2016 Ram ProMaster brake

Brake Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
United States
Canada
Brake Warning Light
This 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 reser-
voir.
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 capac-
ity 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.
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
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.
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 ap-
proximately 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 posi-
tion.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143

TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
TOW/HAUL Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when TOW HAUL mode is selected.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 155

Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
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 switch is
placed in the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
Generic Warning Indicator Light
Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Generic Warning Indicator Light
The Generic Warning Light will illuminate if any of the following conditions occur: Oil
Change Request, Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Failure, External Light Failure, Fuel Cut-Off
Not Available, Parking Sensor Failure, DST System Failure.
156 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................220
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....220
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .220
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ................221
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................221
▫ After Starting ....................... .221
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .222
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............222
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............223 ▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .224
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission .........224
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES .........234
▫ Acceleration ........................ .234
▫ Traction ........................... .235
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............235
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................235
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................236
 POWER STEERING .....................237
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............238
5

PARKING BRAKE ..................... .239
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .241
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .241
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . .241
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............243
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............244
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........244
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............248
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................249
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............251
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .251
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........254
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........256▫
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........257
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........262
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... .262
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................263
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .265
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .265
▫ Tire Types .......................... .266
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............268
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............268
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .271
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................271
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .272
▫ Replacement Tires .....................273
218 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear selec-
tor.
• Do not leave the Key Fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
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
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV/ACC (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 the “Normal Starting” procedure.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the
transmission into PARK, apply the parking brake,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
(Continued)
222 STARTING AND OPERATING