2020 Ram ProMaster parking brake

3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT
PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .......................................... 41
Instrument Cluster Descriptions........................ 42

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY ......................... 43

Location And Controls ........................................ 43
Change Engine Oil .............................................. 44
Display Setup Menu ........................................... 44
Values Displayed ................................................ 45
Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features) ............................................................. 46

TRIP COMPUTER ..................................................... 46

Trip Button .......................................................... 46
Trip Functions ..................................................... 46

WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ..................... 47

Red Warning Lights ............................................ 47
Yellow Warning Lights ........................................ 50
Yellow Indicator Lights ....................................... 52
Green Indicator Lights ........................................ 53
Blue Indicator Lights .......................................... 53

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ........ 54

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ...................................................... 54

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ............................................................. 55

SAFETY

SAFETY FEATURES ..................................................56

Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ....... 56
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ........... 57

AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS ..............................61

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ......... 61

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .......................64

Occupant Restraint Systems Features ............ 64
Important Safety Precautions............................ 65
Seat Belt Systems ............................................. 66
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ........... 73
Child Restraints .................................................. 83
Transporting Pets .............................................. 89

SAFETY TIPS ............................................................89

Transporting Passengers ................................... 89
Exhaust Gas ........................................................ 89
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ........................................................ 90 Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ........................................... 91

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE ENGINE ..........................................92

Automatic Transmission .................................... 92
Normal Starting .................................................. 92
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ................................. 92 If Engine Fails To Start ....................................... 92
After Starting ...................................................... 93
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ............ 93
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ........... 93
PARKING BRAKE ................................................... 94
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ................................ 95

Key Ignition Park Interlock .................................96
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System ....96
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ...................96

POWER STEERING ............................................... 102

Power Steering Fluid Check ........................... 103

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED ......................103

To Activate ........................................................ 103
To Set A Desired Speed ................................... 104
To Vary The Speed Setting .............................. 104
To Accelerate For Passing ............................... 105
To Resume Speed ............................................ 105
To Deactivate ................................................... 105

PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ..........................................................105

ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ............. 106
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ................. 106
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications ........................................................ 108 Cleaning The ParkSense System .................... 108
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions ...................................................... 108

PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ............... 109
REFUELING THE VEHICLE.....................................111

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ....................... 111

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE11
(Continued)
La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las
siguientes dos condiciones:
1. es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no
cause interferencia perjudicial y
2. este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cual -
quier interferencia, incluyendo la que
pueda causar su operación no deseada.
NOTE:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compli -
ance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
IGNITION SWITCH
Mechanical Ignition Switch
1. Place the gear selector in PARK (if equipped with an automatic transmission).
2. Rotate the key to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position.
3. Remove the key from the mechanical igni -
tion switch. Mechanical Ignition Switch Positions
1 — STOP (OFF/LOCK)
2 — MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
3 — AVV (START)
WARNING!
Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the
automatic transmission into PARK, apply
the parking brake, turn the vehicle OFF,
remove the key fobs from vehicle, and lock
all doors and lock your vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for 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.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat
-
tended is dangerous for 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 chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
(Continued)

2

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 11

14GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
(Continued)
Rearming Of The System
If the system has not been disabled, the vehicle
security alarm will rearm itself after the 15 addi -
tional minutes of turn lamps flashing. If the
condition which initiated the alarm is still
present, the system will ignore that condition
and monitor the remaining doors and ignition.
Security System Manual Override
The vehicle security alarm will not arm/disarm if
you lock/unlock the doors using the manual
door lock plunger.
DOORS
Power Door Locks
The central lock/unlock button has an LED that
indicates whether the doors are locked or
unlocked.
LED ON: Doors locked. Push the right side of
the central lock/unlock button once again to
centrally unlock all doors. The LED will switch
off.
LED OFF: Doors unlocked. Push the left side
of the central lock/unlock button again to
centrally lock all doors. The doors will be
locked only if all the doors are properly
closed. Once the doors have been locked with the key
fob, it will no longer be possible to unlock them
by pushing the central lock/unlock button.
To unlock the front doors, pull the inside door
handle to the detent.
The load compartment power door lock switch
is located on the driver door trim panel. Use this
switch to lock or unlock the load compartment
doors.
Load Compartment Power Door Lock Switch
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
For personal security and safety in the
event of a collision, lock the vehicle doors
as you drive as well as when you park and
leave the vehicle.
Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the
automatic transmission into PARK or the
manual transmission into FIRST gear or
REVERSE, apply the parking brake, turn the
vehicle OFF, remove the key fobs from
vehicle, and lock all doors. 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 unat -
tended is dangerous for 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 chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
(Continued)
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 14

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE35
WINDOWS
Power Windows
The control on the left front door panel has
up-down switches that give you fingertip control
of all power windows. There is a single opening
and closing switch on the front passenger door
for passenger window control.
Power Window Switches
NOTE:
The Key Off Power Delay feature will allow the
power windows to operate for up to three
minutes after the ignition is placed in the STOP
(OFF/LOCK) position. This feature is cancelled
when either front door is opened.
Auto-Down Feature — If Equipped
The window switches may be equipped with an
Auto-Down feature. Push the window switch for
half a second, release, and the window will go
down automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way down
during the auto-down operation, pull up or push
down on the switch briefly.
To open the window part way, lift the window
switch to the detent for less than half a second
and release it to stop the window. NOTE:
The power window switches remain active for
up to three minutes after the ignition switch has
been placed in the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position.
Opening either of the vehicle’s front doors will
cancel this feature.
Auto-Up Feature — If Equipped
The driver window may be equipped with an
Auto-Up feature. This feature is only available
when the ignition is in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. Lift the window switch to the detent for
half a second, release, and the window will go
up automatically.
To stop the window from going all the way up
during the auto-up operation, pull up/push
down on the switch briefly.
To close the window part way, lift the window
switch to the detent for less than half a second
and release it when you want the window to
stop.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat
-
tended is dangerous for 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 chil -
dren. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
There is no auto-reverse protection. Be sure
to clear all objects from the window before
closing.
2

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 35

48GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the Elec -
tronic 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 (P) 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 an autho -
rized dealer if the message remains after
restarting the engine.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated
engine condition. If the engine
coolant temperature is too high, this
indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on,
turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tempera -
ture reading does not return to normal, turn the
engine off immediately and call for service.
Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake
fluid level and parking brake appli -
cation. 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 reservoir.
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.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 48

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL49
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. 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 approximately 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 position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
corrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
vehicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
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.
3

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 49

52GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS). The light will turn
on when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or MAR/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
benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light
does not turn on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
Generic Warning Light
The Generic Warning Light will illumi -
nate if any of the following conditions
occur: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor
Failure, External Light Failure, Fuel
Cut-Off intervention or fail, Parking Sensor
Failure, DST System Failure.
The telltale will remain on fixed in case of swivel
seat failure and on blinking in case of Air Bag
Warning Light Failure. Contact an authorized
dealer immediately for service.
Yellow Indicator Lights
Stop Light Failure Indicator Light
This light will illuminate if one or more
of the stop light bulb fails.
The failure relating to this light could be:
One or more blown bulbs.
A blown protection fuse.
A break in the electrical connection.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This
could result in death or serious injury to the
driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage
to the vehicle control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 52

60SAFETY
(Continued)

Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) system is designed to
assist the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop
on a hill. HSA will maintain the level of brake pres -
sure 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:
Vehicle must be stopped
Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate) grade or
greater hill
Gear selection matches vehicl e 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).

Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
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 accelera -
tion 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.

WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with
a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer,
when the system will not activate and slight
rolling may occur. This could cause a
collision with another vehicle or object.
Always remember the driver is responsible
for braking the vehicle.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with
your trailer, the trailer brakes may be acti -
vated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold both the vehicle
and the trailer on a hill when the brake
pedal is released. In order to avoid rolling
down an incline while resuming accelera -
tion, manually activate the trailer brake
or apply more vehicle brake pressure
prior to releasing the brake pedal.
HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when exiting your
vehicle. Also, be certain to place the trans -
mission in PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in a collision or serious personal injury.
WARNING!
(Continued)
20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 60