RAM Promaster City (2020 year). Manual in english — page 10

157

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both

inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

Automatic Transmission

The gear selector must be in the PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)

position before you can start the engine. Press the brake

pedal before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting out of PARK.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is obtained

without pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the AVV (START) position and

release it when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start

within 10 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the STOP

(OFF/LOCK) position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the

“Normal Starting” procedure.

WARNING!

• 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 transmission gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in a

location accessible to children). A child could operate

power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

5

158 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cold Weather Operation

To ensure reliable starting at low temperatures, use of an

externally powered electric engine block heater (available

from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
To prevent possible engine damage while starting at low

temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit engine cranking when

the ambient temperature is less than -31°F (-35° C) and the oil

temperature sensor reading indicates an engine block heater

has not been used. The message “plug in engine heater” will

be displayed in the instrument cluster when the ambient

temperature is below -25°F (-32° C) at the time the engine is

shut off as a reminder.

Extended Park Starting

NOTE:

Extended Park condition occurs when the vehicle has not

been started or driven for at least 30 days.
1. Install a battery charger or jumper cables to the battery to

ensure a full battery charge during the crank cycle.

2. Cycle the ignition to the AVV/”START” position and

release it when the engine starts.

3. If the engine fails to start within ten seconds, cycle the

ignition to the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position, wait five

seconds to allow the starter to cool, then repeat the

Extended Park Starting procedure.

4. If the engine fails to start after eight attempts, allow the

starter to cool for at least 10 minutes, then repeat the

procedure.

If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the "Normal

Starting" or "Extreme Cold Weather" procedure, and has not

experienced an extended park condition as identified in

"Extended Park Starting" procedure it may be flooded. Push

the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there.

Crank the engine for no more than 15 seconds. This should

clear any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded. Leave the

ignition key in the MAR position, release the accelerator pedal

and repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank

continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 10

to 15 seconds before trying again.

STARTING AND OPERATING

159

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will

decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine and permits

quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the cord to a 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a

grounded, three-wire extension cord.
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C), the engine

block heater is recommended. For ambient temperatures

below -20°F (-29°C), the engine block heater is required.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood,

behind to the driver’s side headlamp. Follow the steps below

to properly use the engine block heater:
1. Locate the engine block heater cord (behind the driver’s

side headlamp).

2. Undo the hook-and-loop strap that secures the heater

cord in place.

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the

throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the

vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious

personal injury.

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it

started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic

transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel

could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine

has started, ignite and damage the converter and

vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables

may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or

the battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be

dangerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Starting

Procedure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further

information.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not continuously

crank the engine for more than 25 seconds at a time. Wait

60 seconds before trying again.

5

160 STARTING AND OPERATING

3. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a

grounded, three-wire extension cord.

4. After the vehicle is running, reattach the cord to the

hook-and-loop strap and properly stow away behind the

driver’s side headlamp.

NOTE:

• The engine block heater cord is a factory installed option.

If your vehicle is not equipped, heater cords are available

from your authorized Mopar dealer.

• The engine block heater will require 110 Volts AC and 6.5 Amps

to activate the heater element.

• The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one

hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and

drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After

the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or

90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the

limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.

Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri

-

mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a

high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes

should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions

under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom

-

mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Fluids And

Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications”.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord

before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical

cord could cause electrocution.

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in

the engine or damage may result.

STARTING AND OPERATING

161

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few

thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be

considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted

as a problem. Please check your oil level with the engine oil

indicator often during the break in period. Add oil as

required.

PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking brake

is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an automatic trans

-

mission in PARK, or manual transmission in REVERSE or

first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To

apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as

possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up

slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever

completely.

Parking Brake

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch

in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instru

-

ment cluster will illuminate.

5

162 STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

NOTE:

• When the parking brake is applied and the automatic

transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light”

will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound

to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake before

attempting to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It

does not show the degree of brake application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front

wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from

the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped with an

automatic transmission, apply the parking brake before

placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the load on the

transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to

move the gear selector out of PARK. The parking brake

should always be applied whenever the driver is not in the

vehicle.

WARNING!

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your 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 gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in a

location accessible to children. A child could operate

power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and a

collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or injury.

Also, be certain to leave an automatic transmission in

PARK, a manual transmission in REVERSE or first

gear. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and

cause damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the

parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is

indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an

authorized dealer immediately.

WARNING!

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

163

(Continued)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out

of PARK.

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, turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition

key. Once the key is removed, the transmission is

locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted

movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the ignition

key 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 transmission gear

selector.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children). 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!

(Continued)

5

164 STARTING AND OPERATING

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock

which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the

ignition can be turned to the full STOP (OFF/LOCK) (key

removal) position. The key can only be removed from the

ignition when the ignition is in the STOP (OFF/LOCK) posi

-

tion, and once removed, the transmission is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift

Interlock system (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 in the MAR/

RUN mode (engine running or not) and the brake pedal

must be pressed.
The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from

NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is

stopped or moving at low speeds.

Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both

beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To

select a gear range, press the lock button on the gear selector

and move the lever rearward or forward. You must also

press the brake pedal to shift the transmission out of PARK

(or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low

speeds). Select the DRIVE range for normal driving.

NOTE:

In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector position

and the actual transmission gear (for example, driver selects

REVERSE while driving forward), the position indicator will

blink continuously until the selector is returned to the proper

position, or the requested shift can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift

schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental

and road conditions. 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

or kilometers.
The nine-speed transmission has been developed to meet the

needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles. Software

and calibration is refined to optimize the customer’s driving

experience and fuel economy. By design, some vehicle and

driveline combinations utilize 9th gear only in very specific

driving situations and conditions.

STARTING AND OPERATING

165

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. Refer to "Electronic Range

Select (ERS) Operation" in this section for further informa

-

tion.

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 Selector

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from

PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to allow the

selected gear to engage before accelerating. This is especially

important when the engine is cold.

5

166 STARTING AND OPERATING

(Continued)

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 level surface, you may shift the transmis

-

sion into PARK first, and then apply the parking brake.
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.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
• Apply the parking brake,
• Shift the transmission into PARK,
• Turn the engine OFF, and
• Remove the ignition key.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully

when exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move

-

ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if it

is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear

selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.

Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting

the vehicle.

• 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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

167

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you

have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK posi

-

tion:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the gear

selector and firmly move the selector all the way forward

until it stops and is fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear position display and verify

that it indicates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector will

not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into

REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• 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, turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition

key. Once the key is removed, the transmission is

locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted

movement.

• When exiting the vehicle, always remove the ignition

key 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 transmission gear

selector.

• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle (or

in a location accessible to children). A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or move the

vehicle.

WARNING!

(Continued)

CAUTION!

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN

mode, 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.

5

168 STARTING AND OPERATING

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged

periods with the engine running. 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. The DRIVE position

provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal

operating conditions.
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), use the Electronic Range Select (ERS)

shift control refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Opera

-

tion” in this section for further information to select a lower

gear range. Under these conditions, using a lower gear range

will improve performance and extend transmission life by

reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating

limits, the transmission controller may modify the transmis

-

sion shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or expand the

range of torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to

prevent transmission damage due to overheating.

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.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And

Operating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In

Case Of Emergency” for further information.

STARTING AND OPERATING

169

If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Transmis

-

sion Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the

transmission may operate differently until the transmission

cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be

modified depending on engine and transmission tempera

-

ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm up

time of the engine and transmission to achieve maximum

efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch, and

shifts into 8th or 9th gear, are inhibited until the transmission

fluid is warm refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter

Clutch” in this section. 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 may

operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL.

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.

Limp Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an

authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans

-

mission.

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.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recommend that

you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest possible

convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnostic equip

-

ment to assess the condition of your transmission. If the

transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service is

required.

5

170 STARTING AND OPERATING

Torque Converter Clutch

A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been

included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A

clutch within the torque converter engages automatically at

calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different

feeling or response during normal operation in the upper

gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some acceler

-

ations, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE:

The torque converter clutch will not engage until the trans

-

mission fluid is warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km)

of driving]. Because the engine speed is higher when the

torque converter clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the

transmission is not shifting properly when cold. This is

normal. The torque converter clutch will function normally

once the transmission is sufficiently warm.

Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation

The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows the

driver to limit the highest available gear. For example, if you

set the transmission gear limit to 5 (fifth gear), the transmis

-

sion will not shift above fifth 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 posi

-

tion, 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 top available gear.

Once in ERS mode, moving the gear selector forward (-) or

rearward (+) will change the top available gear, which will

be displayed in the instrument cluster.
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 posi

-

tion, then simply press and hold it forward (-). The transmis

-

sion will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be

slowed down.

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.

STARTING AND OPERATING

171

POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give you good

vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in

tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering

capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will still be

possible to steer your vehicle. Under these conditions, you will

observe a substantial increase in steering effort, especially at

very low vehicle speeds and during parking maneuvers.

NOTE:

• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel

travel are considered normal and do not indicate that there

is a problem with the power steering system.

• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering

pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is

due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This

noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any

way damage the steering system.

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service

interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked if

a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or

the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coordinate

inspection efforts through your authorized dealer.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end of

the steering wheel travel will increase the steering fluid

temperature and it should be avoided when possible.

Damage to the power steering pump may occur.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and with

the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts and

to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill.

Use only manufacturer's recommended power steering

fluid.

5

172 STARTING AND OPERATING

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated

level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all

surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical

Specifications” for further information.

SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED

When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator

operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of the

steering wheel.

Speed Control Buttons

To Activate

Push the on/off button to activate the Speed Control. The

cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster display will

illuminate. To turn the system off, push the on/off button a

second time. The cruise indicator light will turn off. The

system should be turned off when not in use.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering

system as the chemicals can damage your power steering

components. Such damage is not covered by the New

Vehicle Limited Warranty.

1 — On/Off

2 — RES (+)/Resume/Accel

3 — SET (–)/Set Speed/Decel

4 — CAN/Cancel