2023 RAM PROMASTER tires

128STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Úpage 249.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated
brake system, an electronic brake controller is
not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and may be required for
any trailer, for example trailers in excess of 2,
000 lb (907 kg). Trailer brake requirements vary
by local law, consult local legal requirements
where the trailer is to be towed for trailer brake
requirements.

Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your
brake system and cause it to fail. You might
not have brakes when you need them and
could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do
this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear,
higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping
distances.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 128

STARTING AND OPERATING131
RECREATIONAL TOWING

Recreational towing is allowed
ONLY
if the front wheels
are
OFF
the ground. This may be accomplished using a
tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:

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

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the Electric Park Brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Release the Electric Park Brake.
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon
occurs when there is a difference in the surface
traction under the front (driving) wheels.
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible
for a wedge of water to build up between the tire
and road surface. This is hydroplaning and may
cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control
and stopping ability. To reduce this possibility, the
following precautions should be observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads
are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
Replace the tires when tread wear indicators
first become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a
collision in a sudden stop.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If this vehicle requires
towing, make sure the drive wheels are OFF
the ground.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
damage. Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden
pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control of
the vehicle and possibly have a collision. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

152 (Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

The ABS is designed to aid the driver in maintaining
vehicle control under adverse braking conditions.
The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.

The system's pump motor runs during an ABS stop
to provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump
motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.

The ABS includes an yellow ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning.
The system reverts to standard non-ABS. Placing the
ignition in the OFF mode and to the ON mode again may
reset the ABS if the fault detected was only momentary.
When you are in a severe braking condition
involving the use of the ABS, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a stop.
This is the result of the system reverting to the
base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking
noise. These occurrences are normal and indicate
that the system is functioning properly.
WARNING!

The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip
-
ment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capa -
bility. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.

Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you
need to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 152

154SAFETY
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC
corrects for over/under steering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the previous conditions listed. Engine
power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
Oversteer – when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.
Understeer – when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
vehicle path intended by the driver and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual
path does not match the intended path, ESC applies
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC OFF button is located in the
center switch bank, next to the hazard
flasher switch.
ESC On
This mode is the normal operating mode for
ESC equipped vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is
started, the ESC system will be in this mode. This
mode should be used for most driving situations.
ESC should only be turned off for the following
specific reasons.
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the
ESC OFF button.
When in the “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion of
ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature described
in the TCS section, has been disabled and the ESC
OFF Indicator Light will be illuminated. When in the
“Partial Off” mode, ESC will operate without engine
torque management. This mode is intended to be
used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would
normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn
ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF
button. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode
of operation.WARNING!

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from exces -
sive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of
an ESC equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, and
may negatively affect the performance of the
ESC system. Changes to the steering system,
suspension, braking system, tire type and size
or wheel size may adversely affect ESC perfor -
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle mainte -
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154

SAFETY155
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial
Off” mode by pushing the ESC OFF button. Once
the situation requiring ESC to be switched to the
“Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back
on by momentarily pushing the ESC OFF button.
This may be done while the vehicle is in motion.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition is turned to the ON mode.
It should go out with the engine running. If
the ESC Activation/Malfunction 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 Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESC system becomes active. The ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light also flashes when TCS is
active. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates
that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
is in a reduced mode.
NOTE:
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
and the ESC OFF Indicator Light come on
momentarily each time the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON posi -
tion, 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
following the maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver
when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA
will maintain the level of brake pressure the driver
applied for a short period of time after the driver
takes their foot off of the brake pedal. If the driver
does not apply the throttle during this short period
of time, the system will release brake pressure and
the vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will
release brake pressure in proportion to the
amount of throttle applied as the vehicle starts
to move in the intended direction of travel.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS function -
ality of ESC, except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section, has been
disabled and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will
be illuminated. When in “Partial Off” mode,
the engine power reduction feature of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
6

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 155

156SAFETY
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA
to activate:
The vehicle must be stopped.
The vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate)
grade or greater hill.
Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear;
vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward gears
when the activation criteria have been met.
The system will not activate if the vehicle is placed
in NEUTRAL or PARK.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.
Traction Control System (TCS)
TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and
engine power is reduced, to provide enhanced
acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS,
Brake Limited Differential (BLD) functions similarly
to a limited slip differential and controls the wheel
spin across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven
axle is spinning faster than the other, the system
will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This will
allow more engine torque to be applied to the
wheel that is not spinning. This feature remains
active even if the ESC is in the “Partial Off” mode.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
(in the instrument cluster) will start to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to
spin. This indicates that the TCS is active. If the
indicator light flashes during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road conditions, and do not switch
off the ESC or TCS.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when
the system will not activate and slight rolling may
occur. This could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle.
WARNING!
If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, there
may not be enough brake pressure to hold
both the vehicle and the trailer on a hill when
the brake pedal is released. In order to avoid
rolling down an incline while resuming accel -
eration, manually activate the trailer brake or
apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to
releasing the brake pedal.
HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when exiting your vehicle.
Also, be certain to place the transmission in
PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a
collision or serious personal injury.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156

162SAFETY
Trailer Merge Assist — If Equipped
Trailer Merge Assist is a function of the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) system that extends the blind
spot zone to work while pulling a trailer.
NOTE:When Trailer Merge Assist is activated, Rear Cross
Path is disabled.
Trailer Merge Assist consists of three sub
functions:
Automatic Trailer Detection
Trailer Length Detection
Trailer Merge Warning

Blind Spot Zones With Trailer Merge Assist
Automatic Trailer Detection
There are two modes of operation for the detection
of the trailer length:
Automatic Mode
— When “Auto Mode” is
selected, the system will use the blind spot
sensors to automatically determine the pres -
ence and length of a trailer. The presence of a
trailer will be detected using the blind spot radar
within 90 seconds of forward movement of the
vehicle. The vehicle must be moving above
6 mph (10 km/h) to activate the feature. Once
the trailer has been detected, the system will
default to the maximum blind spot zone until the
length has been verified. You will see “Auto” in
the instrument panel cluster .
Maximum Mode — When “Max Mode” is
selected, the system will default to the
maximum blind spot zone regardless of what
size trailer is attached .
NOTE:Selected setting is stored when the ignition is
placed in the OFF position. To change this setting,
it must be selected through the Uconnect Settings
Ú page 134. Trailer Length Detection
Once the trailer presence has been established,
the trailer length will be established (by making a
90 degree turn) and then the trailer length
category (example 10-20 ft (3 m to 6 m)) will be
displayed. This can take up to 30 seconds after
completing the turn.
NOTE:During the same ignition cycle, if the vehicle is at a
standstill for a minimum of 90 seconds, a new
“trailer detection request” is enabled by the
system once the vehicle resumes motion.
The maximum trailer length supported by the
Trailer Merge Assist feature is 39.5 ft (12 m).
Trailer length is considered the forward most
portion of the trailer hitch to the rearward most
portion of the body, fascia/bumper, or ramp of
the trailer.
The maximum width supported by the Trailer
Merge Assist feature is 8.5 ft (2.59 m). Trailer
width is measured at the widest portion of the
trailer and may include wheels, tires, finders,
or rails.
1 — Vehicle
2 — Trailer

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162

168SAFETY
The minimum speed for PEB activation is
3 mph (5 km/h).
Turning PEB On Or Off
NOTE:The default status of PEB is “On.” This allows the
system to warn you of a possible frontal collision
with the pedestrian/cyclist.
PEB is turned on and off using the FCW button in
the Uconnect display in the control settings.
Ú page 134.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
S
YSTEM (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will
warn the driver of a low tire pressure based on the
vehicle recommended cold placard pressure. The tire pressure will vary with temperature
by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
This means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire
pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for
at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle
is driven — this is normal and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
See Ú
page 249 on how to properly inflate the
vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure
if the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure
warning limit for any reason, including low
temperature effects and natural pressure loss
through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire pressure as long as the condition exists, and
will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or above
the recommended cold placard pressure. Once the
low tire pressure warning (TPMS Warning Light)
illuminates, you must increase the tire pressure to
the recommended cold placard pressure in order for the TPMS Warning Light to turn off. The system
will automatically update and the TPMS Warning
Light will turn off once the system receives the
updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need to
be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need
to be increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in
order to turn the TPMS Warning Light off.

For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) placard
pressure of 30 psi (207 kPa). If the ambient
temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the measured tire
pressure is 27 psi (186 kPa), a temperature drop
to 20°F (-7°C) will decrease the tire pressure to
approximately 23 psi (158 kPa). This tire pressure is
sufficiently low enough to turn on the TPMS Warning
Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to
rise to approximately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS
Warning Light will still be on. In this situation, the TPMS
Warning Light will turn off only after the tires are
inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard
pressure value.

WARNING!
Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) is not
intended to avoid a collision on its own, nor can
PEB detect every type of potential collision with
a pedestrian. The driver has the responsibility to
avoid a collision by controlling the vehicle via
braking and steering. Failure to follow this
warning could lead to serious injury or death.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 168