STARTING AND OPERATING 159
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine and permits
quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the cord to a 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), the engine
block heater is recommended. For ambient temperatures
below -20°F (-29°C), the engine block heater is required.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood,
behind to the driver’s side headlamp. Follow the steps below
to properly use the engine block heater:
1. Locate the engine block heater cord (behind the driver’sside headlamp).
2. Undo the hook-and-loop strap that secures the heater cord in place.
WARNING!
• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious
personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine
has started, ignite and damage the converter and
vehicle.
• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or
the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting
Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously
crank the engine for more than 25 seconds at a time. Wait
60 seconds before trying again.
5
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 159
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into agrounded, three-wire extension cord.
4. After the vehicle is running, reattach the cord to the hook-and-loop strap and properly stow away behind the
driver’s side headlamp.
NOTE:
• The engine block heater cord is a factory installed option. If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are available
from your authorized Mopar dealer.
• The engine block heater will require 110 Volts AC and 6.5 Amps to activate the heater element.
• The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or
90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri -
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom -
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And
Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in
the engine or damage may result.
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 160
162 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
NOTE:
• When the parking brake is applied and the automatictransmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light”
will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from
the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission, apply the parking brake before
placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake
should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
• Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is dangerousfor a number of reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.
• 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.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a
collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury.
Also, be certain to leave an automatic transmission in
PARK, a manual transmission in REVERSE or first
gear. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING! (Continued)
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 162
166 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the transmis-
sion into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added precaution,
turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake,
• Shift the transmission into PARK,
• Turn the engine OFF, and
• Remove the ignition key.WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move -
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting
the vehicle.
• 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 reverse. 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.
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 166
168 STARTING AND OPERATING
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. Apply the parking brake
and shift the transmission into PARK if you must exit the
vehicle.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Opera
-
tion” in this section for further information to select a lower
gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range
will improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the transmis -
sion shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand the
range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In
Case Of Emergency” for further information.
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 168
STARTING AND OPERATING 175
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES (+) button and
release. Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h) up to the maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CAN button, or
normal brake pressure while slowing the vehicle will deacti-
vate the Speed Control without erasing the set speed from
memory.
Pushing the on/off button or turning the ignition switch off
erases the set speed from memory.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense system provides an audible indication of the
distance between the rear fascia/bumper and a detected
obstacle when backing up (e.g. during a parking maneuver).
Refer to “ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage Precau-
tions” in this section for limitations of this system and recom -
mendations.
The ParkSense system is automatically activated when the
transmission is placed into REVERSE. As the distance from
an obstacle behind the vehicle decreases, the audible alert
becomes more frequent.
Interaction With Trailer Towing
The ParkSense system is automatically deactivated when a
trailer equipped by Mopar is hitched to the vehicle. The
system will be automatically activated as soon as the trailer
is removed. If it does not happen, turning the key ignition
switch to OFF and then to ON again would be needed. If a
non-Mopar trailer hitch is mounted, the sensor deactivation
cannot be guaranteed.
5
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 175
STARTING AND OPERATING 179
If it’s necessary to keep the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly mounted for a long period, it is possible to filter out
the ball mount and hitch ball assembly presence in sensor
field of view. The filtering operation must be performed only
by an authorized dealer.
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
Your vehicle is equipped with the ParkView Rear Back Up
Camera that allows you to see an on-screen image of the rear
surroundings of your vehicle whenever the gear selector is
put into REVERSE. The image will be displayed on the
touchscreen display along with a caution note to “check
entire surroundings” across the top of the screen. After five
seconds this note will disappear. The ParkView camera is
located on the rear of the vehicle above the rear license plate.
The Rear Back Up Camera can also be activated when the
vehicle is not in REVERSE through the Uconnect System. Refer
to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia” for further information.
NOTE:
If one of the rear cargo doors is not completely closed, the
Back Up Camera cannot provide an accurate image of the
area behind the vehicle. A dedicated message will appear on
the Uconnect display indicating the camera is not in the
correct position.
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly recommended
that the ball mount and hitch ball assembly is discon -
nected from the vehicle when the vehicle is not used for
towing. Failure to do so can result in injury or damage
to vehicles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia when
the loudspeaker sounds the continuous tone. Also, the
sensors could detect the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly, depending on its size and shape, giving a
false indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to recognize every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected or not
detected at all. Obstacles located above or below the
sensors will not be detected when they are in close
proximity.
• The vehicle must be driven slowly when using Park -
Sense in order to be able to stop in time when an
obstacle is detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.
WARNING! (Continued)
5
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 179
184 STARTING AND OPERATING
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load evenly
over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and shorten
useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension components
do not necessarily increase the vehicle's GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as evenly
as possible. Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is within the specified
GVWR, you must redistribute the weight. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles and the way the brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed to the
B-Pillar or the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your
vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this infor-
mation to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle. This
includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight. The
total load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in this chapter for further information.
2020_RAM_PROMASTER_CITY_OM_USA=GUID-7B6A7FCA-79B0-423F-95C5-ED2A949C3D13=1=en=.book Page 184