2023 RAM PROMASTER ESP

82STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
9-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 85.
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.
Gear Ranges
Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting
out of PARK or NEUTRAL.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before acceler
-
ating. This is especially important when the engine
is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when exiting the vehicle in this range.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK,
otherwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the gear
selector out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade, and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

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84STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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 85. 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.
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 130.
For Towing A Disabled Vehicle Ú page 219.

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STARTING AND OPERATING85
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.
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 56.
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 56.
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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86STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:

Even if the power steering system is no longer oper -
ational, 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.
ACTIVE SPEED LIMITER — IF EQUIPPED
The Active Speed Limiter button is positioned on
the right side of the steering wheel.

Active Speed Limiter Button

This feature allows you to program the maximum
speed of travel for your vehicle.
NOTE:The Active Speed Limiter can be set with the
vehicle stationary or in motion.
ACTIVATION
To activate the feature, push the Active Speed
Limiter button located on the right side of the
steering wheel. A message will appear along with
an indicator light in the instrument cluster display
to signal that Active Speed Limiter has been
activated.
After the Active Speed Limiter on/off button has
been pushed, you must press the SET (+) or SET (–)
button to set the target speed (or RES button when
there is already a previously set target).
Push the SET (+) or SET (–) button to raise and
lower the target speed to the desired value.
Pushing and holding down the SET (+) or SET (–)
button will increase/decrease the speed value by
increments of 5 mph (5 km/h). Each time that Active Speed Limiter is activated, it
will be set to the last programmed value from the
previous activation.
NOTE:
The Cruise Control (if equipped) and Adaptive Cruise
Control (if equipped) systems will be unavailable while
the Active Speed Limiter is in use.

EXCEEDING THE SET SPEED
By fully pressing the accelerator pedal, the
programmed maximum speed can be exceeded
while the device is active.
In the event that the Active Speed Limiter set value
is exceeded manually with a driver acceleration, an
audible indicator will sound. The indicator light will
rapidly flash, and a message will appear in the
instrument cluster display.
The feature will remain disabled until the vehicle
speed drops below the set Active Speed Limiter
value, where it will reactivate automatically.
DEACTIVATION

To turn off Active Speed Limiter, push the Active Speed
Limiter button on the right side of the steering wheel.
A message will appear in the instrument cluster display
to confirm that the feature has been turned off. You can
also deactivate Active Speed Limiter by pressing the
CANC button. In this case, the system is not completely
turned off, and the driver can reactivate the Active
Speed Limiter by pressing the RES button.

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90STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
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)
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a conve -
nience system. It is not a substitute for active
driver involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic,
and weather conditions, vehicle speed,
distance to the vehicle ahead and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road condi -
tions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe control
of your vehicle. Failure to follow these warn -
ings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.
The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming
vehicles, and stationary objects (e.g., a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a
disabled vehicle).

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 not utilize the ACC system:
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

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100STARTING AND OPERATING
ACTIVE DRIVING ASSIST SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED
OPERATION
The Active Driving Assist (ADA) system is combined
with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system,
and centers the vehicle in the driving lane while
traveling at speeds up to 93 mph (150 km/h).
For ACC system operating instructions and system
limitations, see Úpage 89.
NOTE:
The driver should always obey traffic laws and
speed limits. Never drive above applicable
speed limit restrictions.
The driver can override ADA at any time by
braking, accelerating, or steering the vehicle.
Just like ACC, ADA will maintain a set speed as long
as the set distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front is maintained. ADA will also keep
your vehicle centered between the lane lines, and
monitor for other vehicles in adjacent lanes by
utilizing the Blind Spot Monitoring sensors.
ADA uses sensors within the steering wheel to
monitor driver attentiveness. ADA requires the
driver’s hands on the steering wheel at all times.
The system will generally aim to keep the vehicle
centered in the lane, but when the driver turns the
steering wheel (e.g. to move farther away from a
large vehicle in the next lane) the system will
reduce its control and enter "co-steering" mode.
While in co-steering mode, the system will provide
reduced assistance and allow the driver to control
the path of the vehicle. Once the driver stops
providing input to the steering wheel, the system
will require a few seconds to fully resume lane
centering assistance, especially during curves.
Do not place any objects on the steering wheel
(e.g. steering wheel covers) which could inter -
fere with the hand detection sensors.
Always pay attention to the road when using
the Active Driving Assist system. ADA will not
steer to avoid safety hazards, construction
zones, objects, or roadway impediments.
You need to maintain control to steer and
brake the vehicle in such situations and when
merging into traffic, entering the highway,
making a turn for crossing traffic, or stopping
for traffic control devices.
WARNING!WARNING!

The Active Driving Assist (ADA) system is a
convenience system. It is not a substitute for
active driver involvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive of road traffic, weather
conditions, vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle
ahead, position in the lane compared to other
vehicles, and brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision and death or serious personal injury.

You should not utilize the ADA system:
When driving in complex driving situations
(e.g. urban environments, construction zones,
etc.), adverse weather or low visibility condi -
tions (e.g. rain, snow, fog, sleet, dust), or
adverse road conditions (e.g. heavy traffic,
worn or missing lane markings, etc.).
When entering a highway on-ramp or exiting
an off-ramp, when driving on roads that are
icy, snow covered, or slippery.
When circumstances do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.

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104STARTING AND OPERATING
The Active Driving Assist system DOES NOT:
Warn or prevent collisions with other vehicles
Steer your vehicle around stopped vehicles,
slower vehicles, construction equipment,
pedestrians, or animals
Respond to traffic lights or stop signs
Merge onto highways or exit off ramps
Turn your vehicle
Change lanes
React to cross traffic
NOTE:Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a core component
of ADA. For ACC system limitations Ú page 89.
The Active Driving Assist system may have limited
or reduced functionality when one of the following
conditions occur:

The vehicle’s radar sensors and/or forward facing
camera is damaged, covered, misaligned, or
obstructed (e.g. by mud, ice, snow, etc.)

If the suspension alignment is not correct, if the
vehicle is modified (e.g. lifting or lowering the
suspension, installing different sized wheels
or tires)
Driving near highway toll booths
NOTE:If damage to the windshield occurs, have the wind -
shield replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides visual
and audible indications of the distance between
the rear, and if equipped, the front fascia/bumper
and a detected obstacle when backing up or
moving forward (e.g. during a parking maneuver).
For limitations of the system (e.g. during a parking
maneuver), see Ú page 110.
NOTE:
The system is designed to assist the driver and
not to substitute the driver.

The driver must stay in full control of the vehicle's
acceleration and braking and is responsible for
controlling the vehicle's movements.

ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition cycle
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
ParkSense is active when the gear selector is
shifted to REVERSE or to a forward gear and an
obstacle is detected, as long as the system is on.
Do not use a hand-held device when the Active
Driving Assist system is engaged.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
and pay attention to traffic conditions.
Do not place any objects on the steering wheel
(e.g. steering wheel covers) which could inter -
fere with the hand detection sensors.

Always pay attention to the road when using the
Active Driving Assist system. ADA will not steer to
avoid safety hazards, construction zones, objects,
or roadway impediments. You need to maintain
control to steer and brake the vehicle in such situ -
ations and when merging into traffic, entering the
highway, making a turn for crossing traffic, or stop-
ping for traffic control devices.

WARNING!

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STARTING AND OPERATING105
When the gear selector shifted to NEUTRAL or
PARK, the system becomes inactive. When the
vehicle is moving forward, the system will remain
active until the vehicle speed remains below
approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). Reducing the
speed approximately below 9 mph (15 km/h), the
system will come back active. When the vehicle is
moving in REVERSE, the system will remain active
as long as the speed remains below the maximum
operating speed of 7 mph (11 km/h). When the
maximum speed limit is exceeded, the system is
disabled and the ParkSense switch LED will
illuminate. The system will become active again if
the vehicle speed reduces below approximately
6 mph (9 km/h).
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 134.
The ParkSense Warning screen is located within
the instrument cluster display Ú page 56. 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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