traction control DODGE JOURNEY 2012 1.G Owners Manual

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 390
▫ Operation ......................... 390
▫ General Information .................. 390
 All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 391
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 392
▫ Acceleration ........................ 392
▫ Traction ........................... 392
 Driving Through Water ................. 393
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 393
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 393
 Power Steering ....................... 395
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 395
 Parking Brake ........................ 396 
Brake System ........................ 399
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 400
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 400
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 400
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 403
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 403
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 404
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 405
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 406
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 407
 Tire Safety Information ................. 408
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 408
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Avoid using speed control when AutoStickis en-
gaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
•If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
•The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine over-speed.
•Mostly the transmission will stay in the manually
selected ratio, however:
If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoStick mode and the transmission will return to
the automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required. Under normal driving
conditions, the front wheels provide most of the traction.
If the front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted
automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the front
wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the
rear wheels.
Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be
sent to the rear in a pre-emptive effort to improve vehicle
launch and performance characteristics.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 391

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery 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.
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.).
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 hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the 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 of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
392 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 to help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking. Refer
to “Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)” under “Electronic
Brake Control System” in this section for more information.
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. ABS
cannot prevent collisions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slip-
pery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabilities of an
ABS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESC. This
system includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), and Trailer Sway Control (TSC). These
systems work together to enhance both vehicle stability
and control in various driving conditions.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps”
the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
400 STARTING AND OPERATING

If both the Brake System Warning Light and the ABS
Light remain on, the ABS and Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD) systems are not functioning. Immedi-
ate repair to the ABS system is required.
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
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.
WARNING!
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 accidents, 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 reck-
less 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 functions similar to a
limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 403

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 ac-
celeration, 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 momen-
tarily 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
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When TSC
is functioning, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” will flash, the engine power will be reduced,
and you will feel the brake being applied to individual
wheels in an attempt to stop the trailer from swaying.
NOTE: The TSC is disabled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 407

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “Class S” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 427

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 575

Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 209
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 499
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 206
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission .............526,528
Oil (Engine) ........................ 503
Power Steering ...................... 395
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 490
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 521
Engine Oil ......................... 506
Door Locks ............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 230
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 392
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 393
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 292E-85 Fuel
............................. 443
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 103
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 242
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 242
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 400
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 400
Brake Assist System ................... 403
Electronic Roll Mitigation ............... 404
Electronic Stability Program ............. 405
Traction Control System ................ 403
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 404
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 213
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 405
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 225,282
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 487
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 469
Jacking ............................ 471
582 INDEX

Intensity Control..................... 207
Interior ............................ 206
License ............................ 546
Lights On Reminder .................. 204
Low Fuel .......................... 288
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 274
Map Reading ....................... 208
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 208
Park .............................. 542
Passing ............................ 206
Reading ........................... 208
Rear Servicing .................... 542,544
Rear Tail ........................... 544
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 278
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 281
Service ......................... 541,542
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 274
Side Marker ........................ 542 Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)
............ 281
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......277,431
Traction Control ..................... 406
Turn Signal ................. 94,205,542,544
Vanity Mirror ....................... 105
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 274
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 258
Loading Vehicle ...................... 449,451
Capacities .......................... 451
Tires .............................. 414
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock ......................... 31
Automatic Door ...................... 31
Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 29
Power Door ......................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 431
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 82,84
10
INDEX 589