
TCS (Traction Control System)
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 the
ªPartial Offº mode or the ªFull Offº mode. Refer to ªESP
(Electronic Stability Program)º in this section for more
information.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sens-
ing the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence, (do not
ªpumpº the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions, and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM (Electronic
Roll Mitigation) cannot prevent all wheel lift or
rollovers, especially those that involve leaving the
roadway or striking objects or other vehicles. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ERM-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
TSC (Trailer Sway Control) ± If Equipped
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When TSC
is functioning, the ªESP/TCS Indicatorº light will flash,
the engine power will be reduced, and you will feel the
brake being applied to individual wheels in an attempt to
stop the trailer from swaying.
NOTE:The TSC is disabled when the ESP system is in
the ªPartial Offº mode and ªFull Offº mode.
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WARNING!
²TSC (Trailer Sway Control) cannot stop all trailers
from swaying. Always use caution when towing a
trailer and follow the tongue weight recommenda-
tions. Refer to ºVehicle Loadingº and ªTrailer
Towingº in this section for more information be-
fore towing a trailer with your vehicle.
²If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
²Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
HSA (Hill Start Assist)
The HSA system is designed to help the driver accelerate
the vehicle from a complete stop while on an incline. If
the driver releases the brake while stopped on an incline,
HSA will continue to hold the brake pressure for a short
period. If the driver does not apply the throttle before this
time expires, the system will release brake pressure and
the vehicle will roll down the hill as normal. The system
will release brake pressure in proportion to amount of
throttle applied.
The following conditions must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
²The vehicle must be stopped.
²The vehicle must be on a 7% or greater incline.
²The Gear selection must match vehicle uphill direction
(i.e. vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in reverse gear).
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5

mode is overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily
depressing the ªESP OFFº button. This may be done
while the vehicle is in motion.
Full Off Ð 4WD Vehicles in 4WD High & 4WD Low
Range
The ªFull Offº mode is intended for off-highway and
off-road use when ESP stability features could inhibit
vehicle maneuverability due to trail conditions.
The ªESP OFFº button is located in the lower switch bank
below the climate Control. To enter ªFull Offº mode,
depress and hold the ªESP Offº button for 5 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running.
After 5 seconds, the ªESP/TCS Indicatorº light will
illuminate and an ªESP Offº message will appear in the
odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button
located on the instrument cluster to turn off this message.
In this mode, ESP and TCS are turned off (except for the
ªlimited slipº feature described in the TCS section) untilthe vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph. At speeds over 40
mph, the system automatically switches to ªPartial Offº
mode, described above. When the vehicle speed returns
to less than 35 mph, the ESP system will return to ªFull
Offº mode. The ªESP/TCS Indicatorº light is always
illuminated when ESP is off. To turn ESP on again,
momentarily depress the ªESP Offº button. This will
restore the normal ªESP Onº mode of operation.
NOTE:
²ªFull Offº is the only operating mode for ESP in 4WD
low range. Therefore, ESP system will be in this mode
whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD low range or
the transfer case is shifted into 4WD low range.
²The ªESP OFFº message will display and a chime will
sound when the gear selector is moved from any
position to the ªPº (Park) position and then moved out
of the ªPº (Park) position. This will occur even if the
message was cleared previously.
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5

WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. ªFull Offº
mode is only intended for off-highway or off-road
use.
ESP/BAS Warning Light & ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is com-
bined with the BAS indicator. The ªESP/BAS
Malfunction Indicatorº light and the ªESP/
TCS Indicatorº light in the instrument cluster
both turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. They should both turn off with the engine
running. If the ªESP/BAS Malfunction Indicatorº lightturns on continuously with the engine running, a mal-
function has been detected in either the ESP or the BAS
system, or both. If this light remains on after several
ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several
miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your
authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
²9The9ESP/TCS Indicatorº light and the9ESP/BAS
Malfunction Indicatorº light will turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES Ð GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!
²Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
²Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
²Over inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause damage that
result in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You
could lose control of your vehicle.
²Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
²Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the
other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left.
²Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure.
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5

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type ªClass Sº specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer. In addition, only install tire chains on
P235/65R17 or smaller tires.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires, or chains, observe the following
precautions:
²Do not use tire chains on vehicles equipped with tires other than
P235/65R17 tires. There may not be adequate clearance for the chains and
you are risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.
²Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other suspension
components, it is important that only chains in good condition are used.
Broken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the chain before further use.
²Install chains on the rear wheels as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about
1¤2mile (0.8 km).
²Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
²Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, especially with
a loaded vehicle.
²Use on Rear Wheels only.
²Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
²Observe the tire chain manufacturer's instructions on method of instal-
lation, operating speed, and conditions for use. Always use the lower
suggested operating speed of the chain manufacturer if different from
the speed recommended by the manufacturer.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
²The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
²The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
²Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability.
²The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver 's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Telltale light.
²Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
Base System Ð If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
²Receiver Module
²4 Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
²Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
348 STARTING AND OPERATING