towing Ram ProMaster City 2015 Owner's Manual

The ParkSense® Rear Park Assist is automatically acti-
vated when the transmission is placed into REVERSE. As
the distance from an obstacle behind the vehicle de-
creases, the audible alert becomes more frequent.
Interaction With Trailer Towing
The Rear Park Assist system is automatically deactivated
when a trailer is hitched to the vehicle. The system will be
automatically activated as soon as the trailer is removed.
ParkSense® Rear Park Assist Sensors
The four ParkSense® Rear Park Assist sensors, located in
the rear fascia/bumper, monitor the area behind the ve-
hicle that is within the sensors’ field of view. The sensors
can detect obstacles, in the horizontal direction, from
approximately 12 in (30 cm) up to 55 in (140 cm) from the
center of the rear fascia/bumper and up to 24 in (60 cm)
from the corners of the rear fascia/bumper, depending on
the location, type and orientation of the obstacle.
Rear Park Assist Sensors Location
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123

WARNING!
•Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using ParkSense®. 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.
You are responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your surroundings. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
• Before using ParkSense®, it is strongly recom-
mended that the ball mount and hitch ball assem-
bly is disconnected from the vehicle when the
vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do so can
result in injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles
because the hitch ball will be much closer to the
obstacle than the rear fascia when the loudspeaker
sounds the continuous tone. Also, the sensors
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
could detect the ball mount and hitch ball assem-
bly, depending on its size and shape, giving a false
indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
If it’s necessary to keep the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly mounted for a long period, it is possible to filter
out the ball mount and hitch ball assembly presence in
sensor field of view. The filtering operation must be
performed only by an authorized dealer.
128 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

7. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
CAUTION!(Continued)
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer
for service if your vehicle overheats. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see “Maintaining Your
Vehicle.” Follow the warnings under the “Cooling
System Pressure Cap” paragraph.
148 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

to switch the headlights to high beam. Pull the lever a
second time to switch the headlights back to low beam.
NOTE:If the driver’s door is open, and the headlights or
park lights are left on, the high beam indicator light will
remain illuminated and a chime will sound until lights
have been turned to the off position.
12. Glow Plug Light — If Equipped
If this icon blinks, it indicates that the engine
cranking is inhibited in order to prevent possible
engine damage while starting at low temperatures.
13. Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light appears on the panel when the
engine oil level falls below the minimum recom-
mended value. Restore the correct engine oil level
or contact your authorized dealer for service.
14. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
turned ON 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.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the
vehicle has completely stopped and the gear selector is
placed in the 1st position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
150 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

20. Charging System Light — If EquippedThis light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the Charging System light
remains on, or comes on while driving, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your au-
thorized dealer.
If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies.”
21. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part
of an onboard diagnostic (OBDII) system
which monitors the emissions and engine con-
trol system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for
five seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If
the bulb does not come on during starting, have the
condition investigated promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, ect, may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
(Continued)
154 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

28. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
EquippedThis light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the
light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illumi-
nated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust components and
cause a fire.
29. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied or
that the brake fluid level is low.
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. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 157

▫Tire Spinning ....................... .250
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................250
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .251
▫ Replacement Tires .....................251
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......253
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....253
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS) ............................. .254
▫ Base System ........................ .257
▫ General Information ...................260
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................260
▫ 2.4L Engine ......................... .260
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................261 ▫
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............261
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......262
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................262
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................263
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................263
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............264
 Adding Fuel ......................... .265
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................267
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............267
 TRAILER TOWING .....................269
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............270
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .281
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 197

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................283
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .283 ▫
Recreational Towing — Automatic
Transmission ........................ .284
198 STARTING AND OPERATING

•With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 209

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, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” 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 occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” 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 pas- sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.
238 STARTING AND OPERATING