fails To Start ....................................... 92
After Starting ...................................................... 93
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ............ 93
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ........... 93
PARKING BRAKE ................................................... 94
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................ 95

Key Ignition Park Interlock .................................96
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ....96
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...................96

POWER STEERING ............................................... 102

Power Steering Fluid Check ........................... 103

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ......................103

To Activate ........................................................ 103
To Set A Desired Speed ................................... 104
To Vary The Speed Setting .............................. 104
To Accelerate For Passing ............................... 105
To Resume Speed ............................................ 105
To Deactivate ................................................... 105

PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................................................105

ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ............. 106
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ................. 106
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications ........................................................ 108 Cleaning The ParkSense System .................... 108
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions ...................................................... 108

PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............... 109
REFUELING THE VEHICLE.....................................111

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ....................... 111

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE17
With Swivel Seat
The recliner lever is located at the lower front
outboard side of the seat. To recline the seat -
back, lean forward slightly, pull the lever
outward, lean back to the desired position and
release the lever. To return the seatback to its
normal upright position, lean forward and pull
the lever outward. Release the lever once the
seatback is in the upright position.
Recliner Lever
Lumbar Support — If Equipped
This feature allows you to increase or decrease
the amount of lumbar support. The lumbar
control knob is located on the rear upper
outboard side of the driver's seatback. Rotate
the control forward to increase and rearward to
decrease the desired amount of lumbar
support.
Suspension Seat — If Equipped
The seat is equipped with a mechanical spring
system and hydraulic shock absorber to ensure
maximum comfort and safety. The system of
springs also effectively absorbs impact from
uneven road surfaces.
Damper Weight Adjustment
Use the weight adjustment knob to set the
required setting based on body weight, with
settings between 88 lbs (40 kg) and 286 lbs
(130 kg).Weight Adjustment KnobWARNING!
Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving
is dangerous. The sudden movement of the
seat could cause you to lose control. The
seat belt might not be adjusted properly
and you could be injured. Adjust the seat
only while the vehicle is parked.
Do not ride with the seatback reclined so
that the shoulder belt is no longer resting
against your chest. In a collision, you could
slide under the seat belt and be seriously or
even fatally injured. Use the recliner only
when the vehicle is parked.
2

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 17

48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the Elec -
tronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If
a problem is detected while the
vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is
placed in the PARK (P) position. The light should
turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer for service
as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with
a message in the instrument cluster
display and a buzzer) to indicate a
transmission fault. Contact an autho -
rized dealer if the message remains after
restarting the engine.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine
coolant temperature is too high, this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on,
turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera -
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake
fluid level and parking brake appli -
cation. If the brake light turns on it
may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or
that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake
has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at
the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system
malfunction or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 48

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL49
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary. Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
3

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 49

52GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS). The light will turn
on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is
required. However, the conventional brake
system will continue to operate normally if the
brake warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will illumi -
nate if any of the following conditions
occur: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
Failure, External Light Failure, Fuel
Cut-Off intervention or fail, Parking Sensor
Failure, DST System Failure.
The telltale will remain on fixed in case of swivel
seat failure and on blinking in case of Air Bag
Warning Light Failure. Contact an authorized
dealer immediately for service.
Yellow Indicator Lights
Stop Light Failure Indicator Light
This light will illuminate if one or more
of the stop light bulb fails.
The failure relating to this light could be:
One or more blown bulbs.
A blown protection fuse.
A break in the electrical connection.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This
could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the vehicle control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 52

56
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is
designed to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle
control under adverse braking conditions. The
system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel
lock-up and to help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
The system's pump motor runs during an ABS
stop to provide regulated hydraulic pressure.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise
during operation, which is normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning
Light. When the light is illuminated, the ABS is
not functioning. The system reverts to stan-
dard non-anti-lock brakes. Placing the ignition
in the OFF mode and to the ON mode again
may reset the ABS if the fault detected was
only momentary. When you are in a severe braking condition
involving the use of the ABS, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a stop.
This is the result of the system reverting to the
base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied
by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal
and indicate that the system is functioning
properly.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to inter
-
ference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by
qualified professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead
to a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
(Continued)
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 56

SAFETY57
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Elec -
tronic Brake Control (EBC) system that includes
the Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS) and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and Hill Start
Assist (HSA). These systems complement the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by optimizing the
vehicle braking capability during emergency
braking maneuvers.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The Brake Assist Sys tem (BAS) is designed to
optimize the vehicle’s braking c apability
during e merg ency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situa -
tio n by sensing the rate and am ount of brake
applic ation and then applies optimum pres -
sure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distance s. The BAS complements
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying
the brakes very quickly res ults in the best
BAS assistance . To rec eive the be ne fit of the
system , yo u must apply continuous braking pressure during the stopping sequence (do
not “pum p” the brakes). Do not reduce brake
pedal pre ssure unless braking is no longer
desired. Onc e the brake pedal is released,
the BAS is deac tivated.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) enhances
directional control and stability of the vehicle
under various driving conditions. ESC corrects
for over/under steering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to
assist in counteracting the over/under steer
condition. Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel posi
-
tion.
Understeer - when the vehicle is turning
less than appropriate for the steering
wheel position.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of
a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner,
which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
4

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 57

76SAFETY
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle
deceleration over time, vehicle speed and
damage by themselves are not good indicators
of whether or not an air bag should have
deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in
all collisions, and also are needed to help keep
you in position, away from an inflating air bag.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the
front air bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the
upper passenger side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way as the air bags
inflate to their full size. The front air bags fully
inflate in less time than it takes to blink your
eyes. The front air bags then quickly deflate
while helping to restrain the driver and front
passenger.Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SABs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental
Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs).
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags
(SABs) are located in the outboard side of the
front seats. The SABs are marked with “SRS
AIRBAG” or “AIRBAG” on a label or on the seat
trim on the outboard side of the seats.
The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occu -
pant injury during certain side impacts, in addi -
tion to the injury reduction potential provided by
the seat belts and body structure.

Front Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label
When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on
the outboard side of the seatback’s trim cover.
The inflating SAB deploys through the seat
seam into the space between the occupant and
the door. The SAB moves at a very high speed
and with such a high force that it could injure
occupants if they are not seated properly, or if
items are positioned in the area where the SAB
inflates. Children are at an even greater risk of
injury from a deploying air bag.
WARNING!
Do not use accessory seat covers or place
objects between you and the Side Air Bags;
the performance could be adversely affected
and/or objects could be pushed into you,
causing serious injury.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 76

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY141
(Continued)
The Sealant Bottle (4) and Sealant Hose (3)
are a one tire application use and need to be
replaced after each use. Always replace
these components immediately at your orig -
inal equipment vehicle dealer.
When the Tire Service Kit sealant is in a liquid
form, clean water and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire
and wheel components. Once the sealant
dries, it can easily be peeled off and properly
discarded.
For optimum performance, make sure the
valve stem on the wheel is free of debris
before connecting the Tire Service Kit.

You can use the Tire Service Kit air pump to
inflate bicycle tires. The kit also comes with
two needles, located in the Accessory Storage
Compartment (on the bottom of the air pump)
for inflating sport balls, rafts, or similar inflat -
able items. However, use only the Air Pump
Hose (5) and make sure the Mode Select
Knob (2) is in the Air Mode when inflating such
items to avoid injecting sealant into them. The
Tire Service Kit Sealant is only intended to
seal punctures less than 1/4 inch (6 mm)
diameter in the tread of your tire.

Do not lift or carry the Tire Service Kit by the
hoses.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of
the vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far enough
off the road to avoid the danger of being hit
when using the Tire Service Kit.
Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the
vehicle under the following circumstances:
If the puncture in the tire tread is
approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or
larger.
If the tire has any sidewall damage.
If the tire has any damage from driving
with extremely low tire pressure.
If the tire has any damage from driving
on a flat tire.
If the wheel has any damage.
If you are unsure of the condition of the
tire or the wheel.
Keep Tire Service Kit away from open
flames or heat source.
A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
Tire Service Kit in the place provided.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
Take care not to allow the contents of Tire
Service Kit to come in contact with hair,
eyes, or clothing. Tire Service Kit sealant is
harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
through the skin. It causes skin, eye, and
respiratory irritation. Flush immediately
with plenty of water if there is any contact
with eyes or skin. Change clothing as soon
as possible, if there is any contact with
clothing.
Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains
latex. In case of an allergic reaction or rash,
consult a physician immediately. Keep Tire
Service Kit out of reach of children. If swal -
lowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty
of water and drink plenty of water. Do not
induce vomiting! Consult a physician imme -
diately.
WARNING!
(Continued)

6

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 141

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE167
Automatic Transmission (3.6L Gasoline
Engine Only)
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
specified transmission fluid. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”. It
is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans -
mission. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is
an engineered product and its performance
may be impaired by supplemental additives.
Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the
transmission. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid
leaks in six-speed transmissions. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely
affect seals.To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder reser -
voir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a open container absorbs moisture from
the air resulting in a lower boiling point. This
may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING!
(Continued)

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid may
cause deterioration in transmission shift
quality and/or torque converter shudder, and
will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for fluid
specifications.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
7

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 167