traction control CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2007 1.G User Guide

ESP has the following operating modes:
•
ESP OnThis is the normal operating mode for ESP.
Whenever the vehicle is started the ESP system will be
in this mode. This mode should be used for almost all
driving situations. ESP should only be turned to
“Partial Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
•Partial OffThis mode is entered by momentarily
depressing the “ESP Control Switch”. When in “Partial
Off” mode, the TCS portion of ESP, except for the
“limited slip” feature described in the TCS section, has
been disabled and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will
be illuminated. All other stability features of ESP
function normally, with the exception of engine power
reduction. This mode is intended to be used if the
vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and
more wheel spin than ESP would normally allow isrequired to gain traction. To turn ESP on again, mo-
mentarily depress the “ESP Control Switch”. This will
restore the normal “ESP 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 “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the “ESP Control Switch”. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should both
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TRACTION CONTROL
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system 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.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP is in the
“Partial Off” mode.
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction (spinning). The system will
operate at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).The system is always in the “stand by” mode unless,•The ESP “OFF” Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
Traction Control Switch
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•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures
NOTE:
•The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
•Extended heavy use of Traction Control may cause the
system to deactivate and turn on the traction control
indicator located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and
is a normal condition. The system will remain disabled
for about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The
system will automatically reactivate and turn off the
traction control indicator.
•If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow,
turn the Traction Control System OFF before at-
tempting to “rock” the vehicle free.
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 condi-
tions, 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 does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
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.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
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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 known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
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Call Toll Free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
•www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
•www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
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 con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) 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 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. Those 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.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 443
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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
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of 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 car tires must meet under the Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent 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.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
444 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Replacing............................ 406
Switch.............................. 135
Time Delay.......................... 136
Heated Seats........................... 116
Heater............................... 241
Heater, Engine Block..................... 270
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 333
Holder, Cup........................... 165
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 154
Hood Release.......................... 131
Hoses.............................388,391
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Illuminated Entry........................ 20
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Indicator, Traction Control................. 183Infant Restraint........................68,69
Information Center, Vehicle................. 191
Instrument Cluster.................178,179,180
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 177
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 400
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 402
Interior Appearance Care.................. 399
Interior Lights.......................134,135
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 139
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 346
Jack Operation.......................346,350
Jacking Instructions...................... 350
Jump Starting.......................... 354
Key, Programming........................ 17
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
INDEX 453
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Compact Spare........................ 301
General Information.................... 297
High Speed.......................... 299
Inflation Pressures..................... 298
Jacking............................. 346
Life of Tires.......................... 304
Load Capacity.....................293,294
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 308
Quality Grading....................... 443
Radial.............................. 300
Replacement......................... 304
Rotation............................. 307
Safety...........................288,297
Sizes............................... 290
Snow Tires........................... 307
Spare Tire........................... 348
Spinning............................ 302
Tread Wear Indicators................... 303
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 335Towing............................... 329
Disabled Vehicle....................... 357
Guide.............................. 334
Recreational.......................342,358
Weight.............................. 334
Traction Control...................141,183,285
Traction Control Switch.................141,285
Trailer Towing.......................... 329
Cooling System Tips.................... 341
Hitches............................. 333
Minimum Requirements................. 336
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 335
Wiring.............................. 339
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 334
Trailer Weight.......................... 334
Transaxle............................. 270
Automatic.........................12,270
Autostick.........................151,274
Operation........................... 270
INDEX 461
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