traction control DODGE DURANGO 2012 3.G User Guide

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capa-
bilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
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, 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. This feature remains
active even if ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
Refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in this
section for more information.
468 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 appro-
priate 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 Malfunction Indicator Light” located in the
instrument cluster will start to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESC system becomes active. The “ESC
Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is
active. If the “ESC Malfunction Indicator Light” begins toflash 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 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 accidents. 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 471

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 “ESC OFF” switch. Once the
situation requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momen-
tarily pressing the “ESC OFF” switch. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
•When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality
of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature de-
scribed in the TCS section), has been disabled and
the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be illuminated.
When in “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 “Partial Off” mode.
ESC OFF Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 473

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity 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.
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body
clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard
against damage.
•Install on Rear Tires Only
•Due to limited clearance, use SAE class “S” low profile
cables or traction devices only. Security Chain Com-
pany (SCC) Super Z6 #SZ 441 cables or equivalent are
recommended.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 497

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 661

Electric Remote Mirrors................... 112
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 263
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 467
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 468
Brake Assist System ................... 469
Electronic Roll Mitigation ............... 470
Traction Control System ................ 468
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 470
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....205,208
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 470
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 303,309
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case ........... 450
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 571
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 551
Jacking ............................ 552
Jump Starting ....................... 567
Tow Hooks ......................... 573 Emission Control System Maintenance
......... 584
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 590
Block Heater ........................ 429
Break-In Recommendations .............. 97
Compartment .................... 581,582
Compartment Identification ..........581,582
Cooling ........................... 601
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............48,98,515
Fails to Start ........................ 428
Flooded, Starting ..................... 428
Fuel Requirements ................. 51 1,632
Jump Starting ....................... 567
Multi-Displacement ................... 465
Oil ............................ 587,632
Oil Change Interval ................... 588
Oil Disposal ........................ 590
Oil Filter ........................... 590
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 590
668 INDEX

Bulb Replacement.................... 627
Cargo ............................. 280
Center Mounted Stop .................. 631
Daytime Running .................... 191
Dimmer Switch, Headlight .............. 188
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator. . 477
Exterior ........................... 101
Fog ............................ 303,628
Fuses ............................. 620
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 551
Headlights ......................... 627
Headlights On With Wipers ............. 189
High Beam Indicator .................. 303
Illuminated Entry ..................... 23
Low Fuel .......................... 319
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 300
Map Reading ....................... 194
Reading ........................ 194,248
Rear Servicing ....................... 630 Rear Tail
........................... 630
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 307
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 305
Service ............................ 627
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 300
Side Marker ........................ 630
SmartBeams ........................ 190
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 299
Traction Control ..................... 477
Turn Signal ................ 101,188,628,630
Vanity Mirror ....................... 114
Loading Vehicle ......................... 523
Tires .............................. 484
Locks ................................. 34
Automatic Door ...................... 36
Child Protection ...................... 36
Door .............................. 34
Power Door ......................... 35
10
INDEX 673

Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 532
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 573
Towing ............................ 525,574
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 137
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 574
Guide ............................. 531
Recreational ........................ 540
Weight ............................ 531
Towing Assistance ....................... 137
Traction Control ......................... 468
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 474
Trailer Towing .......................... 525
Cooling System Tips .................. 539
Hitches ............................ 530
Minimum Requirements ................ 533
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 532
Wiring ............................ 536
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 531
Trailer Weight .......................... 531 Transfer Case
........................... 610
Electronically Shifted .................. 450
Maintenance ........................ 610
Transmission Automatic .................... 432,440,611
Maintenance ........................ 611
Shifting ........................... 430
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 27
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener
(HomeLink®) .......................... 250
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ........ 24
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 494
Turn Signals ...................... 303,628,630
UCI Connector ......................... 364
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 123
10
INDEX 681