2021 RAM PROMASTER automatic transmission

60STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
KEY IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to be
in PARK before the ignition can be turned to the
LOCK/OFF (key removal) position. The key can
only be removed from the ignition when the
ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position, and once
removed the transmission is locked in PARK.
NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped but the key cannot be removed
until you obtain service.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be
turned to the ON/RUN mode (engine running or
not), and the brake pedal must be pressed.
WARNING!
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 accel -
erate 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.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, turn the engine
OFF, and remove the ignition key. Once the
key is removed, the transmission is locked
in PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the ignition key from the vehicle and lock
the vehicle.

Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be 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 transmis -
sion gear selector.
Do not leave the ignition key 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.

CAUTION!

Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure
your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING! (Continued)

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 60

STARTING AND OPERATING61
NOTE:
Swivel seats that are unlocked can also prevent
the transmission gear selector from being
moved out of the PARK position. To shift the
transmission out of the PARK position the first
time after cranking is allowed, ensure swivel
seats are locked in the forward facing position.
SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear position display (located
in the instrument cluster) indicates the
transmission gear range. You must press the
brake pedal to move the gear selector out of
PARK. To drive, move the gear selector from
PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission
provides a precise shift schedule. The
transmission electronics are self-calibrating;
therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop
within a few hundred miles (kilometers).
Gear Selector

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE
when the accelerator pedal is released and the
vehicle is stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting between these
gears. The transmission gear selector provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift positions. Manual
downshifts can be made using the ERS shift
control. Moving the gear selector into the
ERS (-/+) position (beside the DRIVE position)
activates ERS mode, displays the current gear
in the instrument cluster, and prevents
automatic upshifts beyond this gear. In ERS
mode, toggling the gear selector forward (-) or
rearward (+) will change the highest available
gear Ú
page 65.
NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the
PARK, REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when
pushed forward) it is probably in the ERS (+/-)
position (beside the DRIVE position). In ERS
mode, the transmission gear limit (1, 2, 3, etc.)
is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move the
gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D]
position) for access to PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL.4

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 61

64STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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), select TOW/HAUL mode or use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
to select a lower gear range Úpage 65. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear range will
improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.

During cold temperatures, transmission
operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves
warm-up time of the engine and transmission
to achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement
of the torque converter clutch is inhibited until
the transmission fluid is warm
Ú
page 66. During extremely cold temperatures (-16°F
[-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to THIRD gear only. Normal operation
will resume once the transmission
temperature has risen to a suitable level.

Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal conditions. If a
condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, Transmission Limp
Home Mode is activated. In this mode, the
transmission remains in THIRD gear regardless
of which forward gear is selected. PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to
operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may be illuminated. Transmission Limp Home
Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK. 3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit an authorized dealer
at your earliest possible convenience. An autho -
rized dealer has diagnostic equipment to
assess the condition of your transmission. If the
transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 64

STARTING AND OPERATING65
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear. For example, if you set the transmission
gear limit to FOURTH gear, the transmission will
not shift above FOURTH gear, but will shift
through the lower gears normally. You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode
at any vehicle speed. When the gear selector is
in the DRIVE position, the transmission will
operate automatically, shifting between all
available gears. Moving the gear selector to
the ERS position (beside DRIVE) will activate
ERS mode, display the current gear in the
instrument cluster, and set that gear as the top
available gear. Once in ERS mode, moving the
gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) will
change the top available gear.To exit ERS mode, simply return the gear
selector to the DRIVE position.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine braking), move the gear selector into the ERS position, then tap it forward (-)
repeatedly as the vehicle slows. The transmission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking
on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could
lose their grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal injury.

Instrument Cluster Display 1
23456D
Actual Gear(s)
Allowed 1
1–2 1–31–41–51–61–6
4

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 65

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.

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 66

STARTING AND OPERATING69
TO ACCELERATE FOR PASSING
While the Cruise Control system is set, press the
accelerator to pass as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Cruise Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
The Cruise 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 Cruise 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 Cruise 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) Úpage 72.
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist 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 Rear Park Assist system is automatically
deactivated when a trailer is hitched to the
vehicle. The system will be automatically
activated as soon as the trailer is removed.
WARNING!
Cruise 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 Cruise Control
in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.
4

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 69

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

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

STARTING AND OPERATING85
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
R
ECREATIONAL TOWING
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front
wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle
trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the
transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires
towing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF
the ground.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmis -
sion damage. Damage from improper
towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
4

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 85