2010 JEEP COMMANDER traction control

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM),
and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All five of these
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) and, if it has four-wheel drive with the NV245
two-speed transfer case, Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill
Descent Control (HDC).
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 andhelp avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual.
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. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting 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 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.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
either the “Partial Off” or “Full Off” modes. Refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP)” in this section for
more information.
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 applycontinuousbrak-
ing pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 273

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM 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 accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist incounteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESP 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, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
•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.
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” located in the instrument
cluster will start to flash as soon as the tires lose traction
and the ESP system becomes active. The “ESP/TCS
Indicator Light” also flashes when the TCS is active. If the
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STARTING AND OPERATING 275

Call toll free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the Worldwide Web at:
•www.techauthority.com
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 depart
significantly 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.
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 439

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. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal MotorVehicle 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.
440 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Pressure Cap......................... 377
Radiator Cap ......................... 377
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .........375,407
Courtesy Lights ......................... 111
Cruise Light ........................... 168
Cupholders ............................ 145
Customer Assistance ..................... 433
Daytime Running Lights ................... 108
Dealer Service .......................... 362
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 150
Defroster, Windshield ................76,225,231
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 359
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 111
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ................. 385
Oil (Engine) .......................... 363
Power Steering ........................ 266
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 354
Disarming, Theft System ................... 20 Disposal
Engine Oil ........................... 365
Used Engine Fluids .................... 365
Door Locks ............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 130
Driving ............................... 261
Off-Pavement ......................... 261
Off-Road ............................ 261
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 176
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 219
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 140
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 272
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 272
Brake Assist System .................... 273
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 274
Electronic Stability Program ............... 275
Traction Control System ................. 273
10
INDEX 445

Headlight Switch...................... 105
Headlights ........................... 401
Headlights On With Wipers ............... 106
High Beam Indicator .................... 161
Illuminated Entry ....................... 20
Instrument Cluster .................. 105,109
Interior ........................... 109,111
Lights On Reminder .................... 110
Low Fuel ............................ 170
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 162
Oil Pressure .......................... 164
Passing ............................. 111
Reading ............................. 111
Rear Servicing ........................ 404
Rear Tail ............................ 404
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 168
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) .............. 163
Service ............................. 401
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 162 Side Marker
.......................... 404
SmartBeams .......................... 106
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 164
Tow/Haul Indicator .................... 167
Traction Control ....................... 285
Turn Signal ................ 76,104,110,402,404
Vanity Mirror .......................... 85
Voltage ............................. 169
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 147
Loading Vehicle ......................... 320
Tires ............................... 290
Locks ................................. 28
Automatic Door ........................ 29
Child Protection ........................ 30
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 29
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 68,69
Lubrication, Body ....................... 369
10
INDEX 451

Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 289
Tire Markings .......................... 286
Tire Safety Information .................... 286
Tires ............................ 76,294,439
Air Pressure .......................... 295
Chains .............................. 301
Changing ............................ 343
Compact Spare ........................ 297
General Information .................... 294
High Speed .......................... 297
Inflation Pressures ..................... 295
Jacking ............................. 343
Life of Tires .......................... 300
Load Capacity ........................ 290
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 303
Pressure Warning Light .................. 164
Quality Grading ....................... 439
Radial .............................. 297
Replacement ......................... 300 Rotation
............................ 302
Safety .............................. 286
Sizes ............................... 287
Spare Tire ........................... 344
Spinning ............................ 298
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 299
Wheel Mounting ...................... 349
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 329
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 254
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 353
Tow/Haul Indicator Light ................. 167
Towing ............................ 323,354
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 354
Guide .............................. 328
Recreational .......................... 336
Weight .............................. 328
Traction Control ......................... 273
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 280
Trailer Towing .......................... 323
458 INDEX