flat tire RAM PROMASTER CITY 2021 Owners Manual

3
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ......................44 Location And Controls ................................. 45
Change Engine Oil — If Equipped................ 46
Instrument Cluster Display Menu Items..... 46
TRIP COMPUTER ...................................................47
Trip Button.................................................... 48
Trip Functions ............................................. 48
Values Displayed ......................................... 49
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ..................49
Red Warning Lights...................................... 49
Yellow Warning Lights ................................. 52
Green Indicator Lights ................................. 55
Blue Indicator Lights .................................... 56
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II .......56
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity................................................ 56
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ...........................................................57
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE .......................................58
Automatic Transmission .............................. 58
Normal Starting ............................................ 58
Cold Weather Operation ............................. 58
Extended Park Starting................................ 58
If Engine Fails To Start ................................ 59
After Starting ................................................ 59
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ...........59
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .........60
PARKING BRAKE .................................................60 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............................. 62
Key Ignition Park Interlock .......................... 62
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)
System ......................................................... 63 Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission ........ 63
POWER STEERING .............................................. 67
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................... 68
CRUISE CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ..................... 68
To Activate.................................................... 69
To Set A Desired Speed............................... 69
To Vary The Speed Setting .......................... 69
To Accelerate For Passing ........................... 69
To Resume Speed ....................................... 70
To Deactivate .............................................. 70
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................................................... 70
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ......... 70
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ............. 71
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications.................................................... 72 Cleaning The ParkSense Rear Park Assist
System .......................................................... 72 ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions .................................................. 72
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............... 73
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ................................... 74 VEHICLE LOADING ................................................75
Vehicle Certification Label .......................... 75
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......... 76
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............. 76
Tire Size ........................................................ 76
Rim Size ....................................................... 76
Inflation Pressure ........................................ 76
Curb Weight ................................................. 76
Overloading .................................................. 76
Loading......................................................... 76
TRAILER TOWING .................................................77
Common Towing Definitions ....................... 77
Trailer Hitch Classification .......................... 78
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ........................................... 79 Trailer And Tongue Weight ......................... 79
Towing Requirements ................................ 79
Towing Tips ................................................. 82
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME) ......................................................83
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle .......................................................... 83 Recreational Towing — Automatic
Transmission................................................ 83
DRIVING TIPS ........................................................84
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..................... 84
Driving Through Water ............................... 84

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 3

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.
3

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 53

76STARTING AND OPERATING
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, and
cargo. The total load must be limited so that you
do not exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do
not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total weight of the vehicle with all fluids,
including vehicle fuel, at full capacity
conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb
weight values are determined by weighing your
vehicle on a commercial scale before any
occupants or cargo are added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not
exceed the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of
your vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded
and ready for operation. Weigh it on a
commercial scale to ensure that it is not over
the GVWR. Figure out the weight on the front and rear of
the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible.
Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load
is within the specified GVWR, you must
redistribute the weight. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the
way your vehicle steers and handles and the
way the brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the B-Pillar or the rear of the driver's door for
your vehicle's GVWR and GAWRs.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it
is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 76

80STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
When replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity they will not increase the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
For further information Ú page 234.
WARNING!
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a colli -
sion.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension,
chassis structure or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers of
the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and allow enough slack
for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle transmission in PARK. For
four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always,
block or "chock" the trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 80

84STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVING TIPS
Driving On Slippery Surfaces
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or
other slippery surfaces may cause the driving
wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This
phenomenon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front (driving)
wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is
possible for a wedge of water to build up
between the tire and road surface. This is
hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following
precautions should be observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the
roads are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
Replace the tires when tread wear indicators
first become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid
a collision in a sudden stop.
Driving Through Water
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause
sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could
lose control of the vehicle and possibly have a
collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path
where water is flowing and/or rising (as in
storm run-off). Flowing water can wear away
the road or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to
follow this warning may result in injuries that
are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

SAFETY147
(Continued)
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light in the instrument
cluster will come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the MAR (ON/RUN)
position for four seconds. If the ESC Activation/
Malfunction 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 (km) at speeds greater than
30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as
soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
WARNING!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, atten -
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck -
less or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics 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 vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING! (Continued)
6

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 147

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

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 149

150SAFETY
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 Úpage 234 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.CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the orig
-
inal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been estab -
lished 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 dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres -
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 150

SAFETY151
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pres -
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated 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.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning
Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire Ú page 265.
Base System
This is the TPMS warning indicator
located in the instrument cluster.
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel
rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the Receiver Module.
NOTE:
It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle
regularly and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following
components:
Receiver Module
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring sensors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure
Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light will illuminate in the instrument cluster, an
audible chime will be activated, and the “Check
tire pressure” text message will display when
one or more of the four active road tire
pressures are low. Should this occur, you
should stop as soon as possible, check the
inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value. The
system will automatically update and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Light will extinguish once
the updated tire pressures have been received.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) to receive
this information.
6

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 151

152SAFETY
Check TPMS Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and remain on
solid when a system fault is detected, an
audible chime will be activated and a proper
text message will be displayed. If the ignition
key is cycled, this sequence will repeat
providing the system fault still exists. The Tire
Pressure Monitoring Warning Light will turn off
when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur with any of the following
scenarios:

1. Jamming due to electronic devices or
driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPM sensors.

2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals.
3. Snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings. 4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM
sensors.
NOTE:
Your vehicle can be equipped with either a Tire
Service Kit, a compact spare tire or a regular
size spare tire (with or without original TPMS
sensor).

1. Tire Service Kit (original tire sealant – if equipped): After fixing the punctured tire
with original tire sealant, the original
situation will be restored, so system will
turn off the telltale during the normal drive.

2. Compact Spare Tire – if equipped: The compact spare wheel is not equipped with a
TPMS sensor. So when mounted, during the
normal drive the system will turn on the
telltale (flashing for approximately
75 seconds then remains solid). This
condition persists until a wheel equipped
with original TPMS sensor has been
mounted on the vehicle. 3. Regular size spare tire (not equipped with
TPMS sensor): When mounted, during the
normal drive the system will turn on the
telltale (flashing for approximately
75 seconds then remains solid). This
condition persists until a wheel equipped
with original TPMS sensor has been
mounted on the vehicle. Then the system
will be restored and the telltale will turn off
during the normal drive.
4. Regular size spare tire (equipped with TPMS sensor): When mounted, the telltale will
turn off during the normal drive.
5. In all the above cases, please check the replacement tire inflation pressure before
driving your vehicle.
6. In case of tire replacement, if the vehicle is driven for short periods of time, then the
system can take a while to be restored.
NOTE:
For a correct Tire Pressure Monitoring behavior,
please wait for about 20 minutes in key-off
during each tire substitution.

21_VM_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152