RAM PROMASTER CITY 2021 Workshop Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL49
Values Displayed
Range
This indicates the distance which may be
traveled with the fuel remaining in the tank,
assuming that driving conditions will not
change. The message “----” will appear on the
display in the following cases:
Distance less than 30 miles (or 50 km).
The vehicle is parked for a long time with the
engine running.
NOTE:
The range depends on several factors: driving
style, type of route (freeway, residential, moun -
tain roads, etc.), conditions of use of the vehicle
(load, tire pressure, etc.). Trip planning must
take into account the above notes.
Travel Distance
This value shows the distance covered since the
last reset.
Average Fuel Consumption
This value shows the approximate average
consumption since the last reset.
Current Fuel Consumption
This indicates the fuel consumption. The value
is constantly updated. The message “----” will
appear on the display if the vehicle is parked
with the engine running.
Average Speed
This value shows the vehicle's average speed as
a function of the overall time elapsed since the
last reset.
Travel Time
This value shows the time elapsed since the last
reset.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in
the instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when
applicable. These indications are indicative and
precautionary and as such must not be
considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to
the information contained in the Owner’s
Manual, which you are advised to read carefully
in all cases. Always refer to the information in
this chapter in the event of a failure indication.
All active telltales will display first if applicable.
The system check menu may appear different based upon equipment options and current
vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and
may not appear.
Red Warning Lights
Air Bag Warning Light
This light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN position. If the light is
either not on during startup, stays on, or turns
on while driving, have the system inspected by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
light will illuminate with a single chime when a
fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has been
detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared.
If the light comes on intermittently or remains
on while driving, have an authorized dealer
service the vehicle immediately.
Brake Warning Light
This warning 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, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a
problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
reservoir.
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50GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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 or that a problem with the Brake
Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be
felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
corrected. NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
necessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
it stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible. This indicates a possible
problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL51
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when one
or more door(s) are not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving and a door is opened,
there will also be a single chime.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the ETC
system. If a problem is detected while
the vehicle is running, the light will
either stay on or flash depending on the nature
of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the
vehicle is safely and completely stopped and
the transmission is placed in the PARK (P)
position. The light should turn off. If the light
remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as
possible. If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
running, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN position 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.Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
engine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning
(A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service Ú page 207.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
temperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until
the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you
may continue to drive normally.
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52GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
When the ignition is first placed in the
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a
chime will sound and the light will turn
on. When driving, if the driver or front passenger
seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will flash or remain on
continuously and a chime will sound
Ú page 153.
Transmission Fault Warning Light
This light will illuminate (together with
a message in the instrument cluster
display and a buzzer) to indicate a
transmission fault. Contact an
authorized dealer if the message remains after
restarting the engine.
Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light appears on the
panel when the engine oil level falls
below the minimum recommended
value. Restore the correct engine oil
level or contact your authorized dealer for
service.
Yellow Warning Lights
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light monitors the ABS. The light
will turn on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN
position and may stay on for as long
as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while
driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and service is
required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the
brake warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to restore the
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches
approximately 2–3 gal (9–11 L) this
light will turn on, and remain on until
fuel is added.
Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will
illuminate if any of the following
conditions occur: Engine Oil Pressure
Sensor Failure, External Light Failure,
Parking Sensor Failure, Fuel Cut-Off Fail/
Intervention, Generic Failure on Trailer, or Air
Bag telltale recovery.
The telltale will blink in case of an Air Bag
Warning Light Failure. Contact an authorized
dealer immediately for service.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL53
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a
message is displayed to indicate that
the tire pressure is lower than the
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases,
optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may
not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned above, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low
tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may
occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop
the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and
steering. If a tire puncture occurs, repair
immediately using the dedicated tire repair
kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
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54GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Vehicle Security Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the vehicle security system has
detected an attempt to break into the
vehicle.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Warning
Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an
Onboard Diagnostic System called
OBD II that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. After
placing the ignition to the ON/RUN position, if
there is a problem with the Sentry Key System,
the Vehicle Security Light will turn on. This
condition will result in the engine being shut off
after two seconds. If the bulb does not come on
when turning the ignition switch from OFF to ON/
RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
NOTE:
This warning light will illuminate when the
vehicle security system has detected an
attempt to break into the vehicle.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the
light after engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing. When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type,
and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire
sealants may cause the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become
inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as refer
-
enced above, can reach higher temperatures
than in normal operating conditions. This can
cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over
flammable substances such as dry plants,
wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in
death or serious injury to the driver, occu -
pants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the vehicle control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL55
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning
Light — If Equipped
The ESC Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster will come on when
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
or MAR/ON/RUN position, and when
ESC is activated. It should go out with the
engine running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi -
cator Light come on momentarily each time
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or MAR/
ON/RUN position.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
MAR/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on,
even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in
an ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the ESC is
off.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even
if it was turned off previously.
Green Indicator Lights
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is
activated, the turn signal indicator will
flash independently and the
corresponding exterior turn signal
lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated
when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right). NOTE:
A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either
turn signal on.
Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate
when the park lights or headlights are
turned on Ú
page 27.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the front fog lights are on
Úpage 27.
Cruise Control Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the cruise control is activated
Úpage 68.
NOTE:
There will be no change in the indicator light
when the desired speed is set.
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56GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Blue Indicator Lights
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the high beam
headlights are on. With the low beams
activated, push the multifunction
lever forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to
turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to
turn off the high beams. If the high beams are
off, pull the lever toward you for a temporary
high beam on, “flash to pass” scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD
II system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes
and other information to assist your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need
towing, see an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard
Diagnostic system (OBD II) and a connection
port to allow access to information related to
the performance of your emissions controls.
Authorized service technicians may need to
access this information to assist with the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system Ú
page 86.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can
be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to read the VIN,
diagnose, or service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems, could
be impaired or a loss of vehicle control
could occur that may result in an acci -
dent involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL57
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement
to pass an inspection of your vehicle's
emissions control system. Failure to pass could
prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (I/M), this check
verifies the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
The OBD ll may not be ready if your vehicle was
recently serviced, recently had a depleted
battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD ll
system should be determined not ready for the
I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test
station. To check if your vehicle's OBD II system
is ready, you must do the following:

1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to
start this test over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to
the ON position, you will see the MIL symbol
come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds
and then return to being fully illuminated
until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle's
OBD II system is not ready and you
should not proceed to the I/M station.
The MIL will not flash at all and will
remain fully illuminated until you place
the ignition in the off position or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle's
OBD II system is ready and you can
proceed to the I/M station. If your OBD II system is not ready,
you should
see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If your
vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery
failure or replacement, you may need to do
nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD II system
to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
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58
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat,
adjust both inside and outside mirrors, and
fasten your seat belts.
Automatic Transmission
The gear selector must be in the PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) position before you can start the
engine. Press the brake pedal before shifting to
any driving gear.
NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START)
position and release it when the engine starts.
If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds,
turn the ignition switch to the STOP (OFF/LOCK)
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
this procedure.
Cold Weather Operation
To ensure reliable starting at low temperatures,
use of an externally powered electric engine
block heater (available from an authorized
dealer) is recommended.To prevent possible engine damage while
starting at low temperatures, this vehicle will
inhibit engine cranking when the ambient
temperature is less than -31°F (-35° C) and the
oil temperature sensor reading indicates an
engine block heater has not been used. The
message “plug in engine heater” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster when the
ambient temperature is below -25°F (-32° C) at
the time the engine is shut off as a reminder.
Extended Park Starting
NOTE:
Extended Park condition occurs when the
vehicle has not been started or driven for at
least 30 days.

1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables
to the battery to ensure a full battery
charge during the crank cycle.

2. Place the ignition in the AVV (START) position and release it when the engine
starts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat -
tended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to chil -
dren). A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

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