2020 Ram ProMaster warning

STARTING AND OPERATING103
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The fluid
should be checked at every oil change if a leak
is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as antici -
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an
authorized dealer. If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids
And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”
for further information.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
25 mph (40 km/h) up to the maximum speed of
100 mph (160 km/h).
The Speed Control lever is located on the left
side of the steering column.
Speed Control Lever NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed
Control system has been designed to shut down
if multiple Speed Control functions are operated
at the same time. If this occurs, the Speed
Control system can be reactivated by rotating
the Speed Control ON/OFF center ring and
resetting the desired vehicle set speed.
To Activate
Rotate the center ring upward on the Speed
Control lever to turn the system on. The Cruise
Indicator Light in the instrument cluster display
will illuminate. To turn the system off, rotate the
center ring upward a second time. The Cruise
Indicator Light will turn off. The system should
be turned off when not in use.WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure
accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill.
Use only manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can
damage your power steering components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control system on when
not in use is dangerous. You could
accidentally set the system or cause it to go
faster than you want. You could lose control
and have an accident. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.
5

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STARTING AND OPERATING105
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Speed Control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.
On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain may
occur so it may be preferable to drive without
Speed Control.
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 RES
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing
the vehicle will deactivate Speed Control
without erasing the set speed memory. Rotating
the center ring upward to turn the system off or
placing the ignition in the STOP (OFF/LOCK)
position erases the set speed memory.
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist 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
System Usage Precautions” in this section for
limitations of this system and recommenda -
tions.
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist is automati -
cally 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 Rear Park Assist system is automatically
deactivated when a trailer is hitched to the
vehicle. The system will be automatically acti -
vated as soon as the trailer is removed.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the
conditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Speed Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.
5

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108STARTING AND OPERATING
While audible signals are emitted, the audio
system is not muted.
The audible signal is turned off immediately if
the distance increases. The tone cycle remains
constant if the distance measured by the inner
sensors is constant. If this condition occurs for
the external sensors, the signal is turned off
after three seconds (stopping warnings during
maneuvers parallel to walls).
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications
A malfunction of the ParkSense Rear Park
Assist sensors or system is indicated, during
REVERSE gear engagement, by the instrument
panel warning icon.
The warning icon is illuminated and a
message is displayed in the instru -
ment cluster display (if equipped).
Refer to “Warning Lights And
Messages” in “Getting To Know Your Instru -
ment Panel” for further information.
The sensors and wiring are tested continuously
when the ignition is in the MAR (ACC/ON/RUN)
position. Failures are indicated immediately if
they occur when the system is on. Even if the system is able to identify that a
specific sensor is in failure condition, the instru
-
ment cluster display shall indicate that the Park-
Sense Rear Park Assist system is unavailable,
without reference to the sensor in failure condi -
tion. If even a single sensor fails, the entire
system must be disabled. The system is turned
off automatically.
Cleaning The ParkSense System
Clean the Rear Park Assist sensors with water,
car wash soap and a soft cloth. Do not use
rough or hard cloths. In washing stations, clean
sensors quickly keeping the vapor jet/high pres -
sure washing nozzles at least 4 inches (10 cm)
from the sensors. Do not scratch or poke the
sensors. Otherwise, you could damage the
sensors.
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System Usage
Precautions
NOTE:
Ensure that the outer surface and the under -
side of the rear bumper is clean and clear of
snow, ice, mud, dirt or other obstruction to
keep the Rear Park Assist system operating
properly.
Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibra -
tions could affect the performance of Rear
Park Assist.
Clean the Rear Park Assist sensors regularly,
taking care not to scratch or damage them.
The sensors must not be covered with ice,
snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to do
so can result in the system not working prop -
erly. The Rear Park Assist system might not
detect an obstacle behind the fascia/
bumper, or it could provide a false indication
that an obstacle is behind the fascia/
bumper.
Objects such as bicycle carriers, etc., must
not be placed within 12 inches (30 cm) from
the rear fascia/bumper while driving the
vehicle. Failure to do so can result in the
system misinterpreting a close object as a
sensor problem, causing a failure indication
to be displayed in the instrument cluster
display.

20_VF_OM_EN_US_t.book Page 108

STARTING AND OPERATING109
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 and/or when the rear doors are opened. 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 Rear Back Up Camera
is located on the top rear of the vehicle below
the center light.
Rear Back Up Camera Location
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE
and/or when the rear doors are closed, the rear
camera mode is exited and the navigation or
audio screen appears again.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using ParkSense. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind
you, and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, and
blind spots before backing up. You are
responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your surroundings. Failure
to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
Before using ParkSense, it is strongly
recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected 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 indica -
tion 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 ParkSense 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.
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110STARTING AND OPERATING
When displayed, static grid lines will illustrate the width of the vehicle and will show separate zones that will help indicate the distance to the rear of
the vehicle. The following table shows the approximate distances for each zone:
NOTE:
If snow, ice, mud, or any foreign substance
builds up on the camera lens, clean the lens,
rinse with water, and dry with a soft cloth. Do
not cover the lens.
Zone
Distance To The Rear Of The Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 3 ft (30 cm - 1 m)
Green 3 ft or greater (1 m or greater)
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the Rear Back Up Camera.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
and be sure to check for pedestrians,
animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or blind
spots before backing up. You are responsible
for the safety of your surroundings and must
continue to pay attention while backing up.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or
death.
CAUTION!
To avoid vehicle damage, ParkView should
only be used as a parking aid. The ParkView
camera is unable to view every obstacle or
object in your drive path.
To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must
be driven slowly when using ParkView to be
able to stop in time when an obstacle is
seen. It is recommended that the driver
look frequently over his/her shoulder when
using ParkView.

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STARTING AND OPERATING111
(Continued)
REFUELING THE VEHICLE
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door
on the left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap
is for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler
NOTE:
During fuel fill, nozzle position could affect the
flow of fuel. For best results, allow the nozzle to
rest naturally in the filler tube - do not raise the
handle to increase the fill angle. NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a
“clicking” sound. This is an indication that the
fuel filler cap is properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the
MIL may come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed,
or damaged, a “Check fuel cap” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap
until a “clicking” sound is heard. This is an indi
-
cation that the fuel filler cap is properly tight -
ened. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. See
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light” to turn on.
A fire may result if fuel is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
fuel containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impu -
rities into the fuel system.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn
on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the
fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
WARNING!
(Continued)

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112STARTING AND OPERATING
VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration regulations, your vehicle has a
certification label affixed to the driver's side
door or B-Pillar.
If seats are removed for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label
affixed to the drivers side B-Pillar or the rear of
the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
Name of manufacturer
Month and year of manufacture
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Month, Day, and Hour of manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the
total allowable weight of your vehicle. This
includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The
total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the
maximum capacity of the front and rear axles.
Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either
front or rear GAWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the
total weight of the vehicle with all fluids,
including vehicle fuel, at full capacity condi -
tions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle
on a commercial scale before any occupants or
cargo are added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR).
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it
is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.

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114STARTING AND OPERATING
Tongue Weight (TW)
The Tongue Weight (TW) is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi -
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) can be a
mechanical telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable
friction associated with the telescoping motion
to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying
motions while traveling. If equipped, the electronic TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically applies indi
-
vidual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine
power to attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
tongue weight, just as if it were luggage located
at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of
the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are the most
popular on the market today and they are
commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are
typically used for heavier loads to distribute
trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's front
axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in accor -
dance with the manufacturer's directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control thereby
enhancing towing safety. The addition of a fric -
tion/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway
caused by traffic and crosswinds and contrib -
utes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch are recom
-
mended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry stan -
dard for the maximum trailer weight a given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to
assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch
for your intended towing condition.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling,
stability, braking performance, and could
result in a collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
dealer for additional information.

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