2023 RAM PROMASTER brake

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.).

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132STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
(Continued)
Flowing/Rising Water
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following
Cautions and Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm
run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road
or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or
rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly.
Failure to follow this warning may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which increases
stopping distances. Therefore, after driving
through standing water, drive slowly and
lightly press on the brake pedal several times
to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom
of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
WARNING!
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through standing water. This will minimize
wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky
or foamy in appearance) after driving through
standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated,
as this may result in further damage. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause
serious internal damage to the engine. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 132

138MULTIMEDIA
Safety & Driving Assistance
Theme Mode This setting will allow you to adjust the brightness of your theme. Setting options are “Light”, “Dark”
and “Auto”. Select to show themes in Light or Dark mode. “Auto” changes the theme with the
headlights.
Touchscreen Beep This setting will allow you to turn the touchscreen beep on or off.
Show Main Category Bar Labels This setting will allow you to turn the bottom main category bar labels on or off.
Navigation Next Turn Pop-ups Displayed in Cluster This setting will display Navigation prompts in the Instrument Cluster Display.
Phone Pop-ups Displayed In Cluster This setting will display smartphone notifications and messages in the Instrument Cluster Display.
Setting Name Description
When the Safety & Driving Assistance button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to the vehicle’s safety settings. These
options will differ depending on the features equipped on the vehicle. The settings may display in list form or within subfolders on the screen. To access a
subfolder, select the desired folder; the available options related to that feature will then display on the screen.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name Description
Forward Collision Warning SensitivityThis setting will change the distance at which the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alert sounds.
The “Medium” setting will have the FCW system signal when an object is in view, and the possibility of
a collision is detected. The “Near” setting will have the FCW system signal when the object is closer to
the vehicle. The “Far” setting will have the FCW system signal when an object is at a far distance from
the vehicle.
Forward Collision Warning This setting will turn the Forward Collision Warning system on or off. The “Off” setting will deactivate
the FCW system. The “Warning Only” setting will provide only an audible chime when a collision is
detected. The “Warning + Active Braking” setting will provide an audible chime and apply some brake
pressure when a collision is detected.

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MULTIMEDIA145
Brakes
Doors & Locks
When the Brakes button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system will display a setting related to the vehicle’s brake system.
NOTE:Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name Description
Auto Park BrakeThis setting will turn the Auto Park Brake on or off.
Brake Service This setting will allow you to set the brakes for service. When the setting is selected, a pop-up will
display with “Yes” and “No” options.
Hold ‘n Go This setting will turn the Hold ‘n Go on or off.
When the Doors & Locks button is pressed on the touchscreen, the system displays the options related to locking and unlocking the vehicle’s doors.
NOTE:
The Auto Door Locks feature default condition is enabled. When enabled, the door locks will lock automatically when the vehicle’s speed exceeds 12 mph
(20 km/h). The Auto Door Locks feature can be enabled or disabled by an authorized dealer per written request of the customer. Please see an authorized
dealer for service.
Depending on the vehicle’s options, feature settings may vary.
Setting Name Description
Auto Door LocksThis setting will allow you to change if the doors lock automatically when the vehicle reaches 12 mph
(20 km/h).
Auto Unlock On Exit This setting will unlock the doors when any of the doors are opened from the inside.
Flash Lights With Lock This setting will allow you to turn the flashing of the lights when the Lock button is pushed on the key
fob on or off.
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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!

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SAFETY153
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system that
includes the Brake Assist System (BAS), Crosswind
Assist (CWA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill
Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS),
and Trailer Sway Control (TSC). These systems
complement the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) by
optimizing the vehicle braking capability during
emergency braking maneuvers.
Brake Assist System (BAS)

The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers.
The system detects an emergency braking situation
by sensing the rate and amount of brake application
and then applies optimum pressure to the brakes.
This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS
complements the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS
assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you
must apply continuous braking pressure during the
stopping sequence (do not “pump” the brakes). Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no
longer desired. Once the brake pedal is released,
the BAS is deactivated.
Crosswind Assist (CWA)

CWA helps keep your vehicle from drifting out of its lane
due to unexpected crosswinds by means of targeted
braking of individual wheels. The system will provide
automatic stability assistance to counteract the effect
of strong side wind. If a strong lateral wind is detected,
front and rear brakes on the affected side are applied,
creating a steering effect that mitigates the crosswind
influence. During system intervention, the driver should
perceive the natural stable handling feel of the vehicle.

Crosswind Assist will activate automatically when
the vehicle reaches speeds above approximately
43 mph (70 km/h). When the system is activated,
the ESC Warning Light in the instrument cluster will
blink to warn the driver.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
The ERM system anticipates the potential for
wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM
determines that the rate of change of the steering
wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient to
potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies the
appropriate brake and may also reduce engine
power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel
lift occurring during severe or evasive driving
maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift due to
other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, striking objects or other vehicles.WARNING!

The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The capabilities of a BAS-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!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence
the chance that wheel lift or rollover may occur.
ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or rollovers,
especially those that involve leaving the roadway
or striking objects or other vehicles. The
capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
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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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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.
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