traction control Ram 3500 2015 Owner's Guide

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, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. 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 capa-
bilities 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.
All Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel
Drive Vehicles In 2WD, 4WD AUTO, Or 4WD
LOCK Modes Can Choose The Following ESC
Operating Modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in 2WD/4WD
AUTO/4WD LOCK modes and in 2WD vehicles. When-
ever the vehicle is started or the transfer case (if equipped)
is shifted from 4WD LOW or Neutral, back to 4WD LOCK
or 4WD AUTO, the ESC system will be in this mode. This
mode should be used for almost all driving situations. ESC
should only be turned toESC Partial Offor “ESC Full
Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the “ESC
Partial Off” switch. When in Partial Offmode, the TCS
portion of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature
582 STARTING AND OPERATING

described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
ESC Off Indicator Lightwill be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESC function normally. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand,
or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than TCS
would normally allow is required to gain traction. To
turn ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC Off”
switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.
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 “ESC Partial
Off” mode by pushing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the
situation requiring ESC to be switched to the “ESC Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momen-
tarily pushing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.WARNING!
• When in “ESC Partial Off” mode, the TCS func-
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section), has been disabled
and the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. When in “ESC 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 ESC Partial Offmode.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 583

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have a collision.
• Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
— IF EQUIPPED
A light load vehicle condition is defined as two passen-
gers [150 lbs (68 kg) each] plus 200 lbs (91 kg) of cargo.
Cold tire inflation pressures for a lightly loaded vehicle
will be found on the face of the driver’s door.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body
clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard
against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 613

WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the device before further use.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufac-
turer ’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 615

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 839

Remote...............................37
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................37
Door Locks, Automatic ......................39
Door Opener, Garage .......................211
Driving Off-Pavement ......................... .526
Off-Road ............................ .526
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .547
Dual Rear Wheels ..................... .617, 680
E-85 Fuel .............................. .633
Electrical Power Outlets .....................224
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................242
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ......491, 498, 503
Electronic Brake Control System ...............575
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................576
Brake Assist System .....................577
Traction Control System ...................577 Electronic Range Select (ERS)
..........462, 471, 483
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........185
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............581
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . .207, 297 Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .297
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Setup
Menu ............................... .297
EVIC Messages ........................ .297
Selectable Menu Items ....................312
Emergency Brake ........................ .572
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................730
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................679
Jump Starting ......................... .725
Tow Hooks ........................... .732
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........748
Engine ............................. .745, 746
Air Cleaner .......................... .755
Block Heater ......................... .451
846 INDEX

Airbag........................ .78, 116, 285
Alarm .............................. .285
Anti-Lock ............................ .285
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... .577
Automatic Headlights ....................166
Brake Assist Warning ....................585
Brake Warning ........................ .285
Bulb Replacement ...................... .805
Cap Top Clearance ......................811
Cargo .............................. .174
Center Mounted Stop ....................810
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........285
Courtesy/Reading ................172, 174, 209
Daytime Running ...................... .167
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....585
Exterior ..............................117
Fog ......................... .170, 285, 808
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................491
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................679 Headlights
........................... .165
High Beam ....................... .176, 285
High Beam Indicator .....................285
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............176
Hill Descent Control Indicator ..............587
Illuminated Entry ........................24
Instrument Cluster ..................... .285
Interior ....................171, 172, 174, 209
Oil Pressure .......................... .285
Passing ............................. .176
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .285
Security Alarm ........................ .285
Service .......................... .804, 805
Side Marker .......................... .814
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .........285, 619
Traction Control ....................... .585
Transfer Case ......................... .491
T

urn Signal ..................117, 175, 806, 808
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......28510
INDEX 851

Recreational.......................... .667
Weight .............................. .649
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........667
Traction ............................... .546
Traction Control ......................... .577
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................586
Trailer Towing .......................... .641
Cooling System Tips .....................662
Hitches ............................. .648
Minimum Requirements ..................651
Mirrors ............................. .140
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................650
Wiring .............................. .659
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .649
Trailer Weight ........................... .649
Transfer Case ........................... .782
Electronically Shifted ..............491, 498, 503
Fluid ............................... .820
Transmission ........................... .455Automatic
..................455, 464, 476, 782
Fluid ............................... .820
Maintenance .......................... .782
Shifting ............................. .452
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .30
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .25
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........25
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .610
Turn Signals ...................175, 285, 806, 808
Uconnect® Customer Programmable Features ........362, 383
Operation ............................ .390
Uconnect® Settings ..................... .351
Uconnect® Settings ..................362, 383
Uconnect® Settings Customer Programmable Features ......42, 359, 380
Passive Entry Programming ..........42, 359, 380
Uconnect® Settings ..................359, 380
10
INDEX 859