2017 Ram ProMaster ABS

Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the
driver and front passenger, and position the front occu-
pants for improved interaction with the front air bags.
WARNING!
•Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact
bolsters in any way.
• Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact
bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band
radios, etc.
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Your vehicle is equipped with two types of supplemental
Side Air Bags:
1. Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SABs):
Located in the outboard side of the front seats. The
SABs are marked with a “SRS AIRBAG” or AIRBAG
label sewn into the outboard side of the seats. The SABs may help to reduce the risk of occupant injury
during certain side impacts, in addition to the injury
reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body
structure.
When the SAB deploys, it opens the seam on the outboard
side of the seatback’s trim cover. The inflating SAB deploys
through the seat seam into the space between the occupant
and the door. The SAB moves at a very high speed and
with such a high force that it could injure occupants if they
are not seated properly, or if items are positioned in the
Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bag Label
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

positioned in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children
are at an even greater risk of injury from a deploying air
bag.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete
ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in
certain side impact events.
WARNING!
•Do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough
to block the deployment of the SABICs. The trim
covering above the side windows where the SABIC
and its deployment path are located should remain
free from any obstructions.
• In order for the SABICs to work as intended, do not
install any accessory items in your vehicle which
could alter the roof. Do not add an aftermarket
sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.
The SABICs and SABs (“Side Air Bags”) are designed to
activate in certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (“ORC”) determines whether the deployment of the Side Air Bags in a particular impact event is appropri-
ate, based on the severity and type of collision. The side
impact sensors aid the ORC in determining the appropriate
response to impact events. The system is calibrated to
deploy the Side Air Bags on the impact side of the vehicle
during impacts that require Side Air Bag occupant protec-
tion. In side impacts, the Side Air Bags deploy indepen-
dently; a left side impact deploys the left Side Air Bags only
and a right-side impact deploys the right Side Air Bags
only. Vehicle damage by itself is not a good indicator of
whether or not Side Air Bags should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side collisions,
including some collisions at certain angles, or some side
collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger
compartment. The Side Air Bags may deploy during
angled or offset frontal collisions where the Advanced
Front Air Bags deploy.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt restraint
system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time than it takes to
blink your eyes. Occupants, including children, who are up
against or very close to Side Air Bags can be seriously
injured or killed. Occupants, including children, should
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
In a collision you could slide under the seat belt and
be seriously or even fatally injured. Use the recliner
only when the vehicle is parked.
Suspension Seat — If Equipped
The seat is equipped with a mechanical spring system and
hydraulic shock absorber to ensure maximum comfort and
safety. The system of springs also effectively absorbs im-
pact from uneven road surfaces.
Damper Weight Adjustment
Use the weight adjustment knob to set the required setting
based on body weight, with settings between 88 lbs (40 kg)
and 286 lbs (130 kg).
Swivel Seat — If Equipped
The swivel seat lever is located at the lower front inboard
side of the seat. The seat may be turned through 180°
toward the seat on the opposite side and approximately 35°
toward the door. The seat may be locked in the driving
position or at the 180° position. To swivel the seat, pull the
swivel seat inboard lever outward, turn the seat to the
desired position and release the lever.
Weight Adjustment Knob
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 65

Red TelltaleLight What It Means
Canada
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 mal-
function or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (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.
NOTE:
Brake Warning Light may illuminate due to excessive wear to brake pads.
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.
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.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight 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 ignition 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.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the ben-
efits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition 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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................176
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......176
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .176
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .176
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................176
▫ After Starting ......................... .177
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .177
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............177
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................178
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .179
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........179
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........186
▫ Acceleration .......................... .186
▫ Traction ............................ .186
DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............187
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................187
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................187
 POWER STEERING ..................... .188
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............189
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .189
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .191
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....191
▫ Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . .191
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) .............192
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ................193
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...........193
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................196
▫ Hill

Start Assist (HSA) ...................197
5

CAUTION!
If the Brake Warning Light remains on with the park-
ing brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic brake sys-
tems. If either of the two hydraulic systems loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function. How-
ever, there will be some loss of overall braking effective-
ness. You may notice increased pedal travel during appli-
cation, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and
potential activation of the “Brake System Warning Light”.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes
will still function. However, the effort required to brake the
vehicle will be much greater than that required with the
power system operating.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Traction Control
System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and
Hill Start Assist (HSA). These systems complement the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by optimizing the vehicle
braking capability during emergency braking maneuvers.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking condi-
tions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When the
light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The system
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 191

reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning the igni-
tion Off and On again may reset the ABS if the fault
detected was only momentary.
WARNING!
•Pumping the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous man-
ner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others. When you are in a severe braking condition involving the
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as the
vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the system
reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a pulsing
sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise. These
occurrences are normal and indicate that the system is
functioning properly.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (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 accel-
eration and stability. A feature of the TCS system, Brake
Limited Differential (BLD), functions similar 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 the ESC is in the “Partial Off” mode.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (in the
instrument cluster) will start to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. This indicates
192 STARTING AND OPERATING