traction control Ram 1500 2014 Owner's Guide

malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
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 partially
off.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 537

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.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the device before further use.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufac-
turer ’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 563

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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 depart
significantly 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.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 781

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.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat, when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
782 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Cupholders............................ .233
Customer Assistance ...................... .775
Data Recorder, Event .......................82
Daytime Running Lights ....................172
Dealer Service ........................... .695
Defroster, Rear Window .....................244
Defroster, Windshield ..................... .122
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................181
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................492
Dipsticks Power Steering ........................ .520
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................682
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................713
Door Locks Door Locks ............................37
KeyFob...............................37
Remote ...............................37 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
................37
Door Locks, Automatic ......................39
Door Opener, Garage ...................... .214
Driving Off-Pavement ......................... .474
Off-Road ............................ .474
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .494
Dual Rear Wheels ........................ .565
E-85 Fuel .............................. .582
Electrical Power Outlets .....................227
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................244
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .............440
Electronic Brake Control System ...............526
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................527
Brake Assist System .....................528
Traction Control System ...................527
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................410
10
INDEX 787

Fog .................................174
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................439
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................629
Headlights ........................... .170
High Beam ........................... .180
High Beam Indicator .....................288
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............180
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .284
Interior ............................. .175
Oil Pressure .......................... .289
Passing ............................. .180
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .288
Security Alarm ........................ .289
Service .............................. .743
Side Marker .......................... .754
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............290
Traction Control ....................... .536
Transfer Case ......................... .439Turn Signal
.......................... .124
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......284
Limited-Slip Differential ....................492
Loading Vehicle ......................... .588
Tires ............................... .545
Locks ..................................37
Automatic Door .........................39
Child Protection .........................40
Door .................................37
Power Door ............................39
Low Tire Pressure System ...................567
Lubrication, Body ........................ .704
Lug Nuts .............................. .630
Maintenance Free Battery ....................701
Maintenance Procedures ....................696
Maintenance Schedule ..................... .764
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) .......694
Manual, Service ......................... .780
10
INDEX 793

Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight................599
Tonneau Cover .......................... .731
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................731
Torque Converter Clutch ....................424
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................677
Towing ............................... .591
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .682
Guide .............................. .595
Recreational .......................... .617
Weight .............................. .595
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........617
Traction ............................... .493
Traction Control ......................... .527
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................538
Trailer Towing .......................... .591
Cooling System Tips .....................611
Hitches ............................. .594
Minimum Requirements ..................600 Mirrors
............................. .146
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................599
Wiring .............................. .608
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .595
Trailer Weight ........................... .595
Transfer Case ........................... .720
Electronically Shifted .....................440
Fluid ............................... .760
Transmission ........................... .403
Automatic ........................... .403
Fluid ............................... .760
Maintenance .......................... .721
Shifting ............................. .400
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .30
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .24
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........24
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .559
Turn Signals ............................ .179
800 INDEX