2007 DODGE RAM 1500 GAS traction control

NOTE:If your are leaving your vehicle stored for longer
than 21 days, refer to the section on “Vehicle Storage.”
LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL — IF EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when
there is a difference between the traction characteristics
of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-
forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-
pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of
the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better
traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during
slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator
will supply maximum traction. When starting with onlyone rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight
momentary application of the parking brake may be
necessary to gain maximum traction.WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground, since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when
both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could
cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to
slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a
turn.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
(ABS/TCS/BAS/HSA/ERM/ESP) – IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional ad-
vanced electronic brake control system that includes ABS
(Anti-Lock Brake System), TCS (Traction Control Sys-
tem), BAS (Brake Assist System), Hill Start Assist (HSA),
ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation) and ESP (Electronic
Stability Program). All systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions
and are commonly referred to as ESP.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•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.
TCS (Traction Control System) – if equipped with
ESP
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 system functions similar 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 ESP are in
either the “Partial Off” or “ESP Off” modes. Refer to “ESP
(Electronic Stability Program)” in this Section of this
manual.
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

The ESP system has multiple operating modes depend-
ing on vehicle type – Two Wheel Drive (2WD) or Four
Wheel Drive (4WD). 4WD vehicles may be equipped
with either a four mode position (2WD/Neutral/4HI/
4LO) transfer case or a five mode position (2WD/Auto/
Neutral/4H/4LO) transfer case. If you have a 4WD
vehicle, refer to the Four Wheel Drive Operating Section
to determine which transfer case is on your vehicle and
how to operate it.
All 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2WD, Auto
or 4HI Modes can choose the following ESP
operating modes:
ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD/
Auto/4HI Modes and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the
vehicle is started or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4LO or neutral back to 4HI or Auto, the ESP
system will be in this mode. This mode should be usedfor almost all driving situations. ESP should only be
turned to “Partial Off” or “ESP Off” for specific reasons
as noted below.
This mode is entered by momentarily
depressing the “ESP Control Switch”.
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS
portion of ESP, except for the “limited
slip” feature described in the TCS sec-
tion, has been disabled and the “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” will be illumi-
nated. All other features of ESP function normally, with
the exception of engine power reduction. Engine power
is not reduced in this mode. This mode is intended to be
used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress the “ESP Control Switch”.
This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the “ESP Control Switch”. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
In the Partial Off mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore,
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
All 4WD vehicles in Auto and 4HI Modes can also
choose the following ESP operating mode. This is
the only ESP operating mode in 4LO:
ESP Off
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESP stability
features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail
conditions. This mode is entered by depressing and
holding the “ESP Control Switch” for 5 seconds when the
vehicle is stopped and the engine is running. After 5
seconds, the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will illuminate
and the “ESP Off” message will appear in the odometer.
Press and release the trip odometer button located on the
instrument cluster to clear this message.
In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the “limited Slip”
feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At 40
mph (64 km/h) the system returns to “Partial Off” mode,
described above. When the vehicle speed drops below 35
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

Call Toll Free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
•www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
•www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
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 AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 547
9

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.
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. Thegrade 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.
548 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Courtesy/Reading..................... 179
Cruise.............................. 236
Daytime Running...................... 167
Dual Wheel Assembly Rear............... 509
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . 234,353
Fog ..........................168,233,502
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator............... 320
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 420
Headlights........................... 166
High Beam........................170,228
High Beam Indicator.................... 228
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 170
Illuminated Entry....................... 19
Instrument Cluster..................... 227
Intensity Control....................... 165
Interior..........................165,179
Lights On Reminder.................... 168
Passing............................. 170
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 228Service...........................498,499
Side Marker.......................... 511
Traction Control....................... 353
Transfer Case......................... 320
Transmission Warning................... 235
Turn Signal..................169,227,499,503
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 227
Limited-Slip Differential................336,478
Loading Vehicle......................... 389
Tires ............................... 362
Locks................................. 26
Child Protection........................ 29
Door................................ 26
Keys................................ 12
Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................64,103
Lubrication, Body....................... 466
558 INDEX