2023 RAM PROMASTER sensor

110STARTING AND OPERATING
If it is necessary to keep the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly mounted for a long period, it is
possible to filter out the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly presence in the sensor field of view.
The filtering operation must be performed only by
an authorized dealer.
SIDE DISTANCE WARNING SYSTEM
The Side Distance Warning system detects the
presence of side obstacles near the vehicle using
the parking sensors located in the front and rear
fascia/bumpers.
Side Distance Warning Display
The Side Distance Warning screen will only be
displayed if this feature is enabled within Uconnect
Settings Ú page 134.
The system warns the driver with an acoustic
signal and, when enabled, with visual indications
on the instrument cluster display.
When the vehicle is in DRIVE, the Side Distance
Warning volume/chime will match the Front
ParkSense volume and chime type.
When the vehicle is in REVERSE, the Side Distance
Warning volume/chime will match the Rear
ParkSense volume and chime type.
NOTE:Parksense will reduce the volume of the radio if
on when the system is sounding an audible tone.
An audible tone will only sound if a collision is
possible.
Activation/Deactivation

The system can operate only after driving a short
distance and if the vehicle speed is between 0 and
7 mph (0 and 11 km/h). The system can be activated/
deactivated via the Settings menu of the Uconnect
system. If the ParkSense System is deactivated via
the ParkSense hard switch, then the Side Distance
Warning system will automatically be deactivated.
The system will automatically deactivate if any
door is opened.
ParkSense Park Assist System Usage
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.
WARNING ALERTS
Distance
(inches/cm) Less than
12 inches (30 cm) 12 –
24 inches
(30–60 cm)
Arcs-Left Flashing Flashing
Arcs-Right Flashing Flashing
Audible Alert Chime Continuous Fast audible
chime as the objects get
close to the vehicle
Radio Volume Reduced Yes
Yes

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 110

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

112STARTING AND OPERATING
PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The ParkSense Active Park Assist system is intended to
assist the driver during parallel and perpendicular
parking maneuvers by identifying a proper parking
space, providing audible/visual instructions through
the instrument cluster display, and controlling the
steering wheel. The ParkSense Active Park Assist
system is defined as “semi-automatic” since the driver
maintains control of the accelerator, gear selector and
brakes. Depending on the driver's parking maneuver
selection, the system is capable of maneuvering a
vehicle into a parallel or a perpendicular parking space
on either side (i.e., driver side or passenger side).

NOTE:
The driver is always responsible for controlling
the vehicle, responsible for any surrounding
objects, and must intervene as required.
The system is provided to assist the driver and
not to substitute the driver.
During a semi-automatic maneuver, if the
driver touches the steering wheel after being
instructed to remove their hands from the
steering wheel, the system will cancel, and the
driver will be required to manually complete the
parking maneuver.
The system may not work in all conditions
(e.g. environmental conditions such as heavy
rain, snow, etc., or if searching for a parking
space that has surfaces that will absorb the
ultrasonic sensor waves).

It is important to keep the sensors clean in order for
the system to operate correctly. During cleaning
make sure not to scratch or damage them; avoid
using dry or rough cloths. The sensors should be
washed using clean water with addition of car
shampoo if necessary. In washing stations, clean
the sensors quickly, keeping the steam jet/high
pressure washing nozzles at least 4 in (10 cm) away
from the sensors.

New vehicles from the dealership must have at
least 31 miles (50 km) accumulated before the
ParkSense Active Park Assist system is fully cali -
brated and performs accurately. This is due to
the system’s dynamic vehicle calibration to
improve the performance of the feature.
The driver must control the vehicle’s brakes.
The automatic emergency braking feature is
NOT intended to substitute for the driver during
REVERSE maneuvers.
ENABLING AND DISABLING THE
P
ARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
S
YSTEM
The ParkSense Active Park Assist system
can be enabled and disabled with the
ParkSense Active Park Assist switch,
located on the switch panel below the
Uconnect display.
To enable or disable the system, push the
ParkSense Active Park Assist switch once
(LED turns on). Pushing the switch a second time
will disable the system (LED turns off).

The ParkSense Active Park Assist system will turn off
automatically for any of the following conditions:

Parking maneuver is completed.

Vehicle speed is greater than 18 mph (30 km/h)
when searching for a parking space.

Vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (7 km/h) during active steering guidance into the parking
space.
Steering wheel is touched during active steering
guidance into the parking space.
If parking maneuver has not been completed
after 3 minutes.
ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist switch is
pushed.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 112

114STARTING AND OPERATING
Selecting A Side

When searching for a parking space, use the turn signal
indicator to select which side of the vehicle you want to
perform the parking maneuver. The ParkSense Active
Park Assist system will automatically search for a
parking space on the passenger's side of the vehicle if
the turn signal is not activated.

NOTE:
The driver needs to make sure that the selected
parking space for the maneuver remains free
and clear of any obstructions (e.g. pedestrians,
bicycles, etc.).
The driver is responsible to ensure that the
selected parking space is suitable for the
maneuver and free/clear of anything that may
be overhanging or protruding into the parking
space (e.g., ladders, etc. from surrounding
objects/vehicles).
When searching for a parking space, the driver
should drive as parallel or perpendicular
(depending on the type of maneuver) to other
vehicles as possible.

The feature will only indicate the last detected
parking space (example: if passing multiple avail -
able parking spaces, the system will only indicate
the last detected parking space for the maneuver).
A parking space is considered invalid after the
vehicle is 32 ft (10 m) or more away from it.
Searching For A Parking Space

Through the side sensors, the system will continuously
search for a free parking space suitable for the
dimensions of the vehicle. While searching the vehicle
should continue driving below 18 mph (30 km/h).
When looking for a parallel parking space keep the
vehicle 1.5 ft to 5 ft (50cm to 1.5 m) from parked
vehicles. When looking for a perpendicular parking
space keep the vehicle 3 ft to 6 ft (1 m to 2 m) from
parked vehicles.

When an available parking space has been found,
and the vehicle is not in position, you will be
instructed to move forward to position the vehicle
for a perpendicular or parallel parking sequence
(depending on the type of maneuver being
performed).
Once the vehicle is in position, you will be
instructed to stop the vehicle’s movement and
remove your hands from the steering wheel. When
the vehicle comes to a standstill (your hands still
removed from the steering wheel), you will be
instructed to place the gear selector into the
REVERSE position.
The system may then instruct the driver to wait for
steering to complete before then instructing to
check surroundings and move backward.
Move Backward Into Parallel Parking Space
Move Backward Into Perpendicular Parking Space

The system may instruct several more gear shifts
(DRIVE and REVERSE), with hands off of the steering
wheel, before instructing the driver to check
surroundings and complete the parking maneuver.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 114

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

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.

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SAFETY157
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an
excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
The system may reduce engine power and apply
the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to counteract
the sway of the trailer.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always use
caution when towing a trailer and follow the trailer
tongue weight recommendations
Ú
page 124.
When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light will flash, the engine
power may be reduced, and you may feel the
brakes being applied to individual wheels to
attempt to stop the trailer from swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” mode.
DROWSY DRIVER DETECTION (DDD) —
IF EQUIPPED
DDD detects when the driver is feeling fatigued
and warns the driver to pull over and take a break.
TO ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE

DDD can be activated and deactivated through the
Uconnect system by selecting the following in order:

1. “Safety & Driving Assistance”

2. “Drowsy Driver Detection”
SYSTEM OPERATION
Using feedback obtained from the driver’s steering
patterns, any buttons/switches that are pressed,
and from the front camera, the system implements
two operating logics:
The first operating logic takes the driving style
into account, observing the road and detecting
to what extent the driver can continue driving
with few lane crossing events.
The second operating logic measures the time
spent behind the wheel with the vehicle speed
above 40 mph (60 km/h) and below 100 mph
(160 km/h).
WARNING!
The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded.
The TCS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
WARNING!
The DDD system is an aid for driving and does
not relieve the driver of the responsibility of
driving the vehicle. Always drive alert and get
plenty of rest before driving. If you experience
fatigue while driving, do not wait for the DDD to
intervene with a warning. Choose a safe and
secure location where you can pull over safely
for a break. Only return to the road when you are
in the right physical and mental condition to
prevent endangering yourself and others.
6

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

158SAFETY
If the driving style indicates that the driver is
unable to follow the road trajectory and respect the
horizontal lane markings while within the operating
speed range of the system, a pop up will display on
the instrument cluster display to suggest that the
driver should stop for a break. An audible signal
will also sound.
If the driver accepts the suggestion provided by the
system by pushing the “OK” button on the left side
of the steering wheel, the message will disappear
from the display.

If the driver
does not acknowledge
the warning, it will
be displayed for 60 seconds and then disappear.

NOTE:In the event of a DDD system failure, a dedicated
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display.

DDD Warning Message

AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BS M) —
I
F EQUIPPED
The BSM system uses two radar sensors, located
inside the taillights, to detect highway licensable
vehicles (automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.)
that enter the blind spot zones from the rear/front/
side of the vehicle.

Rear Detection Zones

When the vehicle is started, the BSM Warning Light will
momentarily illuminate in both outside rearview mirrors
to let the driver know that the system is operational.
The BSM system sensors operate when the vehicle is in
any forward gear and enters standby mode when the
vehicle is in PARK. The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft (3.8 m). The
zone length starts at the outside rearview mirror and
extends approximately 10 ft (3 m) beyond the rear
fascia/bumper of the vehicle. The BSM system
monitors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed reaches approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will alert the driver of
vehicles in these areas.

NOTE:
The BSM system DOES NOT alert the driver
about rapidly approaching vehicles that are
outside the detection zones.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may
experience dropouts (blinking on and off) of the
side mirror warning indicator lamps when a
motorcycle or any small object remains at the
side of the vehicle for extended periods of time
(more than a couple of seconds).

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