traction control DODGE MAGNUM 2005 1.G User Guide

of the vehicle with the discharged battery.Make sure
you have a good contact on the engine ground. Refer to
the following illustration for jump starting connections.
6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the wheels to pull erratically to
the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a
difference in the surface traction under the rear (driving)
wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear 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.).
Jump Starting
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 269
6

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.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
—if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS)—if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to Electronic
Stability Program, or Traction Control System in your
Owner’s Manual for Details.
270 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
346 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Safety...........................220,228
Self-Sealing.......................... 236
Sizes............................... 221
Snow Tires.......................... 241
Spare Tire........................... 261
Spinning............................ 232
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 233
Torque Converter Clutch................. 204
Towing.............................. 251
Disabled Vehicle...................... 271
Trailering........................... 251
Traction Control......................... 98
Traction Control Switch................... 98
Trailer Towing......................... 251
Minimum Requirements................ 251
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 251
Transaxle............................. 301
Automatic.......................... 301
Autostick........................... 213
Selection of Lubricant.................. 321
Transmission
Automatic........................201,206
Shifting............................ 201Transmission....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service................ 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener........... 107
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry........... 20
Transporting Pets........................ 56
Tread Wear Indicators................... 233
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 134
Turn Signals........................94,135
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 346
Universal Joints........................ 292
Universal Transmitter.................... 107
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 243
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 64
Variance, Compass...................... 145
Vehicle Certification Label................ 249
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading..................225,249,250
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 7
Vehicle Storage......................194,313
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 24
INDEX 361
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