2014 Ram ProMaster power steering

To open the window part way, press the window switch
and release it when you want the window to stop.
The power window switches remain active for up to
three minutes (depending on the accessory delay setting)
after the ignition switch has been turned OFF. Opening a
vehicle front door will cancel this feature.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, in certain open or partially open posi-
tions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized.
If the buffeting occurs open the front windows together
to minimize the buffeting.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
•Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the driver and
all seating positions
• Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may
enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event
•
Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passenger
• Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
• Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB)
• An energy-absorbing steering column and steering
wheel
• Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

Door Latches
Check for positive 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.
68 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

check-mark appears next to setting, showing that setting
has been selected. Touch the arrow back/Done soft-key
to return to the previous menu.
Auto-On Comfort — If Equipped
After pressing the “Auto-On Comfort” button on the
touchscreen the following settings will be available:
•Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat & Steering
Wheel With Vehicle Start — If Equipped
When this feature is selected the driver’s heated seat will
automatically turn on when temperatures are below 40° F
(4.4° C). When temperatures are above 80° F (26.7° C) the
driver vented seat will turn on. To make your selection,
press the “Auto-On Driver Heated/Ventilated Seat &
Steering Wheel With Vehicle Start” button on the touch-
screen, then choose “Yes” or “No.” The button will
highlight indicating that the setting has been selected.
Press the back arrow/Done button on the touchscreen to
return to the previous menu.
Engine Off Options
After pressing the Engine Off Options button on the
touchscreen the following settings will be available.
• Easy Exit Seat — If Equipped
This feature provides automatic driver seat positioning to
enhance driver mobility when entering and exiting the
vehicle. To make your selection, press the “Easy Exit
Seat” button on the touchscreen, then choose “Yes” or
“No.” The button will highlight indicating that the set-
ting has been selected. Press the back arrow/Done button
on the touchscreen to return to the previous menu.
• Engine Off Power Delay
When this feature is selected, the power window
switches, radio, Uconnect® phone system (if equipped),
DVD video system (if equipped), power sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets will remain active for up to
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................194
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....194
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .194
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C) ................195
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................195
▫ After Starting ....................... .195
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .196
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............196
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............198 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .198
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........198
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........208
▫ Acceleration ........................ .208
▫ Traction ........................... .208
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............209
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................209
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................209
 POWER STEERING .....................210
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............211
5

CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water and if there are any obstacles in
the way before driving through the standing water.
• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always
inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, trans-
mission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e.,
fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance) after
driving through standing water. Do not continue to
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further damage. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 steer-
ing 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 antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 211

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
The parking brake lever is located on the outboard side of
the drivers seat. 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 side button
with your thumb, then lower the lever completely.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING

of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the over/under steer
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 appro-
priate wheel to assist in counteracting 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 System (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
all accidents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces,
or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent accidents
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 219