2010 DODGE JOURNEY traction control

22. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) LightThis light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the Brake System Warning Light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
brakes. Furthermore, the ABS light should be checked
frequently to assure that it is operating properly. If the
light does not turn on, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer. 23. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
24. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position, before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193

All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 307
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 307
▫ Acceleration ........................ 307
▫ Traction ........................... 308
 Driving Through Water ................. 308
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 309
 Power Steering ....................... 311
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 312
 Parking Brake ........................ 312
 Brake System ........................ 315
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 316
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 317
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 317▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 319
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 320
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 320
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 321
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light ...................... 324
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 324
 Tire Safety Information ................. 325
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 325
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 330
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 331
 Tires — General Information ............. 335
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 335
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
4. Keep the tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up to
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)” under “Elec-
tronic Brake Control System” in this section for more
information.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. ABS
cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, driving on very slip-
pery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capa-
bilities 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.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and Electronic Stability
Program (ESP). These systems work together to enhance
both vehicle stability and control in various driving
conditions.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps”
the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as somerelated motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS is
working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•Brake pedal pulsations, and
•A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 317

WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions. BAS cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities
of a BAS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS)
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 functions similar to alimited 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
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability
Program)” in this section for more information.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers. ERM can only reduce the
chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

Full On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the
vehicle is started the system will be in this mode. This
mode should be used for most driving situations. ESP
should only be turned to “Partial Off” for specific reasons
as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” for additional informa-
tion.
Partial Off
The ESP OFF button is located in the switch bank above
the climate Control. To enter the “Partial Off” mode,
momentarily press the ESP OFF button and the ESP/TCS
Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn the ESP on again,
momentarily press the ESP OFF button and the ESP/TCS
Indicator Light will turn off. This will restore the normal
“ESP On” mode of operation.NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the ESP OFF
button. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily pressing the
ESP OFF button. This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
ESP OFF Button
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STARTING AND OPERATING 323

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 departsignificantly 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.
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.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 485