2021 RAM PROMASTER towing

3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER........................................42Instrument Cluster Descriptions ................. 43
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY .......................44
Location And Controls ................................. 44
Change Engine Oil — If Equipped................ 45
Display Setup Menu .................................... 46
Values Displayed ......................................... 46
Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features) .......... 47
TRIP COMPUTER ...................................................47
Trip Button.................................................... 47
Trip Functions .............................................. 48
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES ..................48
Red Warning Lights...................................... 48
Yellow Warning Lights ................................. 50
Yellow Indicator Lights................................. 53
Green Indicator Lights ................................. 54
Blue Indicator Lights .................................... 54
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II ......55
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity................................................ 55
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS ...........................................................56
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE ...................................... 57
Automatic Transmission.............................. 57
Normal Starting............................................ 57
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) ........................... 57 If Engine Fails To Start ................................ 57
After Starting ................................................ 58
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED ......... 58
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ........ 58
PARKING BRAKE ................................................. 59
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............................. 60 Key Ignition Park Interlock .......................... 60
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System ......................................................... 60 Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ............ 61
POWER STEERING .............................................. 66
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................... 67
CRUISE CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED .................... 67
To Activate.................................................... 68
To Set A Desired Speed............................... 68
To Vary The Speed Setting .......................... 68
To Accelerate For Passing ........................... 69
To Resume Speed ....................................... 69
To Deactivate ............................................... 69
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ......................................................... 69
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Sensors ......... 70
ParkSense Rear Park Assist Alerts ............. 70 ParkSense Rear Park Assist Failure
Indications.................................................... 72 Cleaning The ParkSense System................ 72
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
Usage Precautions ...................................... 72
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA ...............73
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ....................................75
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message................... 76
VEHICLE LOADING ................................................76
Vehicle Certification Label .......................... 76
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ......... 76
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............. 76
Tire Size ........................................................ 77
Rim Size ....................................................... 77
Inflation Pressure ........................................ 77
Curb Weight ................................................. 77
Overloading .................................................. 77
Loading ........................................................ 77
TRAILER TOWING .................................................78
Common Towing Definitions ....................... 78
Trailer Hitch Classification .......................... 80
Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ............ 81 Trailer And Tongue Weight ......................... 81
Towing Requirements ................................ 81
Towing Tips ................................................. 84
RECREATIONAL TOWING
(BEHIND MOTORHOME) ......................................85
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle .......................................................... 85 Recreational Towing .................................... 85

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 3

4
DRIVING TIPS ........................................................86 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ...................... 86
Driving Through Water ................................ 86
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ..........................................88
CYBERSECURITY ..................................................88UCONNECT SETTINGS ..........................................89 Uconnect 3/3 NAV Settings ........................ 90
UCONNECT INTRODUCTION.................................98
Identifying Your Radio ................................. 98
Safety And General Information ...............100
UCONNECT MODES ........................................... 101
Radio Mode ................................................101
Media Mode ...............................................109Phone Mode ..............................................112
NAVIGATION MODE — IF EQUIPPED ................ 124
Operating Navigation Mode —
If Equipped .................................................124
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS ........... 146
Radio Operation .........................................146
Player Operation ........................................146
RAM TELEMATICS - IF EQUIPPED .................... 146
Ram Telematics General Information ......147
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES ... 148
Regulatory And Safety Information........... 148
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................149Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 149Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ... 150
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS.........................155
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................ 155 Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped............................ 159 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ........................................... 161
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .................. 164
Occupant Restraint Systems Features .... 164
Important Safety Precautions ................... 164
Seat Belt Systems ..................................... 165
Supplemental Restraint
Systems (SRS)............................................ 172 Child Restraints ......................................... 181
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 186
Transporting Passengers .......................... 186Transporting Pets ..................................... 187
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ................................................ 187 Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle ........................ 188 Exhaust Gas ............................................... 189Carbon Monoxide Warnings ...................... 189
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ....................... 190
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ....................... 190 Preparations For Jacking .......................... 191
Jack Location ............................................. 191
Spare Tire Removal ................................... 193
Jacking Instructions................................... 194
Wheel Covers ............................................. 197
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED ................... 197
Tire Service Kit Storage............................. 198
Tire Service Kit Components And
Operation ................................................... 198 Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .......... 198Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit .......... 200
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 203
Preparations For Jump Start ..................... 203
Jump Starting Procedure .......................... 204
Battery Location ........................................ 206
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................... 206
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ........................... 207
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ............................ 208
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ........................ 209
Automatic Transmission............................ 210
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS).................................................. 210
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ....................... 210

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 4

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL49
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when one
or more door(s) are not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving and a door is opened,
there will also be a single chime.
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
inform of a problem with the
Electronic 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
authorized 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 Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.
If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service
Ú
page 206.

Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various
brake functions, including brake fluid
level and parking brake application. 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.
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
3

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 49

52GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Warning
Light
The ESC Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster will come on when
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
or MAR (ACC/ON/RUN) position, and
when ESC is activated. It should turn off with the
engine running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater
than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indi
-
cator Light come on momentarily each time
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or MAR
(ACC/ON/RUN) position.
Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or
MAR (ACC/ON/RUN), the ESC system will be
on, even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
This light will come on when the vehicle is in
an ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
Warning Light
This light indicates the ESC is off.
Each time the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN or MAR/ON/RUN, the ESC
system will be on, even if it was turned off
previously.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light
The Engine Check/Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an
Onboard Diagnostic System called
OBD II that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition is
in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the bulb does not come on when turning the
ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
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.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established 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 dealer to have your
sensor function checked.

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 52

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL55
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the
emissions, engine, and transmission control
systems. When these systems are operating
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current
government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II
system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in
making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually
be drivable and not need towing, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
C
YBERSECURITY

Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a
connection port to allow access to information
related to the performance of your emissions
controls. Authorized service technicians may need to access this information to assist with
the diagnosis and service of your vehicle and
emissions system. Ú
page 88
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must
be serviced before any emissions tests can
be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is
running, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to read the VIN,
diagnose, or service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems,
including safety related systems, could
be impaired or a loss of vehicle control
could occur that may result in an acci -
dent involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.
3

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 55

STARTING AND OPERATING63
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
When shifting into PARK, firmly move the
gear selector all the way forward and to the
left until it stops and is fully seated.
Look at the transmission gear position
display and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P).
With the brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK. REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
When exiting 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 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 transmission gear
selector.
Do not leave the ignition key in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children). A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
WARNING! (Continued)
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must turn the igni -
tion to the ON/RUN mode, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the
gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing
traffic or road conditions. You might lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL
can cause severe transmission damage.

For Recreational Towing Ú page 85.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 209.
4

21_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 63

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

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