2020 Ram ProMaster Owner's Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL55
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement
to pass an inspection of your vehicle's emis-
sions control system. Failure to pass could
prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection
and Maintenance (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. 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 not crank 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 position, you will see the “Malfunc -
tion 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 ignition 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 illuminated 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 authorized 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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56
(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 stan-
dard non-anti-lock brakes. Placing the ignition
in the OFF mode and to the ON mode again
may reset the ABS if the fault detected was
only momentary. 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 occurrences are normal
and indicate that the system is functioning
properly.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to inter
-
ference caused by improperly installed or
high output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment 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.
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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SAFETY57
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Elec -
tronic Brake Control (EBC) system that includes
the Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS) and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), and Hill Start
Assist (HSA). These systems complement the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by optimizing the
vehicle braking capability during emergency
braking maneuvers.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The Brake Assist Sys tem (BAS) is designed to
optimize the vehicle’s braking c apability
during e merg ency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situa -
tio n by sensing the rate and am ount of brake
applic ation and then applies optimum pres -
sure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distance s. The BAS complements
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying
the brakes very quickly res ults in the best
BAS assistance . To rec eive the be ne fit of the
system , yo u must apply continuous braking pressure during the stopping sequence (do
not “pum p” the brakes). Do not reduce brake
pedal pre ssure unless braking is no longer
desired. Onc e the brake pedal is released,
the BAS is deac tivated.
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 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 appropriate for the steering wheel posi
-
tion.
Understeer - when the vehicle is turning
less than appropriate 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.
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58SAFETY
(Continued)
ESC Operating Modes
The “ESC OFF” switch is located in the
center switch bank, next to the hazard
flasher switch.
ESC On
This mode is the normal operating mode for ESC
equipped vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is
started, the ESC system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for most driving situ -
ations. ESC should only be turned off for
specific reasons as noted below.
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing
the “ESC OFF” switch.

When in the “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion
of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature
described in the TCS section, has been disabled
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. When in the “Partial Off” mode, ESC will
operate without engine torque management.
This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is
in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and
more wheel spin than ESC would normally allow
is required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again,
momentarily push the “ESC OFF” switch. This will
restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
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 acci -
dents, 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 inap -
propriate driver input for the conditions.
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.Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
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 effectiveness 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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SAFETY59
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow,
sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to
the “Partial Off” mode by pushing the “ESC OFF”
switch. Once the situation requiring ESC to be
switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome,
turn ESC back on by momentarily pushing the
“ESC OFF” switch. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Ac tivatio n/Mal fu ncti on
Indi cato r L ig ht in the i nstru me nt
c lus ter w il l c om e on whe n th e i gni -
tio n is turne d to the O N m ode . It
sho uld go o ut wi th the eng ine runni ng. If the
ESC Act ivatio n/Malfun cti on In dic at or Li ght
co me s o n c onti nuo usl y with the e ng ine
runni ng, a m alfunc tio n has be en dete cte d
in t he E SC s yste m. If th is lig ht rem ains on
afte r se veral ig niti on c yc le s, and the vehi cl e
has be en d ri ven sev eral m ile s ( kil om ete rs )
at spe eds greate r than 30 m ph ( 48 km /h) ,
se e an autho rize d deal er as s oo n as
pos sib le t o have t he probl em diag nos ed
and co rrec ted.
The ESC Acti vation /Malfun cti on In dic ato r
Li ght ( lo cate d in th e in strum en t cl uste r)
starts to flash as s oo n as the tire s l os e t rac -
tio n and the ESC sys tem bec om e s act ive.
The ESC Acti vation /Malfun cti on In dic ato r
Li ght als o fl ashe s whe n TCS i s acti ve. If t he
ESC Act ivatio n/Malfun cti on In dic at or Li ght
beg ins to fl as h duri ng ac ce le rati on, e ase up on the ac ce lerato r and appl y as li ttle
throttl e as pos sibl e. B e s ure t o adapt your
spe ed and d ri ving to t he prevai ling road
co ndit ion s.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light and the ESC OFF Indicator Light
c ome on m omentarily each time the igni
-
tion switch is turned ON.
Each time the ignition is turned on, the
ESC s ystem w ill be on even if it was turned
off previously.
The ESC s ystem will make buzzing o r
c licking sounds when it is active. This is
normal; the sounds will sto p when ESC
becom es inactive following the m aneuve r
that caused the ESC activation.
The E SC OFF Indic ator Light indi -
cates the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is off.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the “ESC Off Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
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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)
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SAFETY61

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
(in the instrument cluster) will start to flash as
soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels
begin to spin. This indicates that the TCS is
active. If the indicator light flashes during accel -
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road condi -
tions, and do not switch off the ESC or TCS.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) uses sensors in the
vehicle to recognize an excessively swaying
trailer and will take the appropriate actions to
attempt to stop the sway. The system may reduce engine power and apply the brake of
the appropriate wheel(s) to counteract the
sway of the trailer. TSC will become active
automatically once an excessively swaying
trailer is recognized.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the trailer tongue weight recommenda
-
tions. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine
power may be reduced, and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” mode.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based
on the vehicle recommended cold placard pres -
sure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by
about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This
means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire
pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) after a three hour period. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure molded into the
tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for information on how to prop -
erly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure
will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is
normal and there should be no adjustment for
this increased pressure.
WARNING!
The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded.
The TCS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a TCS-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!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the
vehicle down, stop at the nearest safe
location, and adjust the trailer load to
eliminate trailer sway.
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62SAFETY
(Continued)
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pres -
sure if the tire pressure falls below the low-pres -
sure warning limit for any reason, including low
temperature effects and natural pressure loss
through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists,
and will not turn off until the tire pressure is at
or above the recommended cold placard pres -
sure. Once the low tire pressure warning (TPMS
Warning Light) illuminates, you must increase
the tire pressure to the recommended cold
placard pressure in order for the TPMS Warning
Light to turn off. The system will automatically
update and the TPMS Warning Light will turn off
once the system receives the updated tire pres -
sures. The vehicle may need to be driven for up
to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in
order for the TPMS to receive this information.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi
(28 kPa) above the recommended cold placard
pressure in order to turn the TPMS Warning
Light off.
For example, your vehicle may have a recom
-
mended cold (parked for more than three
hours) placard pressure of 30 psi (207 kPa).
If the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C)
and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F
(-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to
approximately 23 psi (158 kPa). This tire
pressure is sufficiently low enough to turn on
the TPMS Warning Light. Driving the vehicle
may cause the tire pressure to rise to approx -
imately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS
Warning Light will still be on. In this situation,
the TPMS Warning Light will turn off only after
the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s recom -
mended cold placard pressure value.
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal
tire care and maintenance or to provide
warning of a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pres
-
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the orig -
inal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been estab -
lished for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After
using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle to
an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres -
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.
CAUTION!
(Continued)
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