2023 RAM PROMASTER automatic transmission

80STARTING AND OPERATING
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of the EPB
system, a yellow EPB Warning Light will illuminate.
This may be accompanied by the Brake Warning
Light flashing. In this event, urgent service of the
EPB system is required. Do not rely on the parking
brake to hold the vehicle stationary.
Auto Park Brake
The Electric Park Brake (EPB) can be programmed
to be applied automatically whenever the vehicle is
at a standstill and the automatic transmission is
placed in PARK. Auto Park Brake is enabled and
disabled by customer selection through the
Customer Programmable Features section of the
Uconnect Settings Ú page 145.
Any single Auto Park Brake application can be
bypassed by pushing the EPB switch to the release
position while the transmission is placed in PARK.
SafeHold
SafeHold is a safety feature of the Electric Park
Brake (EPB) system that will engage the parking brake automatically if the vehicle is left unsecured
while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
The parking brake will automatically engage if all of
the following conditions are met:
The vehicle is at a standstill.
There is no attempt to press the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal.
The occupant status changed to unoccupied.
The driver door is open.
SafeHold can be temporarily bypassed by pushing
the EPB switch while the driver door is open. Once
manually bypassed, SafeHold will be enabled
again once the vehicle reaches 12 mph (20 km/h)
or the ignition is turned to the OFF position and
back to ON again.
Brake Service Mode
We recommend having your brakes serviced by an
authorized dealer. You should only make repairs
for which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. You should only enter Brake Service
Mode during brake service.
When servicing your rear brakes, it may be
necessary for you or your technician to push
the rear piston into the rear caliper bore. With
the Electric Park Brake (EPB) system, this can
only be done after retracting the EPB actuator.
Fortunately, actuator retraction can be done easily
by entering the Brake Service Mode through the Uconnect Settings in your vehicle. This
menu-based system will guide you through the
steps necessary to retract the EPB actuator in
order to perform rear brake service.
Service Mode has requirements that must be met
in order to be activated:
The vehicle must be at a standstill.
The parking brake must be unapplied.
The transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL.
While in Service Mode, the EPB Warning Light will
flash continuously while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
When brake service work is complete, the following
steps must be followed to reset the park brake
system to normal operation:
Ensure the vehicle is at a standstill.
Press the brake pedal with moderate force.
Apply the EPB Switch.
WARNING!
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake
engaged, or repeated use of the parking brake
to slow the vehicle, may cause serious damage
to the brake system. Be sure the parking brake
is fully disengaged before driving; failure to do
so can lead to brake failure and a collision.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around
a motor vehicle. Do only that service work for
which you have the knowledge and the right
equipment. If you have any doubt about your
ability to perform a service job, take your vehicle
to a competent mechanic.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 80

STARTING AND OPERATING81
(Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
(K
EYLESS VEHICLE)
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock, which requires the transmission to be in
PARK before the ignition can be turned to the OFF
position. Also, the transmission remains locked in
PARK whenever the ignition is in the OFF position.
BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a 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
position (engine running or not), and the brake
pedal must be pressed. This vehicle is equipped
with an additional lock system that holds the
transmission gear selector in NEUTRAL (if vehicle
speed is approximately 0 mph (0 km/h)). To lock
the transmission gear selector in NEUTRAL, the
gear selector must stay in the NEUTRAL position
for approximately three seconds. To shift the
transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE 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 accelerate
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, and turn the ignition off. When the igni -
tion 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
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 key fob in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition in the ON or RUN posi -
tion. 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!
4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 81

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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 82

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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STARTING AND OPERATING89
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase or Decrease The Set Speed
When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the SET (+) button or decrease
the speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.

If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 km/h.

If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

While the Cruise Control 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 CANC
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the
vehicle will deactivate the Cruise Control without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in the
OFF position erases the set speed from memory.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling
on highways and major roadways. However, it is not a
safety system and not designed to prevent collisions.
The Cruise Control function performs differently if your
vehicle is not equipped with ACC

Ú
page 88.

ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes
a radar sensor and a forward facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or accelerate (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.

Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled) will
not detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be
aware of the feature selected
Ú
page 280.

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

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 89

STARTING AND OPERATING91

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the
current ACC system settings. The information it
displays depends on ACC system status. Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button until one of the following appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed
setting has not been selected, the display will read
“Adaptive Cruise Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed,
the set speed will show in the instrument cluster
display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of
the following ACC activity occurs:
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC
display activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is
20 mph (32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready
state, the instrument cluster display will read
“ACC Ready.”

When the system is off, the instrument cluster display
will read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”

NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following condi -
tions:
When the brakes are applied
When the parking brake is applied
When the automatic transmission is in PARK,
REVERSE or NEUTRAL
When the vehicle speed is below the minimum
speed range
When the brakes are overheated
When there is a stationary vehicle in front of
your vehicle in close proximity
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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130STARTING AND OPERATING
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 buildup.
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 experience
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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
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.

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