traction control DODGE DURANGO 2014 3.G Owners Manual

•The shift lever/gear selector is removed from the
Drive position.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-
tem (ESC/TCS) activates.
• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• Driver seatbelt is unbuckled at low speeds.
• Driver door is opened at low speeds.
• A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) event occurs.
• The driver switches ESC to full-off mode.
To Turn Off
The system will turn off and clear the set speed in
memory if:
•The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ON/OFF button
is pressed. •
The Normal (Fixed Speed) Electronic Speed Control
ON/OFF button is pressed.
• The ignition is turned OFF.
• You switch to Four-Wheel Drive Low.
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory press the RES (resume)
button and then remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. The EVIC will display the last set speed.
NOTE:
•If your vehicle stays at standstill for longer than two
seconds, then the system will cancel and the brake
force will be ramped-out. The driver will have to apply
the brakes to keep the vehicle at a standstill.
• ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle
in-front of your vehicle in close proximity.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 205

•If the button is continually pressed, the set speed will
continue to decrease in 5 mph increments until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is re-
flected in the EVIC display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pressing the SET -button once will result in a 1 km/h
decrease in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
button results in a decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pressed, the set speed will
continue to decrease in 10 km/h increments until the
button is released. The decrease in set speed is re-
flected in the EVIC display.To Cancel
The following conditions will cancel the Normal (Fixed
Speed) Electronic Speed Control without clearing the
memory:
• The brake pedal is applied.
• The CANCEL button is pressed.
• The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control Sys-
tem (ESC/TCS) activates.
• The vehicle parking brake is applied.
• The braking temperature exceeds normal range (over-
heated).
• The shift lever/gear selector is removed from the
Drive position.
224 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINESTART/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position (do not start the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
3. Without pressing the brake pedal, press the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the
OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Messages
• Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
• Driver Seatbelt Unbuckled •
Passenger Seatbelt Unbuckled
• Service Airbag System
• Traction Control Off
• Washer Fluid Low
• Oil Pressure Low
• Oil Change Due
• Fuel Low
• Service Antilock Brake System
• Service Electronic Throttle Control
• Service Power Steering
• Cruise Off
• Cruise Ready
• Cruise Set To XXX MPH
306 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ................431
 OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ................432
▫ When To Use LOW Range — If Equipped . . . .432
▫ Driving Through Water .................432
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ..........433
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... .434
▫ Traction Downhill .....................435
▫ After Driving Off-Road .................435
 POWER STEERING .....................436
▫ 3.6L Engine ......................... .436
▫ 5.7L Engine ......................... .437
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............438
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L ENGINE ONLY
— IF EQUIPPED ...................... .439
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .439
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .442
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............443
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............443
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............444
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........444
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........445
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............448
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................449
▫ Ready Alert Braking ...................451
▫ Rain Brake Support ....................451
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Single-Speed Operating Instructions/Precautions
(3.6L Engine) — If Equipped
This system contains a single-speed (HI range only)
transfer case, which provides convenient full-time all-
wheel drive. No driver interaction is required. The Brake
Traction Control (BTC) System, which combines standard
ABS and Traction Control, provides resistance to any
wheel that is slipping to allow additional torque transfer
to wheels with traction.NOTE:
This system is not appropriate for conditions
where LOW range is recommended. Refer to “Off-Road
Driving Tips” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case
(Three-Position Switch) (5.7L Engine) — If
Equipped
This is an electronic shift transfer case and it is operated
by the AWD Control Switch, which is located on the
center console.
424 STARTING AND OPERATING

This electronically shifted transfer case provides three
mode positions:
•All-wheel drive automatic range (AWD AUTO)
• All-wheel drive low range (LOW RANGE)
• Neutral (NEUTRAL) This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the AWD AUTO position for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads.
For variable driving conditions, the AWD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. All-wheel
drive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
LOW RANGE position can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished
by rotating the AWD Control Switch to the desired
position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for specific shift-
ing instructions. The LOW RANGE position is designed
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the
LOW RANGE position on dry hard surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline
components.
AWD Control Switch (Three-Position)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 425

For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
AWD Auto
All-Wheel Drive Auto Range – This range sends power to
the rear wheels. The all-wheel drive system will be
automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road conditions.
LOW Range
All-Wheel Drive Low Range – This range provides low
speed all-wheel drive. Locks the front and rear drive-
shafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate
at the same speed. Additional traction and maximum
pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).Neutral (N)
Neutral – This range disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.
Shifting Procedure
NOTE:
•
If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case
position have not been met, the transfer case will not
shift. The position indicator light for the previous posi-
tion will remain ON and the newly selected position
indicator light will continue to flash until all the require-
ments for the selected position have been met. To retry a
shift: return the control knob back to the original posi-
tion, make certain all shift requirements have been met,
wait five seconds and try the shift again.
428 STARTING AND OPERATING

turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
When To Use LOW Range — If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to LOW for additional
traction. This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, or sand where additional
low speed pulling power is needed. Vehicle speeds in
excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
LOW range.
CAUTION!
Do not drive in 4WD-LOW Range on dry pavement;
driveline damage may result. 4WD-LOW Range
locks front and rear drivelines together and does not
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
allow for differential action between the front to rear
driveshafts. Driving in 4WD-LOW on pavement will
cause driveline binding; use only on wet or slippery
surfaces.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that must be
considered before entering the water.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering,
as a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driv-
ing through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
432 STARTING AND OPERATING

to “All-Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information. Do not shift to a lower
gear than necessary to maintain forward motion. Over-
revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will
be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to LOW. Use first
gear and LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose forward motion while
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine, and shift into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill,
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain forward motion
434 STARTING AND OPERATING

by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a
fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually provide
traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear, and the transfer
case into LOW range. Let the vehicle go slowly down the
hill with all four wheels turning against engine compres-
sion drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it isalways a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•
Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 435