traction control Ram 1500 2015 Owner's Guide

WARNING!(Continued)
•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 which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
ABS Warning Light
The ABS includes an amber warning light. When the light
is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The system
reverts to standard, non-anti-lock brakes.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS 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 similarly 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 TCS and ESC are in
the “Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section of this manual. This brake
pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping
to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward trac-
tion.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
BAS detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. The system
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 583

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 hydro-
planing. 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 capa-
bilities 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.
All Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel
Drive Vehicles In 2WD, 4WD AUTO, Or 4WD
LOCK Modes Can Choose The Following ESC
Operating Modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in 2WD/4WD
AUTO/4WD LOCK modes and in 2WD vehicles. When-
ever the vehicle is started or the transfer case (if
equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOW or Neutral, back to
4WD LOCK or 4WD AUTO, the ESC system will be in
this mode. This mode should be used for almost all
driving situations. ESC should only be turned to#ESC
Partial Off#or “ESC Full Off” for specific reasons as noted
below.
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pressing the “ESC
Partial Off” switch. When in#Partial Off#mode, the TCS
588 STARTING AND OPERATING

portion of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature
described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
#ESC Off Indicator Light#will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESC function normally. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand,
or gravel conditions and more wheel spin than TCS
would normally allow is required to gain traction. To
turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC Off”
switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.
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 “ESC Partial
Off” mode by pressing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the
situation requiring ESC to be switched to the “ESC 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 “ESC Partial Off” mode, the TCS func-
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section), has been disabled
and the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. When in “ESC 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%ESC Partial Off%mode.
5
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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 about½mile (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.
622 STARTING AND OPERATING

Call toll free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the Worldwide Web at:
•www.techauthority.com
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 845

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 Motor
Vehicle 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.
846 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Remote...............................37
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................37
Door Locks, Automatic......................40
Door Opener, Garage.......................214
Driving
Off-Pavement..........................533
Off-Road.............................533
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................553
Dual Rear Wheels.........................624
E-85 Fuel...............................639
Electrical Power Outlets.....................227
Electric Rear Window Defrost.................245
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case.............498
Electronic Brake Control System...............581
Anti-Lock Brake System..................581
Brake Assist System.....................583
Traction Control System...................583
Electronic Range Select (ERS).................468
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........186
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............587
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)......210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .302
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Setup Menu...........................302
EVIC Messages.........................302
Selectable Menu Items....................317
Emergency Brake.........................578
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck................734
Hazard Warning Flasher..................685
Jump Starting..........................729
Tow Hooks............................735
Emission Control System Maintenance..........752
Engine.................................749
Air Cleaner...........................759
Block Heater..........................458
852 INDEX

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)............294
Traction Control........................591
Transfer Case..........................497
Turn Signal............................118
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)......289
Limited-Slip Differential....................551
Loading Vehicle..........................646
Ti re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..603
Locks..................................37
Automatic Door.........................40
Child Protection.........................41
Door.................................37
Power Door............................39
Low Tire Pressure System...................626
Lubrication, Body.........................767
Lug Nuts...............................686
Maintenance Free Battery....................764
Maintenance Procedures....................754
Maintenance Schedule......................828
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine).......752
Manual, Service..........................844
Manual Transmission
Fluid Level Check.......................785
Lubricant Selection......................824
Memory Seat............................158
Methanol...............................636
Mirrors................................126
Electric Powered........................138
Heated...............................139
Memory..............................158
Outside..............................134
Rearview.............................126
Trailer Towing.........................140
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle...............7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System................626
MOPAR® Parts...........................753
MTBE/ETBE............................636
858 INDEX

Disabled Vehicle........................740
Guide...............................657
Recreational...........................673
Weight...............................657
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome...........673
Traction................................551
Traction Control..........................583
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..................592
Trailer Towing...........................648
Cooling System Tips.....................668
Hitches..............................656
Minimum Requirements..................658
Mirrors..............................140
Trailer and Tongue Weight.................657
Wiring...............................666
Trailer Towing Guide.......................657
Trailer Weight............................657
Transfer Case............................785
Electronically Shifted.....................498
Fluid................................824
Transmission............................461
Automatic............................461
Fluid................................824
Maintenance...........................786
Shifting..............................459
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry). . .30
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .24
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE).........24
Tread Wear Indicators......................617
Turn Signals.............................176
Uconnect®
Customer Programmable Features...........367
Operation.............................394
Uconnect® Settings......................356
Uconnect® Settings......................367
Uconnect® Settings
Customer Programmable Features............4210
INDEX 865