ESP CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2008 1.G User Guide

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM -
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP
Your vehicle is equipped with the advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) Brake Assist
System (BAS), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All
four systems work together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions, and are com-
monly referred to as ESP.
Traction Control System (TCS)
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 thebrake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
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WARNING!
²BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
²The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user 's safety
or the safety of others.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path. ESP 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, ESP applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
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ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The ªESP/TCS Indicator
Lightº also flashes when TCS is active. If the ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº 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!
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
²ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
²The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
156 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ESP Operating Modes
The ESP system has 2 available operating modes.
ESP ON
This 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 most driving situations.
ESP should only be turned to ªPartial ESPº for specific
reasons as noted below.
PARTIAL ESP
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the
ªESP OFFº button.
When in ªPartial ESPº mode, the TCS portion of ESP has
been disabled, the thresholds for ESP activation are
Traction Control Switch
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3

raised, and the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº will be illu-
minated. This mode is intended to be used for a more
spirited driving experience, or if the vehicle is in deep
snow, sand, or gravel conditions and more wheel spin
that ESP would normally allow is required.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the
ªESP OFFº button.
WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
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 ªPartial ESPº
mode by pressing the ªESP OFFº button. Once thesituation requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial
ESPº mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momen-
tarily depressing the ªESP OFFº button. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the yellow ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. They should both
go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
158 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
²The ªESP Indicator Lightº and the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lightº come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Ð IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward or away from the driver to provide
improved position with the steering wheel. The adjust-
able pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of
driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position.
The switch is located on the drivers door trim panel next
to the power seat switches.Press the switch forward to move the pedals forward
(toward the front of the vehicle).
Press the switch rearward to move the pedals rearward
(toward the driver).
²The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SWITCH
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WARNING!
²Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Park Sense System. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, and be sure to check
for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions,
or blind spots before backing up. You are respon-
sible for the safety of your surroundings and must
continue to pay attention while backing up. Failure
to do so can result in serious injury or death.
²Before using the Rear Park Sense System, it is
strongly recommended that the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly be disconnected from the vehicle
when the vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do
so can result in injury or damage to vehicles or
obstacles because the hitch ball will be much closer
to the obstacle than the rear fascia when the warning
display turns the red LEDs ON. Also, the sensors
could detect the ball mount and hitch ball assembly,
depending on its size and shape, giving a false
indication that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
²To avoid vehicle damage the Rear Park Sense
System should only be used as a parking aid and
is unable to recognize every obstacle, including
small objects. Parking curbs might be temporarily
detected or not detected at all. Obstacles located
above or below the sensors will not be detected
when they are in close proximity to the rear of the
vehicle.
²To avoid vehicle damage the vehicle must be
driven slowly when using the Rear Park Sense
System to be able to stop in time when an obstacle
is detected. It is recommended that the driver look
over his/her shoulder when using the Rear Park
Sense System.
164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

5. Backup as necessary.
6. Place the sift lever in P (Park) or D (Drive) to exit the
Rear Backup Camera system.
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Camera System. Always check care-
fully behind your vehicle, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, obstructions, or
blind spots before backing up. You are responsible
for the safety of your surroundings and must con-
tinue to pay attention while backing up. Failure to do
so can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
²To avoid vehicle damage the Rear Camera System
should only be used as a parking aid and is unable
to view every obstacle, or object in your drive
path.
²To avoid vehicle damage the vehicle must be
driven slowly when using the Rear Camera Sys-
tem to be able to stop in time when an obstacle is
seen. It is recommended that the driver look fre-
quently over his/her shoulder when using the Rear
Camera System.
NOTE:If snow, ice, mud, or anything else builds up on
the camera lens, clean the lens, rinse with water, and dry
with a soft cloth. Do not cover the lens.
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CAUTION!
²Crossbars should remain equally spaced or parallel
at any luggage rack position for proper function.
Noncompliance could result in damage to the lug-
gage rack, cargo and/or vehicle.
²To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity of 150
lbs (68 kg). Always distribute heavy loads as evenly
as possible and secure the load appropriately.
²Long loads which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, or loads with large
frontal area should be secured to both the front and
rear of the vehicle.
²Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward lift to loads. This is
especially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your ve-
hicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the vehicle,
particularly at high speeds, resulting in personal in-
jury or property damage. Follow the Roof Rack Cau-
tions when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
LOAD LEVELING SYSTEM
The automatic load leveling system will provide a level
riding vehicle under most passenger and cargo loading
conditions.
A hydraulic pump contained within the shock absorbers
raises the rear of the vehicle to the correct height. It takes
approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) of driving for the leveling
to complete depending on road surface conditions.
If the leveled vehicle is not moved for approximately 15
hours, the leveling system will bleed itself down. The
vehicle must be driven to reset the system.
180 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.8. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control Light. 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 Light.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL