2018 Ram ProMaster power steering

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
KEYS .................................16
▫ KeyFob..............................16
 IGNITION SWITCH .......................18
▫ Mechanical Ignition Switch ................18
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder .................20
 SENTRY KEY ...........................20
▫ Replacement Keys .......................20
▫ General Information .....................21
 VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED . . .21
▫ To Arm The System ......................21
▫ To Disarm The System ....................21
▫ Rearming Of The System ..................21
▫ Security System Manual Override ............22
 DOORS ...............................22 ▫
Power Door Locks ......................22
▫ Auto Unlock Doors ......................23
▫ Automatic Door Locks ...................23
 SEATS ................................23
▫ Manual Adjustments .....................24
▫ Heated Seats — If Equipped ...............29
▫ Fold Down Tray — If Equipped .............30
▫ Adjustable Armrests — If Equipped ..........31
 HEAD RESTRAINTS ......................32
▫ Front Head Restraint Adjustment ............32
▫ Front Head Restraint Removal ..............33
 STEERING WHEEL .......................33
▫ Telescoping Steering Column ...............33
 MIRRORS ..............................343

Forward Folding
Mirrors can be folded forward manually or by accidental
impact. In this case it is possible to restore to position both
ways, manually and electrically (as described above).CAUTION!
Leaving the mirror in a non powered position, acciden-
tal impact or manual fold, may cause permanent dam-
age to the mirror. Electrically restore the mirror to its
normal position, as soon as practical.
Heated Mirrors — If Equipped
These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This
feature will be activated whenever you turn on the
rear window defroster (if equipped). Refer to “Climate
Controls” in “Getting To Know Your Vehicle” for further
information.
EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Multifunction Lever
The multifunction lever controls the operation of the
headlights, parking lights, turn signals, headlight beam
selection and the passing lights. The multifunction lever is
located on the left side of the steering column.
Power/Manual Folding Mirror Positions
1 — Normal Driving Position
2 — Fold In Position
3 — Fold Forward Position
38 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Auxiliary Switches — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with two auxiliary switches
located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering
column which can be used to power various electronic
devices. Connections to the switches are found in the right
central pillar fuse panel at the base of the passenger side B
pillar.Auxiliary Switch 1 is configured to constant battery feed,
while Auxiliary Switch 2 is configured to ignition feed.
For further information on using the auxiliary switches,
please refer to the Ram Body Builders Guide by accessing
www.rambodybuilder.com and choosing the appropriate
links.
Auxiliary Upfitter Switches
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 63

— Electric Power Steering Fail Warning Light
This light will turn on when there’s a fault with the EPS
(Electric Power Steering).
— Battery Charge Warning Light
This light illuminates 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
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system
or a related component.
— 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 light informs you of a problem with the Electronic
Throttle Control (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 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.
— 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 your authorized dealer if the
message remains after restarting the engine. For vehicles
with a diesel engine, see
Instrument Cluster Messages in
Automated Manual Transmission for additional informa-
tion.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 75

WARNING!(Continued)
•The capabilities of a TCS-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.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The sys-
tem detects an emergency braking situation by sensing the
rate and amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distances. The BAS complements the anti-lock
brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very quickly
results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of
the system, you must apply continuous braking pressure
during the stopping sequence, (do not “pump” the brakes).
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no
longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capa-
bilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) enhances directional
control and stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. ESC corrects for over/under steering 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
90 SAFETY

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this section may be
standard equipment on some models, or may be optional
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask your autho-
rized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in a
collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) moni-
tors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring asso-
ciated with the electrical Air Bag System Components.
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following Air Bag
System Components:
Air Bag System Components
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
• Air Bag Warning Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
• Instrument Panel
• Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
• Seat Belt Buckle Switch
• Supplemental Side Air Bags
• Front and Side Impact Sensors •
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Air Bag Warning Light
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the air bag system whenever the ignition switch
is in the AVV/START or MAR/ACC/ON/RUN
position. If the ignition switch is in the STOP/
OFF/LOCK position the air bag system is not on
and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may
deploy the air bag system even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds
for a self-check when the ignition switch is in the MAR/
ACC/ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag
Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunc-
tion in any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag
Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A
single chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on
again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument panel Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
5
SAFETY 111

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING THE ENGINE ..................137
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......137
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .137
▫ Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ..................137
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................137
▫ After Starting ......................... .138
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .138
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .138
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .139
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............140
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................141
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .142
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...........142
POWER STEERING ..................... .149
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............150
 SPEED CONTROL ...................... .150
▫ To Activate .......................... .151
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................151
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting ................151
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .................152
▫ To Resume Speed ...................... .153
▫ To Deactivate ......................... .153
 PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED ........................... .153
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ..........153
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ...........154
▫ ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure Indications . .156
6

NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch will not engage, until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm [usually
after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Using
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when the
transmission is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Over-
drive.
• If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the transmis-
sion into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the fluid
partially draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds after starting the engine.
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. 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 steering
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.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 149