2020 Ram ProMaster City Owner's Manual

94 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the
performance of the emissions, engine, and transmission
control systems. When these systems are operating properly,
your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel
economy, as well as engine emissions well within current
government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard Diagnostic
system (OBD II) and a connection port to allow access to
information related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to access
this information to assist with the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle and emissions system.CAUTION!
• Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also
affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can be
performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will
soon occur. Immediate service is required.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 95
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in
“Multimedia”.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an
inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system. Failure
to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte -
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system is
ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a depleted battery or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
WARNING!
• ONLY an authorized service technician should connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in order to
read the VIN, diagnose, or service your vehicle.
• If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking
device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety related systems, could be impaired or a loss of
vehicle control could occur that may result in an
accident involving serious injury or death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information stored in your vehicle systems, including personal
information.
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96 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you
can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your
vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must do the following:
1. Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do notcrank or start the engine.
NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test
over.
2. As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON posi -
tion, you will see the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
3. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
• The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the igni -
tion or start the engine. This means that your vehicle's
OBD II system is not ready and you should not proceed
to the I/M station.
• The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illumi
-
nated until you place the ignition in the off position or
start the engine. This means that your vehicle's OBD II
system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.

If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see an autho -
rized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently
serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may
need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you
normally would in order for your OBD II system to update.
A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate that
the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system is ready
or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal vehicle
operation you should have your vehicle serviced before
going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail your
vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine running.
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97
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed
to aid the driver in maintaining vehicle control under
adverse braking conditions. 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
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!
• The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio transmitting
equipment. This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such equip -
ment should be performed by qualified professionals.
• Pumping of 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 ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
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98 SAFETY
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 occur-
rences are normal and indicate that the system is functioning
properly.
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic Brake
Control (EBC) system that includes the Brake Assist System
(BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC). All
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions and are commonly
referred to as ESC.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The Brake Assist System (BAS) is designed to optimize the
vehicle’s braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency braking situa -
tion 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.
• 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 manner
that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
WARNING! (Continued)
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SAFETY 99
(Continued)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
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 main-
tain 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 appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer
condition.
• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than appro
-
priate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appro -
priate for the steering wheel position.
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 capabilities
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.
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 condi -
tions. 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.4
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100 SAFETY
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 igni -
tion switch is turned to the MAR (ON/RUN) posi -
tion 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.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light (located in
the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESC system becomes active. The ESC Activa
-
tion/Malfunction Indicator Light also flashes when TCS is
active. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator
and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
• The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on momentarily each time
the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) is partially off.
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly maintain
your vehicle, may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle, and may negatively affect the perfor -
mance 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 effective -
ness of the ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.
WARNING! (Continued)
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SAFETY 101
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) anticipates the potential for
wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input
and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the
rate of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s
speed are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce engine
power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers; it cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors, such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other
vehicles.Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA) is designed to assist the driver when
starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain the
level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period
of time after the driver takes their foot off of the brake pedal.
If the driver does not apply the throttle during this short
period of time, the system will release brake pressure and the
vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will release brake
pressure in proportion to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the intended direction of travel.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
• The vehicle must be stopped.
• The vehicle must be on a 5% (approximate) grade or
greater hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing
uphill is in REVERSE (R) gear).

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 (N) or PARK (P).

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions
and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel
lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel
lift or roll overs, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
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