traction control DODGE CHARGER 2021 Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING99
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) on/off button. The ACC menu in the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again.
At this time, the system will turn off and the
instrument cluster displays “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Off.”
To Set A Desired Speed
When the vehicle reaches the speed desired,
push the SET (+) button or the SET (-) button and
release. The instrument cluster display will show
the set speed.
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control can be used without
ACC enabled. To change between the different
modes, push the ACC on/off button which turns
the ACC and the Fixed Speed Cruise Control off.
Pushing the Fixed Speed Cruise Control on/off
button will result in turning on (changing to) Fixed
Speed Cruise Control mode.
If ACC is set when the vehicle speed is below
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed will default to
20 mph (32 km/h).
NOTE:Fixed Speed Cruise Control cannot be set below
20 mph (32 km/h). If either system is set when the vehicle speed is
above
20 mph (32 km/h), the set speed shall be
the current speed of the vehicle.
NOTE:

Keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal can
cause the vehicle to continue to accelerate
beyond the set speed. If this occurs, the message
“DRIVER OVERRIDE” will display in the instrument
cluster display.

If you continue to accelerate beyond the set
speed while ACC is enabled, the system will not
be controlling the distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead. The vehicle speed will
only be determined by the position of the accel-
erator pedal.
To Cancel
The following conditions cancel the ACC or Fixed
Speed Cruise Control systems:
The brake pedal is applied
The CANC (cancel) button is pushed
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) activates
The gear selector is removed from the DRIVE
position
The Electronic Stability Control/Traction Control
System (ESC/TCS) activates
WARNING!
Leaving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system on when not in use is dangerous.
You could accidentally set the system or cause it
to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have a collision. Always leave the
system off when you are not using it.
WARNING!
In the Fixed Speed Cruise Control mode, the
system will not react to vehicles ahead. In
addition, the proximity warning does not activate
and no alarm will sound even if you are too close
to the vehicle ahead since neither the presence
of the vehicle ahead nor the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance is detected. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead. Always be aware which mode is selected.4

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112STARTING AND OPERATING
CHANGING LANESENSE STATUS

The LaneSense system has settings to adjust the
intensity of the torque warning and the warning zone
sensitivity (early/med/late) that you can configure
through the Uconnect system
Ú
page 125.

NOTE:
When enabled the system operates above
37 mph (60 km/h) and below 112 mph
(180 km/h).
The warnings are disabled with the use of the
turn signal.
The system will not apply torque to the steering
wheel whenever a safety system engages
(Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control System,
Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision
Warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera allows you to
see an on-screen image of the rear surroundings of
your vehicle whenever the gear selector is put into
REVERSE. The image will be displayed on the
Navigation/Multimedia radio display screen along
with a caution note to “Check Entire Surroundings”
across the top of the screen. After five seconds this
note will disappear. The ParkView Rear Back Up
Camera is located on the rear of the vehicle above
the rear license plate. Manual Activation Of The Rear View Camera

1. Press the “Controls” button located on the
bottom of the Uconnect display.

2. Press the “Backup Camera” button to turn the Rear View Camera system on.
NOTE:The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera has program -
mable modes of operation that may be selected
through the Uconnect system Ú page 125.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with
camera delay turned off), the rear camera mode is
exited and the previous screen appears. When the
vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (with camera
delay turned on), the camera image will continue
to be displayed for up to 10 seconds unless the
following conditions occur: The vehicle speed
exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle is shifted
into PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the
OFF position, or the user presses image defeat “X”
to exit out of the camera video display.
When manually activated, a counter will be
initiated after the vehicle speed is above 8 mph
(13 km/h). The rear view camera image will turn
off when this counter reaches 10 seconds. The
counter will be reset when the vehicle speed is
8 mph (13 km/h) or below. If the vehicle speed
remains below 8 mph (13 km/h), the rear view
camera image will continue to be displayed until the transmission is shifted into PARK, the vehicle’s
ignition is placed in the OFF position, or the image
defeat “X” button is pressed.

When enabled, active guidelines are overlaid on the
image to illustrate the width of the vehicle and its
projected backup path based on the steering wheel
position. Different colored zones indicate the distance
to the rear of the vehicle. The following table shows the
approximate distances for each zone:

Zone Distance To The Rear Of The
Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft (30 cm - 2 m) Green 6.5 ft or greater (2 m or greater)
WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even
when using the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera.
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 responsible 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.

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122STARTING AND OPERATING
DRIVING TIPS
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Information in this section will aid in safe
controlled launches in adverse conditions.
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other
slippery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to
pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon
occurs when there is a difference in the surface
traction under the front (driving) wheels.
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 precautions should be
observed:
Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads
are slushy.
Slow down if the road has standing water or
puddles.
Replace tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
Keep tires properly inflated.
Maintain sufficient distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a
collision in a sudden stop.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) that reduces, but does not
eliminate, the amount of wheel slip across a given
axle for improved handling.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden
pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control
of the vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there is
likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud,
loose sand, etc.).

WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm
run-off). Flowing water can wear away the road
or path's surface and cause your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Furthermore, flowing and/or
rising water can carry your vehicle away swiftly.
Failure to follow this warning may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.

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MULTIMEDIA175
Drive Mode Set-Up

Performance Control Set-Up
Pressing the Drive Mode Set-Up button on the
touchscreen within the Performance Control
screen indicates the real-time status of the various
systems. Pressing the Sport Mode Set-Up, Drag
Mode Set-Up (1320 only), or Default Mode Set-Up
button on the touchscreen allows the driver to
configure their individual performance control
and to see how those configurations affect the
performance of the vehicle.
NOTE:Not all of the options listed in this manual are
available on every vehicle. Below is a chart with
all available Performance Control vehicle
configurations.
Available Mode Configurations
Refer to the Sport and Default Modes for their detailed operation.
NOTE:These settings will remain in effect when using the Launch Control feature.
Engine
If Manual Transmission
Engine/Transmission If Auto Transmission
Steering X
Paddle Shifters If Auto Transmission
Traction Control X
Suspension If Adaptive Suspension
5

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176MULTIMEDIA
Default Mode

Default Mode

The vehicle will always start in Default Mode. This mode
is for typical driving conditions. While in Default Mode,
the Engine/Transmission, and Traction will operate in
their Normal settings and cannot be changed. The
Steering Assist may be configured to “Normal”, “Sport”,
or “Comfort” by pressing the corresponding button on
the touchscreen. The paddle shifters (if equipped) may
be enabled or disabled while in this mode.
Default Mode Set-Up
Launch Control

Launch Control
This vehicle is equipped with a Launch Control
system that is designed to allow the driver to achieve
quick, consistent vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of traction control
that manages tire slip while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use during race events
on a closed course where consistent quarter-mile
and 0-to-60 times are desired. The system is not
intended to compensate for lack of driver experience
or familiarity with the race track. Use of this feature
in low traction (cold, wet, gravel, etc.) conditions may
result in excess wheel slip outside this system’s
control resulting in an aborted launch.

WARNING!
Launch Mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only and should not be used on any
public roadways. It is recommended that this
feature be used in a controlled environment, and
within the limits of the law. The capabilities of
the vehicle as measured by the performance
pages must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which can jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.

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MULTIMEDIA177
NOTE:
Launch Control should not be used on public
roads. Always check track conditions and the
surrounding area.
Launch Control is not available for the first
500 miles (805 km) of the vehicle’s life.
Launch Control should only be used when the
engine and transmission are at operating
temperature.
Launch Control is intended to be used on dry,
paved road surfaces only. Use on slippery or
loose surfaces may cause damage to vehicle
components and is not recommended.
Launch Control is not available in ESC Full Off
mode.
Sport Mode

Sport Mode
Sport Mode is a configuration set-up for typical
enthusiast driving. The Transmission and Steering
are both set to their Sport settings. The steering
wheel Paddle switches are enabled. Traction Control
defaults to “Normal”. Any of these four settings may
be changed to the driver’s preferences by pressing
the buttons on the touchscreen. Push the Sport
button on the instrument panel switch bank to put
the vehicle in Sport Mode and to activate these
settings. The customized settings will only be active
when the Sport button is active. Sport Mode Set-Up

Possible Performance Control configurations are
listed below with accompanying descriptions.
The information contained in the list below can
also be accessed from within the mode Set-Up
menus. To access the information, press the Info
button on the touchscreen from the mode Set-Up
menu, and use the Left/Right arrows to toggle
through available descriptions. The title for each
system in the Set-Up menu can be pressed, which
provides the descriptions for each function of that
system.
5

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178MULTIMEDIA
ENGINE/TRANS (IF EQUIPPED WITH
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)

Engine/Trans

SPORT
Press the Sport button on the touchscreen for
improved throttle response and modified
shifting for an enhanced driving experience.
NORMAL
Press the Normal button on the touchscreen for
a balance of throttle response, shift comfort and
economy for normal driving.
PADDLE SHIFTERS — IF EQUIPPED WITH
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Paddle – Automatic Transmission

ON
Press the On button on the touchscreen to
enable steering wheel paddle shifters.
OFF
Press the Off button on the touchscreen to
disable steering wheel paddle shifters.
TRACTION

Traction Control

SPORT
Press the Sport button on the touchscreen to
turn off traction control and reduce stability
control.
NORMAL
Press the Normal button on the touchscreen to
provide full traction control and full stability
control.

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180 (Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and
brake performance under most braking conditions.
The system automatically prevents wheel lock, and
enhances vehicle control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that
the ABS is working properly each time the vehicle
is started and driven. During this self-check, you
may hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises.
The ABS is activated during braking when the
system detects one or more wheels are beginning
to lock. Road conditions such as ice, snow, gravel,
bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic stops
may increase the likelihood of ABS activation(s).
You also may experience the following normal
characteristics when the ABS activates:
ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you may
continue to hear for a short time after the stop)
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the
stopThe ABS is designed to function with the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification
may result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
The yellow ABS Warning Light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS Warning Light remains on or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion
of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. However, the conventional
brake system will continue to operate normally if
the ABS Warning Light is on.
If the ABS Warning Light is on, the brake system
should be serviced as soon as possible to restore
the benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the ABS Warning
Light does not come on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN mode, have the light repaired as
soon as possible.
WARNING!

The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip
-
ment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capa -
bility. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.

Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you
need to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.

The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.

The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!

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SAFETY181
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced Electronic
Brake Control (EBC) system. This system includes
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill
Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM). These systems work together to
enhance both vehicle stability and control in various
driving conditions.

Your vehicle may also be equipped with Ready
Alert Braking (RAB) and Rain Brake Support (RBS).
Brake System Warning Light
The red Brake System Warning Light will turn on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on
or comes on while driving, it indicates that the
brake system is not functioning properly and that
immediate service is required. If the Brake System
Warning Light does not come on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN mode, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
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 sensing 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 braking pressure during the
stopping sequence (do not “pump” the brakes).
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the brake
pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting
braking pressure to the rear axle. This is done to
prevent overslip of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle
instability, and to prevent the rear axle from
entering ABS before the front axle.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
ERM 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, striking
objects or other vehicles.
NOTE:ERM is disabled any time the ESC is in “Full Off”
mode (if equipped). See Ú page 182 for a
complete explanation of the available ESC modes.
WARNING!

The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. BAS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The 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.

6

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182SAFETY
(Continued)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability
of the vehicle under various driving conditions.
ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering
of the vehicle by applying the brake of the
appropriate wheel(s) to counteract the above
conditions. Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
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.
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 above conditions.
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.

ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
"ESC On"
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for
most driving conditions. Alternate ESC modes
should only be used for specific reasons as noted
in the following paragraphs.
WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions and driving conditions, influence the
chance that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM
cannot prevent all wheel lift or roll overs, especially
those that involve leaving the roadway or striking
objects or other vehicles. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.

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, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. 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 acci
-
dents. The capabilities 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.

Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, and
may negatively affect the performance of the
ESC system. Changes to the steering system,
suspension, braking system, tire type and size
or wheel size may adversely affect ESC perfor -
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle mainte -
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING!

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