tire size RAM PROMASTER 2023 Owners Manual

4
Indications On The Display ........................... 102
Minimum Risk Maneuver.............................. 103 System Status................................................ 103
System Operation/Limitations ..................... 103
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 104
ParkSense Sensors ....................................... 105
ParkSense Warning Display.......................... 105
ParkSense Display ........................................ 105
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense .............. 108
Service The ParkSense Park Assist
System ........................................................... 108ParkSense Park Assist Failure Indications .. 108
Cleaning The ParkSense System ................. 108ParkSense Park Assist System Usage
Precautions .................................................... 109
Side Distance Warning System ................... 110
PARKSENSE ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED ..................................... 112
Enabling And Disabling The ParkSense
Active Park Assist System ............................. 112
Parallel/Perpendicular Parking Space
Assistance Operation .................................... 113
Exiting The Parking Space ............................ 116
LANESENSE — IF EQUIPPED ............................. 116
LaneSense Operation ................................... 116Turning LaneSense On Or Off ....................... 117
LaneSense Warning Message ...................... 117Changing LaneSense Status ........................ 119
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA .............. 119 SURROUND VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM —
IF EQUIPPED ........................................................ 120
REFUELING THE VEHICLE ................................... 122
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .................... 123
VEHICLE LOADING .............................................. 123
Vehicle Certification Label ............................ 123
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......... 123
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ............... 123
Tire Size ......................................................... 123
Rim Size ......................................................... 124
Inflation Pressure .......................................... 124
Curb Weight ................................................... 124
Overloading.................................................... 124
Loading ......................................................... 124
TRAILER TOWING ................................................ 124
Common Towing Definitions......................... 124
Trailer Hitch Classification ............................ 126
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ............................................ 126
Trailer And Tongue Weight ........................... 127Towing Requirements .................................. 127
Towing Tips ................................................... 130
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME) .................................................... 130
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle ........................................................... 130
Recreational Towing...................................... 131
DRIVING TIPS ....................................................... 131
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ....................... 131
Driving Through Water ................................. 131
MULTIMEDIA
UCONNECT SYSTEMS ......................................... 133
CYBERSECURITY ................................................. 133
UCONNECT SETTINGS ........................................ 134 Customer Programmable Features ............. 134
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES...... 151
Regulatory And Safety Information .............. 151
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES .............................................. 152Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...................... 152
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) System ...... 153
DROWSY DRIVER DETECTION (DDD) —
IF EQUIPPED ......................................................... 157
To Activate/Deactivate ................................. 157
System Operation.......................................... 157
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS .......................... 158
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) —
If Equipped ................................................... 158
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) With
Mitigation — If Equipped ............................... 164
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) .............................................. 168
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ................... 170
Occupant Restraint Systems Features ....... 170
Important Safety Precautions ...................... 170
Seat Belt Systems ........................................ 171
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) ...... 178Child Restraints ............................................. 185

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 4

70GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Service Active Lane Management Warning
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the
Active Lane Management system is not
operating and requires service. Please
see an authorized dealer.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault in the FCW System or an
external blockage on the frontal camera.
Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Service Required/Call For Service Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate when
service is needed. A pop-up will appear in
the display to signal the need for service.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Speed Limiter Fail Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light will illuminate when there is a
failure in the speed limiter system.
Swivel Seat (Driver or Passenger) Fail
Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate when the driver
or passenger swivel seat fails.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Warning Light
The warning light switches on and a
message is displayed to indicate that
the tire pressure is lower than the
recommended value and/or that slow
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal
tire duration and fuel consumption may not be
guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition
mentioned previously, the display will show the
indications corresponding to each tire.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.
If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.

WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach
higher temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the
vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel
economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing,
severe catalytic converter damage and power
loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the
vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a
tire puncture occurs, repair immediately using
the dedicated tire repair kit and contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 70

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL71

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator
is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.

Towing Hook Breakdown Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light illuminates when there is a
failure with the tow hook. Contact an
authorized dealer for service.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn
of a high transmission fluid temperature.
This may occur with strenuous usage
such as trailer towing. If this light turns
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N), until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket
wheels can cause sensor damage. Using
aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to
become inoperable. After using an aftermarket
tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have
your sensor function checked.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the
Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over,
come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission damage
or transmission failure.
3

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 71

STARTING AND OPERATING89
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase or Decrease The Set Speed
When the Cruise Control is set, you can increase
speed by pushing the SET (+) button or decrease
the speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.

If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.

Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 km/h.

If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust until the button is released, then
the new set speed will be established.

To Accelerate For Passing

While the Cruise Control is set, press the accelerator
to pass as you would normally. When the pedal is
released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or
gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Cruise Control.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the
RES button and release. Resume can be used at
any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h) up to the
maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the CANC
button, or normal brake pressure while slowing the
vehicle will deactivate the Cruise Control without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in the
OFF position erases the set speed from memory.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling
on highways and major roadways. However, it is not a
safety system and not designed to prevent collisions.
The Cruise Control function performs differently if your
vehicle is not equipped with ACC

Ú
page 88.

ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes
a radar sensor and a forward facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or accelerate (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.

Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled) will
not detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be
aware of the feature selected
Ú
page 280.

WARNING!

Cruise Control can be dangerous where the system
cannot maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle
could go too fast for the conditions, and you could
lose control and have an accident. Do not use Cruise
Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered or slippery.
4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 89

104STARTING AND OPERATING
The Active Driving Assist system DOES NOT:
Warn or prevent collisions with other vehicles
Steer your vehicle around stopped vehicles,
slower vehicles, construction equipment,
pedestrians, or animals
Respond to traffic lights or stop signs
Merge onto highways or exit off ramps
Turn your vehicle
Change lanes
React to cross traffic
NOTE:Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a core component
of ADA. For ACC system limitations Ú page 89.
The Active Driving Assist system may have limited
or reduced functionality when one of the following
conditions occur:

The vehicle’s radar sensors and/or forward facing
camera is damaged, covered, misaligned, or
obstructed (e.g. by mud, ice, snow, etc.)

If the suspension alignment is not correct, if the
vehicle is modified (e.g. lifting or lowering the
suspension, installing different sized wheels
or tires)
Driving near highway toll booths
NOTE:If damage to the windshield occurs, have the wind -
shield replaced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
PARKSENSE FRONT/REAR PARK ASSIST —
IF EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Park Assist system provides visual
and audible indications of the distance between
the rear, and if equipped, the front fascia/bumper
and a detected obstacle when backing up or
moving forward (e.g. during a parking maneuver).
For limitations of the system (e.g. during a parking
maneuver), see Ú page 110.
NOTE:
The system is designed to assist the driver and
not to substitute the driver.

The driver must stay in full control of the vehicle's
acceleration and braking and is responsible for
controlling the vehicle's movements.

ParkSense will retain the last system state
(enabled or disabled) from the last ignition cycle
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
ParkSense is active when the gear selector is
shifted to REVERSE or to a forward gear and an
obstacle is detected, as long as the system is on.
Do not use a hand-held device when the Active
Driving Assist system is engaged.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
and pay attention to traffic conditions.
Do not place any objects on the steering wheel
(e.g. steering wheel covers) which could inter -
fere with the hand detection sensors.

Always pay attention to the road when using the
Active Driving Assist system. ADA will not steer to
avoid safety hazards, construction zones, objects,
or roadway impediments. You need to maintain
control to steer and brake the vehicle in such situ -
ations and when merging into traffic, entering the
highway, making a turn for crossing traffic, or stop-
ping for traffic control devices.

WARNING!

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 104

STARTING AND OPERATING123
NOTE:
Tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a
“clicking” sound. This is an indication that the
fuel filler cap is properly tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL
may come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened
every time the vehicle is refueled.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE

If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a “Check Fuel Cap” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
Ú
page 56.
Tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened.

If the problem continues, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started. See an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
VEHICLE LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration regulations, your vehicle has a
certification label affixed to the driver's side door
or B-pillar.
If seats are removed for carrying cargo, do not
exceed the specified GVWR and GAWR.
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label
affixed to the driver’s side B-pillar or the rear of the
driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
Name of manufacturer
Month and year of manufacture
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Month, Day, and Hour (MDH) of manufacture
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read
the VIN.

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)

The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, and
cargo. The total load must be limited so that you do
not exceed the GVWR.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
TIRE SIZE
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label
represents the actual tire size on your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling. When the
fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
CAUTION!
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.
4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 123

124STARTING AND OPERATING
RIM SIZE
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire
size listed.
INFLATION PRESSURE
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your
vehicle for all loading conditions up to full Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
CURB WEIGHT
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total
weight of the vehicle with all fluids, including
vehicle fuel, at full capacity conditions, and with
no occupants or cargo loaded into the vehicle. The
front and rear curb weight values are determined
by weighing your vehicle on a commercial scale
before any occupants or cargo are added.
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle, springs,
tires, wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide
satisfactory service as long as you do not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and
ready for operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale
to ensure that it is not over the GVWR. Figure out the weight on the front and rear axle of
the vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
and shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its
empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store
heavier items down low and be sure you distribute
their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all loose
items securely before driving. If weighing the
loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), but the
total load is within the specified Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR), you must redistribute the
weight. Improper weight distribution can have an
adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers and
handles and the way the brakes operate.
NOTE:Refer to the Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's GVWR
and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow your
load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
coverage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR Ú
page 123.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in combination.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 124

STARTING AND OPERATING125
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in its “loaded and ready for operation”
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must be supported
by the scale.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front
and rear axles. Distribute the load over the front
and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR Ú page 123.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch
ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
The TSC can be a mechanical telescoping link that
can be installed between the hitch receiver and the
trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable
friction associated with the telescoping motion to
dampen any unwanted trailer swaying motions
while traveling.
If equipped, an electronic TSC recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically applies individual
wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch
ball or some other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch

A Weight-Distributing Hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically
used for heavier loads to distribute trailer tongue
weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer
axle(s). When used in accordance with the
manufacturer's directions, it provides for a more level
ride, offering more consistent steering and brake
control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addition
of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens sway
caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributes
positively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a Weight-Distributing (load equalizing)
Hitch are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights
(TW) and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.

WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight-Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling, stability,
braking performance, and could result in a
collision.
Weight-Distributing Hitch systems may not be
compatible with surge brake couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for
additional information.
4

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 125

128STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Úpage 249.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated
brake system, an electronic brake controller is
not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and may be required for
any trailer, for example trailers in excess of 2,
000 lb (907 kg). Trailer brake requirements vary
by local law, consult local legal requirements
where the trailer is to be towed for trailer brake
requirements.

Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking
brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle
transmission in PARK. For four-wheel drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL. Always, block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your
brake system and cause it to fail. You might
not have brakes when you need them and
could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do
this could lead to accelerated brake lining wear,
higher brake pedal effort, and longer stopping
distances.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 128

154SAFETY
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC
corrects for over/under steering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the previous conditions listed. Engine
power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
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.

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 appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC OFF button is located in the
center switch bank, next to the hazard
flasher switch.
ESC On
This mode is the normal operating mode for
ESC equipped vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is
started, the ESC system will be in this mode. This
mode should be used for most driving situations.
ESC should only be turned off for the following
specific reasons.
ESC Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the
ESC OFF button.
When in the “Partial Off” mode, the TCS 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. When in the
“Partial Off” mode, ESC will operate without engine
torque management. This mode is intended to be
used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would
normally allow is required to gain traction. To turn
ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF
button. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode
of operation.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, including those resulting from exces -
sive 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.

Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, and
may negatively affect the performance of the
ESC system. Changes to the steering system,
suspension, braking system, tire type and size
or wheel size may adversely affect ESC perfor -
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle mainte -
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.

23_VF_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 154