2010 DODGE NITRO traction control

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 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
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability
Program)” in this section.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
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
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 323

WARNING! (Continued)
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “S” specifications.
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle as
recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,
observe the following precautions:
•Because of limited chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Bro-
ken 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.
•Install chains as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about 1/2 mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (72 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.
(Continued)
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 477

Cupholders............................ 177
Customer Assistance ..................... 471
Daytime Running Lights ................... 151
Dealer Service .......................... 406
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 184
Defroster, Windshield ................89,277,283
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 154
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 403
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 149
Dipsticks Oil (Engine) .......................... 407
Power Steering ........................ 316
Disposal Engine Oil ........................... 409
Used Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 421
Door Locks ............................. 28
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 165
Driving ............................... 310 Off-Pavement
......................... 311
Off-Road ............................ 311
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 99
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 175
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 175
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 321
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 322
Brake Assist System .................... 323
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 324
Electronic Stability Program ............... 325
Traction Control System ................. 323
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 324
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 156
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........194,325
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 211
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 388
Jump Starting ......................... 393
10
INDEX 483

Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 194
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........200,348
Traction Control ....................... 326
Turn Signal ................ 90,150,441,442,443
Voltage ............................. 198
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 192
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 182
Loading Vehicle ......................... 366
Tires ............................... 334
Locks ................................. 28
Child Protection ........................ 31
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 348
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 80,81
Lubrication, Body ....................... 413
Luggage Carrier ......................... 185 Maintenance Free Battery
.................. 411
Maintenance Procedures ................... 406
Maintenance Schedule .................... 450
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 174
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 205,404
Manual, Service ......................... 475
Manual Transmission Lubricant Selection ..................... 447
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 423
Mini-Trip Computer ................... 207,215
Mirrors ................................ 97
Automatic Dimming ..................... 98
Electric Powered ....................... 99
Outside .............................. 98
Rearview ............................. 97
Vanity .............................. 100
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 348
Mopar Parts ......................... 406,474
10
INDEX 489

Torque Converter Clutch................303,307
Towing ............................... 368
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............... 115
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 397
Guide .............................. 374
Recreational .......................... 383
Weight .............................. 374
Towing Assistance ....................... 115
Traction Control ...................... 198,323
Trailer Towing .......................... 368
Cooling System Tips .................... 383
Hitches ............................. 373
Minimum Requirements ................. 377
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 376
Wiring .............................. 380
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 374
Trailer Weight .......................... 374
Transaxle ............................. 296
Automatic ........................... 296 Operation
........................... 296
Transfer Case ........................... 426
Fluid ............................ 426,447
Maintenance ......................... 426
Transmission ........................ 299,303
Automatic ........................ 299,303
Fluid ............................... 447
Maintenance ......................... 425
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 165
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 343
Trip Computer .......................... 207
Trip Odometer .......................... 202
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 206
Turn Signals ................ 150,195,441,442,443
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 100
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 477
10
INDEX 495