2022 RAM PROMASTER towing

76STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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.

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 or the propulsion system is active. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop,
then apply the parking brake, shift the transmis -
sion into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When
the ignition is in the OFF position, the transmission
is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.

When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing chil -
dren 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 key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ON/RUN position.
A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear selector
out of PARK, you must turn the ignition to the
ON/RUN position, 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 116.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 196.

22_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 76

STARTING AND OPERATING77
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 77. 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. 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 authorized
dealer has diagnostic equipment to assess the
condition of your transmission. If the transmission
cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is
required.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The ERS shift control allows the driver to
select the max gear limit. 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 max gear limit. Once in ERS mode,
moving the gear selector forward “-” or rearward
“+” will change the max gear limit.
NOTE:The transmission will still continue to use the
optimal highest gear, for the current driving condi -
tions, within the selected gear range limit.
To exit ERS mode, simply return the gear selector
to the DRIVE position.
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.
4

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78STARTING AND OPERATING
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 trans -
mission will shift to the range from which the
vehicle can best be slowed down.
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.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The power steering system
adapts to different driving conditions.
If the steering icon is flashing, it indicates that the
vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for service.
It is likely the vehicle has lost power steering
assistance.
If the steering icon is displayed and the “POWER
STEERING SYSTEM OVER TEMP” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. Once driving conditions are
safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few
moments until the icon and message turn off
Ú
page 55. If the steering icon is displayed and the “SERVICE
POWER STEERING – ASSIST OFF” message is
displayed on the instrument cluster screen, this
indicates the vehicle needs to be taken to the
dealer for service Ú
page 55.NOTE:

Even if the power steering system is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle.
Under these conditions there will be a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially at low
speeds and during parking maneuvers.

If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
Instrument
Cluster
Display 1
23456789D
Actual
Gear(s)
Allowed 1 1–2 1–3 1–4 1–5 1–6 1–7 1–8 1–9 1–9

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STARTING AND OPERATING83
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel
operate the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped) Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped)
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather condi
-
tions into account, and may be limited upon
adverse sight distance conditions.

Does not always fully recognize complex
driving conditions, which can result in
wrong or missing distance warnings.
You should turn the ACC system off:
When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow,
sleet, heavy traffic, and complex driving situa -
tions (i.e., in highway construction zones).
When entering a turn lane or highway
off-ramp; when driving on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, slippery, or have
steep uphill or downhill slopes.
When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
When circumstances do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
WARNING!
1 — Distance Increase Button
2 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — CANC/Cancel
4 — Distance Decrease Button
5 — SET (+)/Accel
6 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
7 — RES/Resume
8 — SET (-)/Decel
1 — Distance Setting Button
2 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
3 — CANC/Cancel
4 — Active Speed Limiter Button
5 — SET (+)/Accel
6 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
7 — RES/Resume
8 — SET (-)/Decel
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING89
If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver
should examine the windshield and the camera
located on the back side of the inside rearview
mirror. They may require cleaning or removal of an
obstruction.
When the condition that created limited
functionality is no longer present, the system will
return to full functionality.
NOTE:If the “ACC Limited Functionality Camera Blocked”
message occurs frequently (e.g. more than once
on every trip) without any snow, rain, mud, or other
obstruction, have the windshield and forward
facing camera inspected at an authorized dealer.
SERVICE ACC WARNING

If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster
display reads “ACC Unavailable Service Required” or
“Cruise Unavailable Service Required”, there may be
an internal system fault or a temporary malfunction
that limits ACC functionality. Although the vehicle is
still drivable under normal conditions, ACC will be
temporarily unavailable. If this occurs, try activating
ACC again later, following an ignition cycle. If the
problem persists, see an authorized dealer.

Precautions While Driving With ACC
In certain driving situations, ACC may have
detection issues. In these cases, ACC may brake
late or unexpectedly. The driver needs to stay alert
and may need to intervene. The following are
examples of these types of situations:
TOWING A TRAILER

Towing a trailer is not recommended when using ACC.

OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that
is offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle
merging in from a side lane. There may not be
sufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. The offset
vehicle may move in and out of the line of travel,
which can cause your vehicle to brake or
accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the
system may increase or decrease the vehicle
speed for stability, with no vehicle ahead detected.
Once the vehicle is out of the curve, the system will
resume your original set speed. This is a part of
normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on
hills. ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane
depending on the speed, vehicle load, traffic
conditions, and the steepness of the hill.
ACC Hill Example

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STARTING AND OPERATING97
Interaction With Trailer Towing
The 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.
PARKSENSE SENSORS

The six ParkSense sensors (four when vehicle is not
equipped with front sensors), located in the rear fascia/
bumper, and the six ParkSense sensors located in the
front fascia/bumper, monitor the area in front and
behind the vehicle that is within the sensors’ field of
view. The front sensors detect obstacles from
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) up to 39 inches
(100 cm) from the front fascia/bumper. The rear
sensors can detect obstacles from approximately
12 inches (30 cm) up to 55 inches (140 cm) from the
center of the rear fascia/bumper and up to 24 inches
(60 cm) from the corners of the rear fascia/bumper.
These distances depend on the location, type and
orientation of the obstacle in the horizontal direction.
Rear Park Assist Sensors Location

If several obstacles are detected, the ParkSense
system indicates the nearest obstacle.
The minimum height of a detectable obstacle
corresponds to the maximum height of an obstacle
that would clear the underside of the vehicle
during the parking maneuver.
PARKSENSE WARNING DISPLAY
The ParkSense Warning screen will only be
displayed if “Sound and Display” is selected in the
Uconnect system Ú page 120. The ParkSense Warning screen is located within
the instrument cluster display Ú
page 55. It
provides visual warnings to indicate the distance
between the rear fascia/bumper and/or front
fascia/bumper and the detected obstacle.
PARKSENSE DISPLAY
The warning display will turn on indicating the
system status when the vehicle is in REVERSE or
when the vehicle is in DRIVE and an obstacle has
been detected.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by
showing a single arc in the left and/or right front or
rear regions based on the object’s distance and
location relative to the vehicle.
If an object is detected in the left and/or right rear
region, the display will show a single arc in the left
and/or right rear region and the system will
produce a tone. As the vehicle moves closer to the
object, the display will show the single arc moving
closer to the vehicle and the tone will change from
a single 1/2 second tone to slow, to fast, to
continuous.
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102STARTING AND OPERATING
If it is 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 the sensor field of view.
The filtering operation must be performed only by
an authorized dealer.
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED
LANESENSE OPERATION

The LaneSense system is operational at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h).
The LaneSense system uses a forward looking camera
to detect lane markings and measure vehicle position
within the lane boundaries.

When both lane markings are detected and the
driver drifts out of the lane (no turn signal applied),
the LaneSense system provides a haptic warning
in the form of torque applied to the steering wheel,
as well as a visual warning in the instrument
cluster display, to prompt the driver to remain
within the lane boundaries.
The driver may manually override the haptic
warning by applying force to the steering wheel at
any time.

When only a single lane marking is detected and the
driver drifts across the lane marking (no turn signal
applied), the LaneSense system provides a visual
warning through the instrument cluster display to
prompt the driver to remain within the lane.

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 recom -
mended that the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly be disconnected from the vehicle
when the vehicle is not used for towing. Failure
to do so can result in injury or damage to vehi -
cles or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear fascia
when the vehicle 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 indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.

CAUTION!

ParkSense is only a parking aid and it is unable to
recognize every obstacle, including small obsta -
cles. 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 recom -
mended that the driver looks over his/her
shoulder when using ParkSense.

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110STARTING AND OPERATING
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 conditions, 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).
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and
ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale
to ensure that it is not over the GVWR. Figure out the weight on the front and rear axle of
the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store
heavier items down low and be sure you distribute
their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all loose
items securely before driving. If weighing the
loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), but the
total load is within the specified Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), you must redistribute the
weight. Improper weight distribution can have an
adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers and
handles and the way the brakes operate.
NOTE:Refer to the Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's GVWR
and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR Ú
page 109.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.

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