power steering Ram ProMaster City 2017 Owner's Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 71

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS ........93
▫ Front Windshield Wiper Operation ...........93
▫ Rear Window Wiper/Washer ...............94
 TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN .....95
 ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL .............95
▫ To Activate ............................96
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................96
▫ To Deactivate ..........................96
▫ To Resume Speed .......................97
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .................97
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................98
 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ...........................98
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ...........99
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........100
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .101
▫ Cleaning The ParkSense Rear Park Assist
System ............................. .101▫
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions .......................... .101
 PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA — IF
EQUIPPED ........................... .103
 POWER OUTLETS ...................... .104
 CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASH RECEIVER — IF
EQUIPPED ........................... .106
 CUPHOLDER ......................... .106
 STORAGE ............................ .107
▫ Glove Compartment .....................107
▫ Dash Storage ........................ .108
▫ Overhead Console Storage ................108
 CARGO AREA FEATURES .................109
▫ Rear Cargo Tie-Downs ...................109
▫ Rear Cargo Lights ......................110
▫ Car
go Compartment Light — If Equipped .....112
 REAR WINDOW FEATURES ...............112
▫ Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped .......112
 ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED ......113
74 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................178
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................178
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .178
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ..................178
▫ Extended Park Starting ...................179
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................179
▫ After Starting ......................... .179
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .180
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............181
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................182
▫ Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System .....182
▫ Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission .........182
▫ Gear Ranges ......................... .183
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........189
▫ Acceleration .......................... .189
▫ Traction ............................ .189
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............189
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................189
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................190
 POWER STEERING ..................... .191
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............191
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .192
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .194
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....194
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . .194
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ................195
▫ T

raction Control System (TCS) .............196
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POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 191

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an auto-
matic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To
apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely. When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the automatic
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.
It does not show the degree of brake application.
Parking Brake
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
not activate and slight rolling may occur. This could
cause a collision with another vehicle or object. Always
remember the driver is responsible for braking the
vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects
for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by apply-
ing the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the oversteering or understeering 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 counteract-
ing the oversteer or understeer condition.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
• The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent all
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappro-
priate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety
of others.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-
tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-
teristics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect
the performance of the ESC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC
performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly
worn tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
(Continued)
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STARTING AND OPERATING 197

should only be turned to “Partial Off” for specific reasons
as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” for additional information.
Partial Off
The “ESC OFF” button is located in the switch bank above
the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off” mode,
momentarily push the “ESC OFF” button and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will illuminate.
To turn the ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC
OFF” button and the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” will turn off. This will restore the normal “ESC
On” mode of operation.NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow, sand,
or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by momentarily pushing the “ESC OFF” button.
Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is over-
come, turn ESC back on by momentarily pushing the “ESC
OFF” button. This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of
ESC (except for the limited slip feature described in
the TCS section) has been disabled and the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by
the ESC system is reduced.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the speed
of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of
change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are
sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the
appropriate brake and may also reduce engine power to
ESC Off Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 199

If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying leverage
through spring (load) bars. They are typically used for
heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue weight to the tow
vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi-
tion of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) andmay be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
•
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for the
maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can tow
and should be used to assist you in selecting the correct
trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ...........275
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . .276
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ........................ .276
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............277
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS .......................... .277
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................278
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .278
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............279
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .279
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .282
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................282
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................282
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............283▫
Body Lubrication ..................... .285
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................285
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................286
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .286
▫ Cooling System ....................... .288
▫ Brake System ........................ .293
▫ Power Steering Fluid ....................294
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................294
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ........................... .296
 FUSES ............................... .300
▫ Underhood Fuses ...................... .301
▫ Interior Fuses ......................... .303
▫ Central
Unit Fuse Panel ..................306
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter5 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
3 — Oil Fill Cap 7 — Engine Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275