2023 RAM PROMASTER towing

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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 84

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

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 85

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

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 90

96STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
If the “ACC Front Radar Sensor Temporarily
Blinded” message occurs frequently (e.g. more
than once on every trip) without any snow, rain,
mud, or other obstruction, have the radar
sensor realigned at an authorized dealer.
Installing a snowplow, front-end protector, an
aftermarket grille or modifying the grille is not
recommended. Doing so may block the sensor
and inhibit ACC operation.
“ACC LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY CAMERA
BLOCKED” WARNING
The “ACC Limited Functionality Camera Blocked”
warning will display and a chime will sound when
conditions temporarily limit system performance.
This most often occurs at times of poor visibility,
such as in snow or heavy rain and fog. The ACC
system may also become temporarily blinded due
to obstructions, such as mud, dirt, or ice on
windshield and fog on the inside of glass. In these
cases, the instrument cluster display will read
“ACC Limited Functionality Camera Blocked” and
the system will have degraded performance. This message can sometimes be displayed while
driving in adverse weather conditions. The ACC
system will recover after the vehicle has left these
areas. Under rare conditions, when the camera is
not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path this
warning may temporarily occur.
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.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 96

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.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING109
(Continued)
PARKSENSE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
U
SAGE PRECAUTIONS
NOTE:
Ensure that the front and rear fascia/bumper
are free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to
keep the ParkSense system operating properly.
Construction equipment, large trucks, and other
vibrations could affect the performance of
ParkSense.
When you turn ParkSense off, the instrument
cluster display will read “PARKSENSE OFF.”
Furthermore, once you turn ParkSense off, it
remains off until you turn it on again, even if you
cycle the ignition key.
ParkSense, when on, will reduce the volume of
the radio when it is sounding a tone.

Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, taking care
not to scratch or damage them. The sensors must
not be covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or
debris. Failure to do so can result in the system not
working properly. The ParkSense system might not
detect an obstacle behind or in front of the fascia/
bumper, or it could provide a false indication that an
obstacle is behind or in front of the fascia/bumper.

Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system and Side Distance Warning off if objects
such as bicycle carriers, etc. are placed within
12 inches (30 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to do so can result in the system misin
-
terpreting a close object as a sensor problem,
causing the “PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE
SERVICE REQUIRED” message to be displayed
in the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:If any objects are attached to the bumper within a
6.5 ft (2 m) field of view, they will interfere and
cause false alerts and possibly blockage.
There may be a delay in the object detection
rate if the object is moving.
The operation of the rear sensors is automati -
cally deactivated when the trailer's electric plug
is inserted in the vehicle's tow hook socket,
while the front sensors stay active and can
provide acoustic and visual warnings. The rear
sensors are automatically reactivated when the
trailer's cable plug is removed.
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.
WARNING!
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING111
Use the ParkSense switch to turn the ParkSense
system and Side Distance Warning off if objects
such as bicycle carriers, etc. are placed within
12 inches (30 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper.
Failure to do so can result in the system misin -
terpreting a close object as a sensor problem,
causing the “PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE
SERVICE REQUIRED” message to be displayed
in the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:If any objects are attached to the bumper within a
6.5 ft (2 m) field of view, they will interfere and
cause false alerts and possibly blockage.
There may be a delay in the object detection
rate if the object is moving.
The operation of the rear sensors is automati -
cally deactivated when the trailer's electric plug
is inserted in the vehicle's tow hook socket,
while the front sensors stay active and can
provide acoustic and visual warnings. The rear
sensors are automatically reactivated when the
trailer's cable plug is removed. 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.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using Side Distance Warning. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle, look
behind you, and be sure to check for pedes
-
trians, 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 Side Distance Warning, it is
strongly recommended 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
vehicles 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!
Side Distance Warning is only a parking aid
and it is unable to recognize every obstacle,
including small obstacles. 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
Side Distance Warning in order to be able to
stop in time when an obstacle is detected.
It is recommended that the driver looks over
his/her shoulder when using ParkSense.4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 111

STARTING AND OPERATING115
(Continued)
When the vehicle is in the parking position, the
maneuver is complete and the driver will be
instructed to check the vehicle's parking position,
then shift the vehicle into PARK. The message
"Active ParkSense Complete - Check Parking
Position" will be displayed momentarily.
NOTE:
It is the driver's responsibility to use the brake
and accelerator during the semi-automatic
parking maneuver.
It is the driver's responsibility to use the brake
and stop the vehicle. The driver should check
their surroundings and be prepared to stop the
vehicle either when instructed to, or when driver
intervention is required.
When the system instructs the driver to remove
their hands from the steering wheel, the driver
should check their surroundings and begin to
back up slowly.
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system will
allow a maximum of eight shifts between DRIVE
and REVERSE. If the maneuver cannot be
completed within eight shifts, the system will
cancel and the instrument cluster display will
instruct the driver to complete the maneuver
manually.
The system will cancel the maneuver if the
vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph (7 km/h) during
active steering guidance into the parking space.
The system will provide a warning to the driver
at 3 mph (5 km/h) that tells them to slow down.
The driver is then responsible for completing the
maneuver if the system is canceled.
If the system is canceled during the maneuver
for any reason, the driver must take control of
the vehicle.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when performing
parallel or perpendicular parking maneuvers
even when using the ParkSense Active Park
Assist system. Always check carefully behind
and in front of your vehicle, look behind and in
front of you, and be sure to check for pedes
-
trians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
and blind spots before backing up and moving
forward. 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 the ParkSense Active Park Assist
system, it is strongly recommended 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 vehicles or obstacles because the hitch
ball will be much closer to the obstacle than the
rear fascia when the vehicle sounds the contin -
uous 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!
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is
only a parking aid and it is unable to recognize
every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily detected
or not detected at all. Obstacles located above
or below the sensors’ field of view will not be
detected when they are in close proximity.

The vehicle must be driven slowly when using the
ParkSense Active Park Assist system in order to be
able to stop in time when an obstacle is detected.
It is recommended that the driver looks over
his/her shoulders when using the ParkSense
Active Park Assist system.

WARNING!
4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 115