2021 RAM PROMASTER heating

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE19

If the driver or the passenger seats are not locked
in the facing forward position before the first
vehicle movement, shifting out of park is not
allowed until the seats are both locked in the
facing forward position. When the seats are not in
the right position and the first vehicle movement
after ignition START is attempted, a chime and a
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display. Rotate and lock the swivel seats in the
correct position before trying again.

If the driver or the passenger seats are not
locked in the facing forward position during
movement of the vehicle, a message will appear
in the instrument cluster display and an
intermittent chime will sound until key-off or
until the swivel seats are locked in the facing
forward position. Stop and move the swivel
seats in the correct position before proceeding.
If a fault is present in the system and it is not
possible to check the correct position of the
swivel seats, a message and the generic
warning light appears in the instrument cluster
display to inform about the failure. In these
conditions, check the status of the swivel seats
and do not drive the vehicle until the swivel
seats are locked in the facing forward position.HEATED SEATS — IF EQUIPPED
On some models, the front driver and
passenger seats may be equipped with heaters
in both the seat cushions and seatbacks. The
controls for the front heated seats are located
on the lower outboard side of the seat.

Heated Seat Switch

Push the switch once to turn on the heated
seats. Push the switch a second time to shut the
heating elements off. NOTE:
Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within two to five minutes.
WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the
skin because of advanced age, chronic
illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury, medica
-
tion, alcohol use, exhaustion or other phys -
ical condition must exercise care when
using the seat heater. It may cause burns
even at low temperatures, especially if
used for long periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat or seat -
back that insulates against heat, such as a
blanket or cushion. This may cause the seat
heater to overheat. Sitting in a seat that has
been overheated could cause serious
burns due to the increased surface
temperature of the seat.
2

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32GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button to
change the system between
recirculation mode and outside air
mode. The Recirculation indicator and
the A/C indicator illuminate when the
Recirculation button is pressed. Recirculation
can be used when outside conditions such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are
present. Recirculation can be used in all modes
except for Defrost. Recirculation may be
unavailable if conditions exist that could create
fogging on the inside of the windshield. The A/C
can be deselected manually without disturbing
the mode control selection. Continuous use of
the Recirculation mode may make the inside air
stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended
use of this mode is not recommended.
On systems with Manual Climate Controls, if
equipped, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window
clearing operation. Recirculation is disabled
automatically if this mode is selected.
Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode causes the LED in the control button to
blink and then turns off.
Front Defrost Mode
Turn the mode control knob to the
Front Defrost position. Air comes from
the windshield and side window
demist outlets. When the defrost
button is selected, the blower level may
increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum
temperature settings for best windshield and
side window defrosting and defogging.
Rear Defrost Button
Push and release the Rear Defrost
Control button to turn on the rear
window defroster and the heated
outside mirrors (if equipped). The
Rear Defrost indicator illuminates when the rear
window defroster is ON. The rear window
defroster automatically turns OFF after
20 minutes.
CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause
damage to the heating elements:
Use care when washing the inside of the
rear window. Do not use abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the
window. Use a soft cloth and a mild
washing solution, wiping parallel to the
heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or
abrasive window cleaners on the interior
surface of the window.
Keep all objects a safe distance from the
window.

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34GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
ADDITIONAL REAR CLIMATE CONTROL —
I
F EQUIPPED
These switches, mounted on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column, activate
the additional rear heating/air conditioning
system.
NOTE:
These switches must be enabled for operation
by the Upfitter.

Additional Rear Climate Controls Switches

Rear Blower Control
Push this button to turn on the rear
climate controls. An indicator light will
turn on when the rear climate control
is on.
Rear Temperature Control
Rear Passenger Temperature Up
Button To change the temperature in
the rear of the vehicle, push
temperature control up button to
raise the temperature.
Rear Passenger Temperature Down
Button To change the temperature in
the rear of the vehicle, push
temperature control down button to
lower the temperature.
Rear MODE Button
Push this button to change the air
distribution mode for the rear
passengers.
OPERATING TIPS
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50%
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032 and 50% water is
recommended Ú page 268.
Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and
defroster performance, make sure the engine
cooling system is functioning properly and the
proper amount, type, and concentration of
coolant is used. Use of the air Recirculation
mode during Winter months is not
recommended because it may cause
window fogging.

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 34

66STARTING AND OPERATING
Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes an
electronically controlled Overdrive (SIXTH gear).
The transmission will automatically shift into
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:

The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
The transmission fluid has reached an
adequate temperature.
The engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature.
The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
The driver is not heavily pressing the acceler -
ator.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode

When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent
transmission shifting occurs, push the TOW/
HAUL switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This
will improve performance and reduce the
potential for transmission overheating or failure
due to excessive shifting. When operating in
TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are
delayed, and the transmission will automatically
downshift (for engine braking) during steady
braking maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pushing the
switch a second time restores normal
operation. Normal operation is always the
default at engine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is
desired, the switch must be pushed each time
the engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic
transmission on your vehicle. A clutch within the
torque converter engages automatically at
calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal
operation in the upper gears. When the vehicle
speed drops or during some accelerations, the
clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:
The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine
coolant are warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles
(2 to 5 km) of driving]. Because the engine
speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the
transmission is not shifting into Overdrive
when cold. This is normal. Using the Elec
-
tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control, when
the transmission is sufficiently warm, will
demonstrate that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of Overdrive.
If the vehicle has not been driven for several
days, the first few seconds of operation after
shifting the transmission into gear may seem
sluggish. This is due to the fluid partially
draining from the torque converter into the
transmission. This condition is normal and
will not cause damage to the transmission.
The torque converter will refill within five
seconds after starting the engine.
POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will
provide increased vehicle response and ease
of maneuverability. The system will provide
mechanical steering capability if power assist
is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is
interrupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will
observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers.

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84STARTING AND OPERATING

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds, holding your vehicle in FIRST gear
(using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with
light loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Battery
2 — Backup Lamps
3 — Right Stop/Turn
4 — Electric Brakes
5 — Ground
6 — Left Stop/Turn
7 — Tail Lamp

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SAFETY189
(Continued)
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks.
Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if fuel or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
EXHAUST GAS
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of
the exhaust system, when exhaust fumes can
be detected inside the vehicle, or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have an authorized dealer inspect the complete
exhaust system and adjacent body areas for
broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose
connections could permit exhaust fumes to
seep into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system each time
the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace as required.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you.
To avoid breathing (CO), follow these safety
tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or
in confined areas any longer than needed
to move your vehicle in or out of the area.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/
liftgate/rear doors open, make sure that all
windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO
NOT use the recirculation mode.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle
with the engine running, adjust your
heating or cooling controls to force outside
air into the vehicle. Set the blower at
high speed.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas, which can kill. Never run the engine in
a closed area, such as a garage, and never
sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the
engine running for more than a short
period, adjust the ventilation system to
force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
Guard against carbon monoxide with
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust
system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with
all side windows fully open.
6

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206IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
BATTERY LOCATION
There are two remote jump starting posts under
the hood which is the recommended jump start
location. If access to the battery is needed, an
access panel on the driver’s side floor will allow
for battery access.

Access Panel
Battery Location

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
If the vehicle is overheating, it will need to be
serviced by an authorized dealer.
In any of the following situations, you can
reduce the potential for overheating by taking
the appropriate action.
On the highways — slow down.
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase
the engine idle speed while preventing
vehicle motion with the brakes.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
If your Air Conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off.
The A/C system adds heat to the engine
cooling system and turning the A/C off can
help remove this heat.
You can also turn the temperature control to
maximum heat, the mode control to floor and
the blower control to high. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.

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208IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or
snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Shift
back and forth between DRIVE (D) and
REVERSE (R), while gently pressing the
accelerator. Use the least amount of
accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain
the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels
or racing the engine. NOTE:
Push the “ESC OFF” switch, to place the
Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) in
“Partial OFF” mode, before rocking the vehicle
Ú
page 150. Once the vehicle has been freed,
push the “ESC OFF” switch again to restore
“ESC ON” mode.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may
lead to transmission overheating and failure.
Allow the engine to idle with the transmission
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after
every five rocking-motion cycles. This will
minimize overheating and reduce the risk of
transmission failure during prolonged efforts
to free a stuck vehicle.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause damage, or even failure, of the axle
and tires. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds continuously without
stopping when you are stuck and do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter
what the speed.
CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting
between DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may result.
Spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in
gear (no transmission shifting occurring).

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