traction control Ram 5500 Chassis Cab 2017 User Guide

reduce engine power to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD), functions similar to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This
will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS
and ESC are in a reduced mode.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects
for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by apply-
ing the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
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.•
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.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” located
in the instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the
ESC system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when the 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.
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
(Continued)
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

comes on continuously with the engine running, a mal-
function 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 your authorized dealer as soon
as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) 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.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” and
the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, 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.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
customer has elected to have the Electronic Sta-
bility Control (ESC) in a reduced mode.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This 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, or striking objects or other vehicles.
NOTE: ERM is disabled anytime the ESC is in “Full Off”
mode (if equipped). Refer to “Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)” in this section for a complete explanation of the
available ESC modes.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 361

WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in controlling
vehicle speed when descending hills. The driver must
remain attentive to the driving conditions and is re-
sponsible for maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT Safety Standards
Code (TIN)4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 365

Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that have
experienced a loss of pressure should be replaced immedi-
ately with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service
description (Load Index and Speed Symbol).
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons (Spring,
Summer, Fall and Winter). Traction levels may vary be-
tween different all season tires. All season tires can be
identified by the M+S, M&S, M/S or MS designation on the
tire sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets of four; failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires — If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet and dry condi-
tions, and are not intended to be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer tires, be aware
these tires are not designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your vehicle when am-
bient temperatures are less than 40°F (5°C) or if roads are
covered with ice or snow. For more information, contact an
authorized dealer.Summer tires do not contain the all season designation or
mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. Use
Summer tires only in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice conditions. You
could lose vehicle control, resulting in severe injury or
death. Driving too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during the Winter. Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires
equivalent in size and type to the origi-
nal equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of four; failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should not
be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 379

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 ad-
equate 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 readings.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clear-
ance. Follow these recommendations to guard against
damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
Please follow the table below for proper tire size, chain
type, and axle recommendations:
Vehicle Axle Recommendations Tire SizesChain Class
Chassis Cab 3500 (Single Rear Wheel) Models Rear Only
LT265/70R18E U Class
Chassis Cab 3500 (Dual Rear Wheel) 4X2 Models Rear Only
LT235/80R17E U Class
Chassis Cab 3500 (Dual Rear Wheel) 4X4 Models Front/Rear
LT235/80R17E U Class
Chassis Cab 4500/5500 Models Rear Only225/70R19.5G U Class
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 385

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.
• 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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•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 manufacturer ’s if it is
less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving, and
braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal
rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The
benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggres-
sive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road type tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth,
quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals. More frequent rotation is permissible if
desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected prior to rotation being performed.
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices,
and differences in road characteristics 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 performance.
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.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the materialof the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Ex-
cessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle recom-
mended cold placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that when the
outside temperature decreases, the tire pressure will de-
crease. Tire pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire pressure
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 389

Door LocksDoor Locks ..............................30
KeyFob................................30
Remote ................................30
Remote Keyless Entry ......................30
Door Locks, Automatic .......................32
Door Opener, Garage ....................... .165
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow Standing
Water ................................ .348
Dual Rear Wheels ....................387, 427, 434
Electrical Power Outlets ..................... .172
Electric Rear Window Defrost ..................186
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ..............342
Electronic Brake Control System ................353
Anti-Lock Brake System ....................353
Electronic Roll Mitigation ...................361
Traction Control System ....................357
Electronic Range Select (ERS)..................332
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........145
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ...............358
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light .........205
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .......161
Emergency Brake .......................... .350Emergency, In Case Of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck .................439
Hazard Warning Flasher ...................426
Jump Starting .......................... .436
Tow Hooks ............................ .440
Emission Control System Maintenance ............449
Engine ................................. .447
Air Cleaner ............................ .454
Break-In Recommendations ................93, 94
Compartment Identification .................447
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................... .500
Exhaust Gas Caution ...................95, 399
Flooded, Starting ........................ .323
Fuel Requirements ....................... .396
Jump Starting .......................... .436
Oil .............................. .452,
500
Oil Filler Cap .......................... .453
Oil Filter .............................. .454
Oil Selection ........................... .452
Oil Synthetic ........................... .453
Overheating ........................... .426
Engine Oil Viscosity ........................ .453
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ..........68, 444
Entry System, Illuminated .....................21
Ethanol ................................. .39710
INDEX 519

Low Fuel............................. .214
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ..........208
Park ................................. .219
Passing ............................... .138
Seat Belt Reminder ...................... .201
Security Alarm ......................... .203
Service ............................ .493, 494
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ..........212, 389
Traction Control ........................ .360
Transfer Case .......................... .341
Turn Signal ....................98, 137, 220, 494
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . .204, 220
Limited-Slip Differential ..................346, 478
Loading Vehicle ........................... .401
Tires................................. .371
Load Shed Battery Saver Mode ...................... .236
Battery Saver On ........................ .236
Electrical Load Reduction ...................236
Intelligent Battery Sensor ...................236
Locks ....................................30
Automatic Door ..........................32
Child Protection ..........................33
Door ..................................30
Power Door .............................32 Low Tire Pressure System
.....................389
Lubrication, Body ......................... .465
Lug Nuts ......................... .427, 433, 434
Maintenance Free Battery .....................457
Maintenance Procedures ..................... .451
Maintenance Schedule ...................... .504
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . . .208, 449
Manual, Service ........................... .514
Manual Transmission Fluid Level Check ....................... .478
Memory Seat ............................. .124
Methanol ............................... .397
Mirrors ................................. .103
Electric

Powered .........................111
Heated ................................112
Memory .............................. .124
Outside ...............................110
Rearview ....................... .103, 104, 109
Trailer Towing ...........................113
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ................7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ..................389
MOPAR Parts ......................... .450, 513
MTBE/ETBE ............................. .397
10
INDEX 523

Aging (Life Of Tires)..................... .383
Air Pressure ........................ .371, 376
Chains ............................... .385
Compact Spare ......................... .381
Dual .......................... .387, 427, 434
General Information ...................376, 380
High Speed ............................ .378
Inflation Pressures ....................... .377
Life Of Tires ........................... .383
Load Capacity ...................... .371, 373
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............389
Pressure Warning Light ....................212
Quality Grading ........................ .388
Radial ............................... .378
Replacement ........................... .384
Rotation .............................. .386
Safety ............................ .365, 376
Sizes ................................ .367
Snow Tires ............................ .379
Spare Tire ...................... .380, 381, 382
Spinning .............................. .382
Tread Wear Indicators .....................383
Wheel Nut Torque ....................... .433
Tire Safety Information ...................... .365
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................408Torque Converter Clutch
.....................335
Tow Hooks, Emergency ..................... .440
Towing ............................. .403, 442
Disabled Vehicle ........................ .442
Guide ................................ .407
Recreational ........................... .418
Weight ............................... .407
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............418
Traction ................................ .347
T

raction Control .......................... .357
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ....................362
Trailer Towing ............................ .403
Cooling System Tips ..................... .415
Hitches ............................... .407
Minimum Requirements ....................408
Mirrors ................................113
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................408
Wiring ............................... .414
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .407
Trailer Weight ............................ .407
Transfer Case ............................ .478
Electronically Shifted ..................... .342
Fluid ................................ .502
Transmission ............................. .478
Automatic ......................... .327, 478
528 INDEX