towing RAM PROMASTER 2021 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: RAM, Model Year: 2021, Model line: PROMASTER, Model: RAM PROMASTER 2021Pages: 288, PDF Size: 15.22 MB
Page 211 of 288

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY209
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for this
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
fascia/bumper or associated brackets. State
and local laws regarding vehicles under tow
must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers,
defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN mode.
If the key fob is unavailable or the vehicle's
battery is discharged, for instructions on
shifting the automatic transmission out of
PARK (P) for towing Ú
page 207.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground
ALL Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) max speed
• 15 miles (24 km) max distance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.7
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 209
Page 212 of 288

210IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The FCA US LLC recommends towing your
vehicle with all four wheels OFF the ground
using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, and the
transmission is operable, this vehicle may be
towed (with front wheels on the ground) under
the following conditions:
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL (N).
The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
The towing distance must not exceed
15 miles (24 km).
If the transmission is not operable, or the
vehicle must be towed faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km), tow
with the front wheels OFF the ground (using a
flatbed truck, or wheel lift equipment with the
front wheels raised).
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced
Accident Response System.
This feature is a communication network that
takes effect in the event of an impact
Ú page 179.
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is
to record data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed under
certain crash or near crash-like situations, such
as an air bag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle Ú page 180.
CAUTION!
Towing faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or
farther than 15 miles (24 km) with front
wheels on the ground can cause severe
transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 210
Page 224 of 288

222SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
Under normal operating conditions, the
catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is important to keep
the engine properly tuned to ensure proper
catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you. In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching
odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans
-
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you Ú page 189.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn, such as
grass or leaves, and those materials that
come into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle
in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can
result if your vehicle is not kept in proper
operating condition. In the event of engine
malfunction, particularly involving engine
misfire or other apparent loss of perfor -
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of your
vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting
in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
CAUTION! (Continued)
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222
Page 248 of 288

246SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing Úpage 76.
To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should
never exceed the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle. (3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
and there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 246
Page 255 of 288

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE253
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of
snow tires during the Winter. Snow tires can be
identified by a “mountain/snowflake” symbol
on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the
original equipment tires. Use snow
tires only in sets of four; failure to do
so may adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings
than what was originally equipped with your
vehicle and should not be operated at
sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).
For speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h) refer to
original equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit instead
of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire Service Kit” in
“In Case Of Emergency” for further information.
For restrictions when towing with a spare tire
designated for temporary emergency use
Ú page 82.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to
the original equipment tire and wheel found on
the front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare
tire may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has this option, refer to
an authorized tire dealer for the recommended
tire rotation pattern.
NOTE:
This spare tire may not have a tire pressure
monitor sensor.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at
the spare tire description on the Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the sidewall of
the tire. Compact spare tire descriptions begin
with the letter “T” or “S” preceding the size
designation. Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic
car wash with a compact or limited use
temporary spare installed. Damage to the
vehicle may result.
8
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 253
Page 278 of 288

276 C
Camera, Rear
.................................................. 73Capacities, Fluid............................................ 268Caps, Filler Fuel............................................................. 75Oil (Engine)................................................ 215Power Steering............................................ 67Radiator (Coolant Pressure)...................... 224Car Washes................................................... 261Carbon Monoxide Warning............................ 189Cargo Area Cover............................................. 41Cargo Compartment........................................ 41Cargo Light...................................................... 28Certification Label........................................... 76Change Oil Indicator........................................ 45Changing A Flat Tire....................................... 190Chart, Tire Sizing............................................ 241Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)........................... 56Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................. 186Checks, Safety............................................... 186Child Restraint............................................... 181Child RestraintsBooster Seats............................................ 184Child Seat Installation............................... 186Infant And Child Restraints....................... 183Older Children And Child Restraints..........183Clean Air Gasoline......................................... 266CleaningWheels...................................................... 255
Climate Control................................................ 31Manual........................................................ 31Rear............................................................. 34Cold Weather Operation.................................. 57Compact Spare Tire...................................... 253Contract, Service.......................................... 272Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............ 224Cooling System............................................. 223Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)...................... 224Coolant Level................................... 223, 225Cooling Capacity....................................... 268Disposal Of Used Coolant......................... 225Drain, Flush, And Refill............................. 223Inspection................................................. 225Points To Remember................................ 225Pressure Cap............................................ 224Radiator Cap............................................ 224Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..... 223, 268Corrosion Protection..................................... 260Cruise Control (Speed Control)........................ 67Cruise Light...................................................... 54Cupholders................................................... 263Customer Assistance.................................... 271Customer Programmable Features.................. 89Cybersecurity................................................... 88
D
Dealer Service.............................................. 218Defroster, Windshield................................... 187Deleting A Phone.......................................... 117
Diagnostic System, Onboard............................55Dimmer Control Switch....................................29Dimmer SwitchHeadlight.....................................................26DipsticksAutomatic Transmission........................... 227Oil (Engine)............................................... 216Power Steering............................................67Disable Vehicle Towing................................. 209Disconnecting............................................... 117DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant)...................... 225Disturb.......................................................... 120Door Ajar..........................................................49Door Ajar Light.................................................49Door Locks.......................................................14Automatic....................................................15Doors...............................................................14Driver’s Seat Back Tilt......................................15DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing Water
..........................86
E
Electric Brake Control System....................... 150Electric Remote Mirrors...................................24Electrical Power Outlets...................................37Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........67Electronic Stability Control (ESC)................... 150Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light.........49
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 276
Page 280 of 288

278 H
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, OrShallow Standing Water
.......................... 86Hazard Warning Flashers.............................. 190Head Restraints............................................... 20HeadlightsCleaning.................................................... 260High Beam.................................................. 26High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......... 26Passing........................................................ 26Switch......................................................... 26Heated Mirrors................................................ 25Heated Seats................................................... 19Heater, Engine Block....................................... 58High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch.............................................................. 26Hill Start Assist.............................................. 153HitchesTrailer Towing.............................................. 80Hood Prop........................................................ 40Hood Release.................................................. 40
I
Ignition............................................................ 12Key....................................................... 10, 12Switch......................................................... 12Ignition Key Removal....................................... 12Illuminated Entry............................................. 30
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................................. 12Inside Rearview Mirror..................................... 23Instrument Cluster.................................... 42, 54Display......................................................... 44Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning................... 262Interior And Instrument Lights......................... 28Interior Appearance Care.............................. 261Interior Lights................................................... 28Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers).................. 30iPod/USB/MP3 Control.................................... 37
J
Jack Location................................................ 190Jack Operation.............................................. 190Jacking And Tire Changing............................ 190Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions........ 191Jump Starting............................................... 203
K
Key FobProgramming Additional Key Fobs
............... 11Key Fob Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................................... 11Key Fob Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................................... 11Key-In Reminder.............................................. 12Keys................................................................. 10Replacement............................................... 11Sentry (Immobilizer).................................... 12
L
Lane Change Assist..........................................27Lap/Shoulder Belts....................................... 166Latches......................................................... 188Hood............................................................40Lead Free Gasoline....................................... 265Leaks, Fluid................................................... 189Life Of Tires................................................... 251Light Bulbs........................................... 188, 235Lights............................................................ 188Air Bag...................................... 48, 173, 187Brake Assist Warning................................ 152Brake Warning.............................................49Bulb Replacement.................................... 235Cruise..........................................................54Daytime Running.........................................26Dimmer Switch, Headlight...........................26Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Indicator........................................ 49, 152Exterior.............................................. 26, 188Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 190Headlights...................................................26High Beam...................................................26Illuminated Entry.........................................30Interior.........................................................28Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)..........52Park......................................................26, 54Passing........................................................26
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 278
Page 282 of 288

280 R
Radial Ply Tires
.............................................. 250Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)............ 224Radio Frequency General Information.................................. 148Rear Camera................................................... 73Rear Cross Path............................................. 158Rear ParkSense System.................................. 69Rearview Mirror............................................... 23Recreational Towing........................................ 85Reformulated Gasoline.................................. 266Refrigerant.................................................... 220Release, Hood................................................. 40Reminder, Seat Belt...................................... 166Remote Keyless EntryProgramming Additional Key Fobs.............. 11Replacement Bulbs....................................... 235Replacement Keys........................................... 11Replacement Tires......................................... 251Reporting Safety Defects............................... 273Restraints, Child............................................ 181Restraints, Head.............................................. 20Rotation, Tires............................................... 258
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle......................... 187Safety Checks Outside Vehicle...................... 188Safety Defects, Reporting.............................. 273Safety Information, Tire................................. 240Safety Tips..................................................... 186
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................................... 189Satellite Radio.............................................. 102Schedule, Maintenance................................ 211Seat Belts............................................ 165, 187Adjustable Shoulder Belt.......................... 169Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage..... 169Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage..................................... 169Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)........... 171Child Restraints........................................ 181Energy Management Feature................... 171Front Seat............................... 165, 166, 168Inspection................................................. 187Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 168Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting................... 169Lap/Shoulder Belts.................................. 166Operating Instructions.............................. 168Pregnant Women...................................... 170Rear Seat................................................. 166Reminder.................................................. 166Untwisting Procedure............................... 169Seat Belts Maintenance............................... 262Seats............................................................... 15Adjustment.................................................. 15Heated......................................................... 19Rear Folding................................................ 15Tilting........................................................... 15Security Alarm........................................... 13, 50Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 268Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 12
Service Assistance........................................ 271Service Contract............................................ 272Service Manuals........................................... 274SettingsPersonal......................................................89Settings, Audio.............................................. 107Shift Lever Override...................................... 207Shoulder Belts.............................................. 166Signals, Turn.......................................... 54, 188Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 102Favorites................................................... 106Replay....................................................... 104SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM.......................................... 106Favorites................................................... 106Replay....................................................... 104Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 257Snow Tires.................................................... 253Spare Tires........................................... 253, 255Spark Plugs................................................... 268Starting............................................................57Automatic Transmission..............................57Button..........................................................12Cold Weather...............................................57Engine Fails To Start....................................57Steering...........................................................15Column Lock................................................15Power....................................................66, 67Steering Wheel Audio Controls...................... 146Storage, Vehicle..................................... 35, 260
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 280
Page 283 of 288

281
Storing Your Vehicle
...................................... 260Supplemental Restraint System – Air Bag..... 174Sway Control, Trailer...................................... 154Synthetic Engine Oil....................................... 218
T
Telescoping Steering Column.......................... 15Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 245Tire Markings................................................. 240Tire Safety Information.................................. 240Tire Service Kit.................. 197, 198, 200, 202Tires................................... 188, 248, 253, 259Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 251Air Pressure............................................... 248Chains....................................................... 257Changing................................................... 190Compact Spare......................................... 253General Information........................ 248, 253High Speed................................................ 249Inflation Pressure...................................... 249Jacking...................................................... 190Life Of Tires............................................... 251Load Capacity............................................ 245Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)............................... 51, 161Quality Grading.......................................... 259Radial........................................................ 250Replacement............................................. 251Rotation.................................................... 258
Safety.............................................. 240, 248Sizes......................................................... 241Snow Tires................................................ 253Spare Tires...................................... 253, 255Spinning................................................... 250Trailer Towing.............................................. 82Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 251Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 264To Open Hood.................................................. 40Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight......................... 81Torque Converter Clutch.................................. 66Towing....................................................78, 209Disabled Vehicle....................................... 209Guide........................................................... 81Recreational................................................ 85Weight......................................................... 81Towing Behind A Motorhome........................... 85Traction............................................................ 86Traction Control............................................ 154Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 154Trailer Towing.................................................. 78Hitches........................................................ 80Minimum Requirements.............................. 81Tips.............................................................. 84Trailer And Tongue Weight........................... 81Wiring.......................................................... 83Trailer Towing Guide........................................ 81Trailer Weight................................................... 81
TransmissionAutomatic.......................................... 60, 226Fluid.......................................................... 270Maintenance............................................ 226Transporting Pets.......................................... 187Tread Wear Indicators................................... 251Turn Signals.....................................................54
U
UconnectPhone Call Features
................................. 118Things You Should Know About YourUconnect Phone................................... 121Uconnect Phone..........................113, 114, 116Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 120Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call —No Call Currently In Progress................ 119Bluetooth Communication Link................ 124Call Continuation...................................... 121Call Controls............................................. 119Call Termination....................................... 121Cancel Command..................................... 114Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing................ 116Help Command......................................... 114Join Calls.................................................. 12111
21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 281