trailer RAM PROMASTER CITY 2021 User Guide

82STARTING AND OPERATING

Seven-Pin Connector

Towing Tips
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, use the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control to select a lower gear range.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
build up. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
When using the ERS shift control, select the
highest gear that allows for adequate perfor -
mance and avoids frequent downshifts. For
example, choose “5” if the desired speed can
be maintained. Choose “4” or “3” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
To prevent excess heat generation, avoid
continuous driving at high RPM. Reduce
vehicle speed as necessary to avoid
extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear range or vehicle speed when
grade and road conditions allow.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Battery
2 — Backup Lamps
3 — Right Stop/Turn
4 — Electric Brakes
5 — Ground
6 — Left Stop/Turn
7 — Running Lamps

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STARTING AND OPERATING83
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow appli -
cable state and provincial laws. Contact state
and provincial Highway Safety offices for addi -
tional details.
Recreational Towing — Automatic
Transmission
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front
wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle,
following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires
towing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF
the ground.
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.
4

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146SAFETY
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system that
includes the Brake Assist System (BAS),
Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Trailer
Sway Control (TSC). All systems work together to
enhance vehicle stability and control in various
driving conditions and are commonly referred to
as ESC.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS
complements the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly results
in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure during the
stopping sequence (do not “pump” the brakes).
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the brake
pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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 counteract the above conditions.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.
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 posi -
tion.
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.
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.

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SAFETY149
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears
when the activation criteria have been met. The
system will not activate if the vehicle is placed
in NEUTRAL or PARK.
Traction Control System (TCS)
TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each
of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected,
brake pressure is applied to the slipping
wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to
provide enhanced acceleration and stability. A
feature of the TCS system, Brake Limited
Differential (BLD), functions similarly to a
limited slip differential and controls the wheel
spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a
driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This
feature remains active even if TCS and ESC are
in the “Partial Off” mode Ú
page 146.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an
excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
The system may reduce engine power and apply
the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the sway of the trailer.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the trailer tongue weight recommenda -
tions Ú page 77.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine
power may be reduced and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” mode.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (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
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when
the system will 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.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer
sway.
6

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217
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil
change indicator system. The oil change
indicator system will remind you that it is time to
take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil
change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle.
Operating conditions such as frequent
short-trips, trailer tow, extended engine idle
time, extremely hot or cold ambient
temperatures will influence when the “Oil
Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have
your vehicle serviced as soon as possible,
within the next 500 miles (805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
indicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change
is performed by someone other than an
authorized dealer, to reset the message
Úpage 46. NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
350 hours of engine run time or 12 months,
whichever comes first. The 350 hours of engine
run or idle time is generally only a concern for
fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Vehicles that are operated in a dusty and
off-road environment, or predominately at idle
or very low engine RPM are known as Severe
Duty vehicles. It is recommended that you
change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or
350 hours of engine run time.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
Check engine oil level.
Check windshield washer fluid level.
Check tire pressure and look for unusual
wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign
of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the
oil indicator system turns on.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir
and brake master cylinder, fill as needed.
Check function of all interior and exterior
lights.
Maintenance Plan
Refer to the maintenance schedule for the
required maintenance intervals. More frequent
maintenance may be needed in severe
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving. In some extreme conditions,
additional maintenance not specified in the
maintenance schedule may be required.
8

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240SERVICING 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 75.
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).

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244SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be
repaired if it meets the following criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when flat.
The damage is only on the tread section of
your tire (sidewall damage is not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an
inch (6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs
and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that
have experienced a loss of pressure should be
replaced immediately with another Run Flat tire
of identical size and service description (Load
Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the tire
pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to
be reused.
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a
rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss
of inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode.
A Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a
Run Flat tire reaches the run flat mode it has limited driving capabilities and needs to be
replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not
repairable. When a Run Flat tire is changed
after driving with under-inflated tire condition,
please replace the TPM sensor as it is not
designed to be reused when driven under Run
Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:
TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded
at full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in
the run flat mode.
For more information Ú
page 149.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than
30 seconds continuously without stopping.
For further information Ú page 209.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in determining
when your tires should be replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands
when the tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced.
For further information Úpage 245.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.

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269
Heated Seats
................................................... 20Heater, Engine Block....................................... 59Hill Start Assist.............................................. 148Hitches Trailer Towing.............................................. 78Hood Prop........................................................ 37Hood Release.................................................. 37
I
Ignition............................................................ 12Key....................................................... 10, 12Switch......................................................... 12Ignition Key Removal....................................... 12Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................................. 12Inside Rearview Mirror..................................... 25Instrument Cluster.................................... 43, 44Descriptions................................................ 55Display........................................................ 44Display Controls.......................................... 45Engine Oil Reset.......................................... 46Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning.................... 253Interior And Instrument Lights......................... 29Interior Appearance Care............................... 253Interior Lights.................................................. 29iPod Control..................................................... 40iPod/USB/MP3 Control................................... 40Bluetooth Streaming Audio......................... 40
J
Jack Location................................................ 194Jack Operation.............................................. 194Jacking And Tire Changing............................ 194Jump Starting............................................... 204
K
Key FobProgramming Additional Key Fobs
............... 11Key Fob Battery Service (Remote Keyless
Entry)............................................................... 11Key Fob Programming (Remote Keyless
Entry)............................................................... 11Keys................................................................. 10Replacement............................................... 11Sentry (Immobilizer).................................... 12
L
Lane Change Assist......................................... 28Lap/Shoulder Belts....................................... 155Latches......................................................... 187Hood............................................................ 37Leaks, Fluid.................................................. 187Life Of Tires................................................... 245Light Bulbs........................................... 187, 213Lights............................................................ 187Air Bag................................................49, 186Brake Assist Warning............................... 147
Brake Warning.............................................49Bulb Replacement.................................... 213Cruise..........................................................55Daytime Running.........................................27Engine Temperature Warning......................51Exterior.............................................. 27, 187Hazard Warning Flasher........................... 188Headlights...................................................27Interior.........................................................29Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)..........54Park......................................................28, 55Passing........................................................28Seat Belt Reminder.....................................52Service...................................................... 213Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).............. 149Traction Control........................................ 147Turn Signals....................................... 55, 187Warning Instrument Cluster Descriptions.....................................51, 55Loading Vehicle......................................... 75, 76Capacities....................................................76Tires.......................................................... 239LocksPower Door..................................................14Low Tire Pressure System............................. 149Lubrication, Body.......................................... 225Lug Nuts/Bolts.............................................. 25511

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271
Replacement Keys
........................................... 11Replacement Tires......................................... 245Reporting Safety Defects............................... 264Restraints, Child............................................ 170Restraints, Head.............................................. 21Rotation, Tires............................................... 250
S
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle......................... 185Safety Checks Outside Vehicle...................... 187Safety Defects, Reporting.............................. 264Safety Information, Tire................................. 234Safety Tips..................................................... 185Safety, Exhaust Gas....................................... 185Satellite Radio............................................... 101Schedule, Maintenance................................. 217Seat Belts............................................ 154, 185Adjustable Shoulder Belt........................... 157Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 157Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage............................................. 157Child Restraints......................................... 170Energy Management Feature.................... 159Front Seat.............................. 154, 155, 156Inspection................................................. 185Lap/Shoulder Belt Operation.................... 156Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting...................157Lap/Shoulder Belts................................... 155Operating Instructions............................... 156Pregnant Women...................................... 159
Pretensioners........................................... 159Rear Seat................................................. 155Reminder............................................52, 154Seat Belt Pretensioner............................. 159Untwisting Procedure............................... 157Seats............................................................... 17Adjustment.................................................. 17Heated......................................................... 20Rear Folding................................................ 17Tilting........................................................... 17Security System............................................... 13Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze).................. 259Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................................. 12Service Assistance........................................ 262Service Contract........................................... 263Service Manuals........................................... 264Settings, Audio.............................................. 105Shift Lever Override...................................... 209ShiftingAutomatic Transmission.............................. 63Shoulder Belts.............................................. 155Signals, Turn...........................................55, 187Sirius Satellite Radio..................................... 101Favorites................................................... 104Replay...................................................... 102SiriusXM Satellite RadioBrowse in SXM......................................... 104Favorites................................................... 104Replay...................................................... 102Snow Chains (Tire Chains)............................ 249
Snow Tires.................................................... 246Spare Tires........................................... 247, 248Spark Plugs................................................... 259SpecificationsFuel (Gasoline).......................................... 259Oil............................................................. 259Speed ControlCancel..........................................................70Speed Control (Cruise Control).........................68Starting............................................................58Automatic Transmission..............................58Cold Weather...............................................58Engine Fails To Start....................................59Steering...........................................................23Power....................................................67, 68Tilt Column...................................................23Wheel, Tilt....................................................23Steering Wheel Audio Controls...................... 142Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls........................................................ 142Storage............................................................38Storage, Vehicle..................................... 33, 251Storing Your Vehicle...................................... 251Sun Visor Extension.........................................27Sway Control, Trailer..................................... 149Synthetic Engine Oil...................................... 224
11

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272
T
Telescoping Steering Column
.......................... 23Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................................... 38Tilt Steering Column........................................ 23Tire And Loading Information Placard........... 239Tire Markings................................................. 234Tire Safety Information.................................. 234Tire Service Kit.............................................. 202Tires................................... 187, 242, 247, 250Aging (Life Of Tires)................................... 245Air Pressure............................................... 242Chains....................................................... 249Changing................................................... 194Compact Spare......................................... 247General Information........................ 242, 247High Speed................................................ 243Inflation Pressure...................................... 242Jacking...................................................... 194Life Of Tires............................................... 245Load Capacity............................................ 239Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).. 53, 149Quality Grading.......................................... 250Radial........................................................ 243Replacement............................................. 245Rotation.................................................... 250Safety.............................................. 234, 242Sizes.......................................................... 235Snow Tires................................................. 246Spare Tires...................................... 247, 248Spinning.................................................... 244
Trailer Towing.............................................. 80Tread Wear Indicators.............................. 244Wheel Nut Torque..................................... 255To Open Hood.................................................. 37Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight......................... 79Towing............................................................. 77Disabled Vehicle....................................... 211Guide........................................................... 79Recreational................................................ 83Weight......................................................... 79Towing Behind A Motorhome........................... 83Traction............................................................ 84Traction Control............................................ 149Trailer Sway Control (TSC)............................. 149Trailer Towing.................................................. 77Hitches........................................................ 78Minimum Requirements.............................. 79Tips.............................................................. 82Trailer And Tongue Weight........................... 79Wiring.......................................................... 81Trailer Towing Guide........................................ 79Trailer Weight................................................... 79Transmission................................................... 63Automatic....................................62, 63, 231Fluid......................................................... 261Maintenance............................................ 231Transporting Pets.......................................... 184Tread Wear Indicators.................................. 244Trip Computer.................................................. 48Turn Signals..................................................... 55
U
Uconnect Phone Call Features
................................. 116Things You Should Know About Your Uconnect Phone................................... 119Uconnect Phone..........................111, 112, 113Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — Call Currently In Progress..................... 117Answer Or Ignore An Incoming Call — No Call Currently In Progress................ 117Bluetooth Communication Link................ 121Call Continuation...................................... 118Call Controls............................................. 116Call Termination....................................... 118Cancel Command..................................... 111Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio Device After Pairing................ 114Help Command......................................... 111Join Calls.................................................. 118Making A Phone Or Audio Device AFavorite................................................ 114Making A Second Call While Current Call Is In Progress................................. 118Managing Your Favorites.......................... 115Natural Speech......................................... 111Operation.................................................. 110Overview................................................... 109Pair (Link) Uconnect Phone To A Mobile Phone................................................... 112

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