RAM PROMASTER 2023 Owners Manual

SAFETY159
The vehicle’s taillights, where the radar sensors
are located, must remain free of snow, ice, and
dirt/road contamination so that the BSM system
can function properly. Do not block the taillights
with foreign objects (bumper stickers, bicycle
racks, etc.).

Radar Sensor Locations

If the system detects degraded performance due
to contamination or foreign objects, a message will
warn you of a blocked sensor and the warning
indicators in the side view mirrors will be on.
The warning indicators will remain illuminated until
blockage clearing conditions are met. First clear
the taillights around the sensors of the blockage.
After removing the blockage, the following
procedure can be used to reset the system, cycle
the ignition from ON to OFF and then back ON. If the blockage message is still present after
cycling the ignition and driving in traffic, check
again for a blockage.
The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the
detection zones by illuminating the BSM Warning
Light located in the outside mirrors in addition to
sounding an audible (chime) alert and reducing the
radio volume Ú
page 161.

Warning Light Location

The BSM system monitors the detection zone from
three different entry points (side, rear, front) while
driving to see if an alert is necessary. The BSM
system will issue an alert during these types of
zone entries.
Entering From The Side
Vehicles that move into your adjacent lanes from
either side of the vehicle.
Side Monitoring

Entering From The Rear
Vehicles that come up from behind your vehicle on
either side and enter the rear detection zone with
a relative speed of less than 30 mph (48 km/h).

Rear Monitoring

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160SAFETY
Overtaking Traffic
If you pass another vehicle slowly with a relative
speed less than 15 mph (24 km/h) and the vehicle
remains in the blind spot for approximately
1.5 seconds, the warning light will be illuminated.
If the difference in speed between the two vehicles
is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h), the warning
light will not illuminate.

Overtaking/Approaching Overtaking/Passing

The BSM system is designed not to issue an alert
on stationary objects such as guardrails, posts,
walls, foliage, berms, snow banks, car washes, etc.
However, occasionally the system may alert on
such objects. This is normal operation and your
vehicle does not require service.
The BSM system will not alert you of objects that
are traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle
in adjacent lanes Ú page 280.
Opposing Traffic

WARNING!

The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid to
help detect objects in the blind spot zones. The BSM
system is not designed to detect pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. Even if your vehicle is
equipped with the BSM system, always check your
vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use
your turn signal before changing lanes. Failure to do
so can result in serious injury or death.

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SAFETY161
Rear Cross Path (RCP)
RCP is intended to aid the driver when backing out
of parking spaces where their vision of oncoming
vehicles may be blocked. Proceed slowly and
cautiously out of the parking space until the rear
end of the vehicle is exposed. The RCP system will
then have a clear view of the cross traffic, and if an
oncoming vehicle is detected, alert the driver.

RCP Detection Zones

RCP monitors the rear detection zones on both
sides of the vehicle, for objects that are moving
toward the side of the vehicle with a minimum
speed of approximately 3 mph (5 km/h), to objects
moving a maximum of approximately 20 mph
(32 km/h), such as in parking lot situations.
When RCP is on and the vehicle is in REVERSE (R),
the driver is alerted using both the visual and
audible alarms, including reducing the radio
volume.
NOTE:
In a parking lot situation, oncoming vehicles can be
blocked by vehicles parked on either side. If the
sensors are blocked by other structures or vehicles, the
system will not be able to alert the driver.

Blind Spot Modes

Blind Spot has three selectable modes of operation
that are available in the Uconnect system.

Blind Spot Alert Lights Only

When operating in Blind Spot Alert mode, the BSM
system will provide a visual alert in the appropriate side
view mirror based on a detected object. However, when
the system is operating in Rear Cross Path (RCP) mode,
the system will respond with both visual and audible
alerts when a detected object is present. Whenever an
audible alert is requested, the radio is muted.
Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime

When operating in Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime mode,
the BSM system will provide a visual alert in the
appropriate side view mirror based on a detected
object. If the turn signal is then activated, and it
corresponds to an alert present on that side of the
vehicle, an audible chime will also be sounded.
Whenever a turn signal and detected object are present
on the same side at the same time, both the visual and
audible alerts will be issued. In addition to the audible
alert the radio (if on) will also be muted.

NOTE:Whenever an audible alert is requested by the
BSM system, the radio is also muted.

When the system is in RCP, the system shall respond
with both visual and audible alerts when a detected
object is present. Whenever an audible alert is
requested, the radio is also muted. Turn/hazard signal
status is ignored; the RCP state always requests the
chime.

Blind Spot Alert Off
When the BSM system is turned off there will be no
visual or audible alerts from either the BSM or RCP
systems.
NOTE:The BSM system will store the current operating
mode when the vehicle is shut off. Each time the
vehicle is started the previously stored mode will
be recalled and used.
WARNING!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a backup
aid system. It is intended to be used to help a
driver detect an oncoming vehicle in a parking
lot situation. Drivers must be careful when
backing up, even when using RCP. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind you,
and be sure to check for pedestrians, animals,
other vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots
before backing up. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
6

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162SAFETY
Trailer Merge Assist — If Equipped
Trailer Merge Assist is a function of the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) system that extends the blind
spot zone to work while pulling a trailer.
NOTE:When Trailer Merge Assist is activated, Rear Cross
Path is disabled.
Trailer Merge Assist consists of three sub
functions:
Automatic Trailer Detection
Trailer Length Detection
Trailer Merge Warning

Blind Spot Zones With Trailer Merge Assist
Automatic Trailer Detection
There are two modes of operation for the detection
of the trailer length:
Automatic Mode
— When “Auto Mode” is
selected, the system will use the blind spot
sensors to automatically determine the pres -
ence and length of a trailer. The presence of a
trailer will be detected using the blind spot radar
within 90 seconds of forward movement of the
vehicle. The vehicle must be moving above
6 mph (10 km/h) to activate the feature. Once
the trailer has been detected, the system will
default to the maximum blind spot zone until the
length has been verified. You will see “Auto” in
the instrument panel cluster .
Maximum Mode — When “Max Mode” is
selected, the system will default to the
maximum blind spot zone regardless of what
size trailer is attached .
NOTE:Selected setting is stored when the ignition is
placed in the OFF position. To change this setting,
it must be selected through the Uconnect Settings
Ú page 134. Trailer Length Detection
Once the trailer presence has been established,
the trailer length will be established (by making a
90 degree turn) and then the trailer length
category (example 10-20 ft (3 m to 6 m)) will be
displayed. This can take up to 30 seconds after
completing the turn.
NOTE:During the same ignition cycle, if the vehicle is at a
standstill for a minimum of 90 seconds, a new
“trailer detection request” is enabled by the
system once the vehicle resumes motion.
The maximum trailer length supported by the
Trailer Merge Assist feature is 39.5 ft (12 m).
Trailer length is considered the forward most
portion of the trailer hitch to the rearward most
portion of the body, fascia/bumper, or ramp of
the trailer.
The maximum width supported by the Trailer
Merge Assist feature is 8.5 ft (2.59 m). Trailer
width is measured at the widest portion of the
trailer and may include wheels, tires, finders,
or rails.
1 — Vehicle
2 — Trailer

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SAFETY163
NOTE:The ability to detect a trailer may be degraded in
crowded or busy environments. Busy parking lots,
narrow areas surrounded with trees, or any other
crowded area may prevent the radar sensors from
being able to adequately detect the trailer. The
system will try to detect a trailer at every ignition
cycle or 90 seconds of standstill.

Trailer Length Detection
Trailer length will be identified and placed into one
of the following categories:
Trailer length up to 10 ft (3 m) — Blind spot zone
will be adjusted to 10 ft (3 m) .
Trailer length between 10 ft to 20 ft
(3 m to 6 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted
to 20 ft (6 m) .
Trailer length between 20 ft to 30 ft (6 m to 9 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted
to 30 ft (9 m) .
Trailer length between 30 ft and 39.5 ft (9 m to 12 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to Max distance .
NOTE:Trailer length is determined within +/- 3 ft (1 m) of
actual length. Trailers that are the same size as the
category limit, 10/20/30 ft (3/6/9 m), could be
subject to being placed in the category above or
below the correct one.
Trailer Merge Warning
Trailer Merge Warning is the extension of the blind
spot function to cover the length of the trailer, plus
a safety margin, to warn the driver when there is a
vehicle in the adjacent lane. The driver is alerted by
the illumination of the BSM Warning Light located
in the outside mirror on the side the other vehicle
is detected on. In addition, an audible (chime) alert
will be heard and radio volume will be reduced
Ú page 161.
NOTE:
The Trailer Merge Alert system DOES NOT alert
the driver about rapidly approaching vehicles
that are outside the detection zones.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may
experience drop outs (blinking on and off) of the
side mirror warning indicator lamps when a
motorcycle or any small object remains at the
side of the vehicle for extended periods of time
(more than a couple of seconds).
Crowded areas such as parking lots, neighbor -
hoods, etc. may lead to an increased amount of
false alerts. This is normal operation.
1 — Trailer Length
2 — Trailer Hitch
3 — Trailer Width
WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid
to help detect objects in the blind spot zones.
The BSM system is not designed to detect
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. Even if your
vehicle is equipped with the BSM system, always
check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use your turn signal before
changing lanes. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.6

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164SAFETY
FORWARD COLLISION WARNING (FCW)
W
ITH MITIGATION — IF EQUIPPED
The FCW with Mitigation system provides the driver
with audible warnings, visual warnings (within the
instrument cluster display), and may apply a brake
jerk to warn the driver when it detects a potential
frontal collision. The warnings and limited braking
are intended to provide the driver with enough time
to react, avoid or mitigate the potential collision.
NOTE:FCW monitors the information from the forward
looking camera as well as the Electronic Brake
Controller (EBC), to calculate the probability of a
forward collision. When the system determines
that a forward collision is probable, the driver will
be provided with audible and visual warnings as
well as a possible brake jerk warning.
If the driver does not take action based upon these
progressive warnings, then the system will provide
a limited level of active braking to help slow the
vehicle and mitigate the potential forward collision.
If the driver reacts to the warnings by braking and
the system determines that the driver intends to
avoid the collision by braking but has not applied
sufficient brake force, the system will compensate
and provide additional brake force as required.

If a FCW with Mitigation event begins at a speed below
26 mph (42 km/h), the system may provide the
maximum braking possible to mitigate the potential forward collision. Vehicles With Automatic Trans
-
mission: After the end of the intervention of automatic
braking, the transmission may remain in last gear
stored — therefore the vehicle could lurch forward, once
the brakes release a few seconds later. If the Forward
Collision Warning with Mitigation event stops the
vehicle completely, the system will hold the vehicle at
standstill for two seconds and then release the brakes.

FCW Message

When the system determines a collision with the
vehicle in front of you is no longer probable, the
warning message will be deactivated.
NOTE:
The minimum speed for FCW activation is
3 mph (5 km/h).
The FCW alerts may be triggered on objects
other than vehicles such as guardrails or sign
posts based on the course prediction. This is expected and is a part of normal FCW activation
and functionality.
It is unsafe to test the FCW system. To prevent
such misuse of the system the Active Braking
portion of FCW will be deactivated for the first
20 seconds from braking actuation.
The FCW system is intended for on-road use
only. If the vehicle is taken off-road, the FCW
system should be deactivated to prevent unnec
-
essary warnings to the surroundings.
FCW may not react to irrelevant objects such as
overhead objects, ground reflections, objects
not in the path of the vehicle, stationary objects
that are far away, oncoming traffic, or leading
vehicles with the same or higher rate of speed.
FCW will be disabled with the unavailable
screens Ú page 280.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not intended
to avoid a collision on its own, nor can FCW
detect every type of potential collision. The driver
has the responsibility to avoid a collision by
controlling the vehicle via braking and steering.
Failure to follow this warning could lead to
serious injury or death.

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SAFETY165
Turning FCW On Or Off
The FCW button is located in the Uconnect display
in the control settings Ú page 134.
To turn the FCW system on, press the forward
collision button once.
To turn the FCW system off, press the forward
collision button once.
NOTE:
Changing the FCW status to “Off” deactivates
the system, so no warning or active braking will
be available in case of a possible collision.
Changing the FCW status to “Only Warning”
prevents the system from providing limited
active braking, or additional brake support if the
driver is not braking adequately in the event of
a potential frontal collision, but maintains the
audible and visual warnings.
When FCW status is set to “Warning and
Braking”, this allows the system to warn the
driver of a possible collision with the vehicle
in front using audible/visual warnings and it
applies autonomous braking.
The FCW system state is kept in memory from
one ignition position to the next. If the system is
turned off, it will maintain its status in the next
key cycle.
FCW Braking Status And Sensitivity
The FCW Sensitivity and Active Braking status are
programmable through the Uconnect system
Úpage 134.
Far
When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the
“Far” setting and the system status is
“Only Warning”, this allows the system to
warn the driver of a possible more distant
collision with the vehicle in front using
audible/visual warnings.
More cautious drivers that do not mind
frequent warnings may prefer this setting.
NOTE:The “Far” setting may result in a greater number of
FCW possible collision warnings experienced.
Medium
When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the
“Medium” setting and the system status is
“Only Warning”, this allows the system to
warn the driver of a possible collision with
the vehicle in front using audible/visual
warnings.
Near
When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the
“Near” setting and the system status is
“Only Warning”, this allows the system to warn the driver of a possible closer collision
with the vehicle in front using audible/
visual warnings.

This setting provides less reaction time than the
“Far” and “Medium” settings, which allows for a
more dynamic driving experience.

More dynamic or aggressive drivers that
want to avoid frequent warnings may prefer
this setting.
NOTE:The “Near” setting may result in a lesser number of
FCW possible collision warnings experienced.
FCW Limited Warning

If the instrument cluster displays “FCW Limited
Functionality Clean Front Windshield” momentarily,
there may be a condition that limits FCW functionality.
Although the vehicle is still drivable under normal
conditions, the active braking may not be fully
available. Once the condition that limited the system
performance is no longer present, the system will
return to its full performance state. If the problem
persists, see an authorized dealer.

If the front camera is blocked due to external
environmental conditions (i.e. heavy rain, snow,
fog), the system will be deactivated and a warning
message will display in the instrument cluster.6

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166SAFETY
Service FCW Warning
If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster
displays: “FCW Unavailable Service Required”,
this indicates there is an internal system fault.
Although the vehicle is still drivable under normal
conditions, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
The “FCW Temporarily Unavailable” message can
sometimes be displayed while driving in highly
reflective areas (i.e. tunnels with reflective tiles, or
ice and snow). The system will recover after the
vehicle has left these areas. Under rare conditions,
when the camera is not tracking any vehicles or
objects in its path, this warning may temporarily
occur. If weather conditions are not a factor, the
driver should examine the fascia/bumper where
the camera is located. It may require cleaning or
removal of an obstruction from the fascia/bumper
cover.
The FCW Warning Light will appear on the
instrument cluster to indicate the front camera
is obstructed by sun or other visibility reducing
weather.
NOTE:
If the “FCW Temporarily Unavailable” message
occurs frequently (e.g. more than once on every
trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other
obstruction, have the camera realigned at an
authorized dealer.
Installing a snow plow or front-end protector is
not recommended. Doing so may block the
camera and inhibit FCW operation.
Use only a soft cloth for cleaning. Do not use
solvents or abrasive pastes.
Precautions While Driving With FCW
In certain driving conditions, such as:
Driving in the vicinity of a curve
Small vehicles and/or not aligned to the lane
Lane changing of other vehicles
Passing of vehicles in an oncoming intersection
The intervention of the system could be
unexpected or delayed. The driver must therefore
always pay particular attention, while maintaining
control of the vehicle to drive in complete safety. Driving In The Vicinity Of A Curve
Entering or exiting a large curve, the system could
detect the presence of a vehicle that is in front of
the vehicle, but that does not preside in the same
lane. In cases such as this, the system might
respond.

Driving In The Vicinity Of A Curve

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SAFETY167
Small Vehicles And/Or Not Aligned To The Lane
The system is not able to detect the presence of
vehicles that are in front of the vehicle but placed
outside the field of action of the camera and could
therefore not react in the presence of small
vehicles such as bicycles or motorcycles.

Small Vehicles And/Or Not Aligned To The Lane

Lane Changing Of Other Vehicles
Vehicles that suddenly change lanes, while staying
in the traffic lane of their vehicle and inside the
field of action of the camera, may cause the
intervention of the system.
Lane Changing Of Other Vehicles

Passing Of Vehicles In An Oncoming Intersection
The system could temporarily react to a vehicle
that crossed the range of the camera in an
oncoming intersection.

Passing Of Vehicles In An Oncoming Intersection

Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) —
If Equipped
PEB is a subsystem of the Forward Collision
Warning (FCW) system which provides the driver
with audible warnings and visual warnings, in the
instrument cluster display. It may apply limited
automatic braking when it detects a potential
frontal collision with a pedestrian/cyclist.

PEB Message

If a PEB event begins at a speed below 39 mph
(62 km/h), the system may provide maximum braking
to mitigate the potential collision with a pedestrian/
cyclist. If the PEB event stops the vehicle completely,
the system will hold the vehicle at a standstill for
two seconds and then release the brakes. When the
system determines a collision with the pedestrian/
cyclist in front of you is no longer probable, the warning
message will be deactivated.

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168SAFETY
The minimum speed for PEB activation is
3 mph (5 km/h).
Turning PEB On Or Off
NOTE:The default status of PEB is “On.” This allows the
system to warn you of a possible frontal collision
with the pedestrian/cyclist.
PEB is turned on and off using the FCW button in
the Uconnect display in the control settings.
Ú page 134.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
S
YSTEM (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will
warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the
vehicle recommended cold placard pressure. The tire pressure will vary with temperature
by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
This means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire
pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for
at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle
is driven — this is normal and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
See Ú
page 249 on how to properly inflate the
vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure
if the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure
warning limit for any reason, including low
temperature effects and natural pressure loss
through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists, and
will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or above
the recommended cold placard pressure. Once the
low tire pressure warning (TPMS Warning Light)
illuminates, you must increase the tire pressure to
the recommended cold placard pressure in order for the TPMS Warning Light to turn off. The system
will automatically update and the TPMS Warning
Light will turn off once the system receives the
updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need to
be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need
to be increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in
order to turn the TPMS Warning Light off.

For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) placard
pressure of 30 psi (207 kPa). If the ambient
temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the measured tire
pressure is 27 psi (186 kPa), a temperature drop
to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to
approximately 23 psi (158 kPa). This tire pressure is
sufficiently low enough to turn on the TPMS Warning
Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to
rise to approximately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS
Warning Light will still be on. In this situation, the TPMS
Warning Light will turn off only after the tires are
inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard
pressure value.

WARNING!
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor can
PEB detect every type of potential collision with
a pedestrian. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle via
braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.

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