WARNING!
•The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
• The BAS cannot prevent collisions, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces,
or hydroplaning.
•
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.
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 steer-
ing wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are suffi-
cient 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 maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift
occurring during severe or evasive driving ma-
neuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to other
factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions, 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 leav-
ing the roadway or striking objects or other
vehicles. 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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)This system enhances directional control and
stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or
understeering of the vehicle by applying the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer con-
dition. Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC 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, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
•
Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel posi-
tion.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel posi-
tion.
253
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driv-
ing 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 “ESC OFF” switch. Once the situation
requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pressing the “ESC OFF”
switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
WARNING!
•When in "Partial Off" mode, the TCS func-
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the "ESC Off Indicator
Light" will be illuminated. When in "Partial
Off" mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.
• Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled
when the ESC system is in the "Partial Off"
mode.
4WD Low Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in
4WD LOW range. Whenever the vehicle is
started in 4WD LOW range, or the transfer case
(if equipped) is shifted from 4WD HIGH range or
NEUTRAL to 4WD LOW range, the ESC sys-
tem will be in the “Partial Off” mode.Trailer Sway Control (TSC)TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize
an excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
The system may reduce engine power and
apply the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC will
become active automatically once an exces-
sively swaying trailer is recognized. No driver
action is required. Note that TSC cannot stop all
trailers from swaying. Always use caution when
towing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue
weight recommendations. Refer to “Trailer Tow-
ing” in “Starting and Operating” for further infor-
mation. When TSC is functioning, the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will flash,
the engine power may be reduced and you may
feel the brakes being applied to individual
wheels to attempt to stop the trailer from sway-
ing. TSC is disabled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
ESC OFF Switch
255
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)The HSA system is designed to assist the driver
when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill.
HSA will maintain the level of brake pressure
the driver applied for a short period of time after
the driver takes their foot off of the brake pedal.
If the driver does not apply the throttle during
this short period of time, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the
hill. The system will release brake pressure in
proportion to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the intended direc-
tion of travel.HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for
HSA to activate:
•
Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate)
grade or greater hill.
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear;
vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward
gears when the activation criteria have been
met. The system will not activate if the vehicle is
placed in NEUTRAL or PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e.,
less than 8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer, when the system will not
activate and slight rolling may occur. This
could cause a collision with another vehicle
or object. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle. Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a
grade when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•
If you use a trailer brake controller with
your trailer, your trailer brakes may be
activated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, when the brake pedal is
released, there may not be enough brake
pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on
a hill and this could cause a collision with
another vehicle or object behind you. In
order to avoid rolling down the hill while
resuming acceleration, manually activate
the trailer brake prior to releasing the
brake pedal. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.
(Continued)
256
WARNING!(Continued)
•HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the
vehicle on a hill without putting the trans-
mission in PARK and using the parking
brake, it will roll down the hill and could
cause a collision with another vehicle or
object. Always remember to use the park-
ing brake while parking on a hill, and that
the driver is responsible for braking the
vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be
done using the Customer Programmable Fea-
tures in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Ready Alert BrakingReady Alert Braking may reduce the time re-
quired to reach full braking during emergency
braking situations. It anticipates when an emer-
gency braking situation may occur by monitor-
ing how fast the throttle is released by the driver.
When the throttle is released very quickly,
Ready Alert Braking applies a small amount of
brake pressure. This brake pressure will not be
noticed by the driver. The brake system uses
this brake pressure to allow a fast brake re-
sponse if the driver applies the brakes.
Rain Brake SupportRain Brake Support may improve braking per-
formance in wet conditions. It will periodically
apply a small amount of brake pressure to
remove any water buildup on the front brake
rotors. It only functions when the windshield
wipers are in the LO or HI mode, it does not
function in the intermittent mode. When Rain
Brake Support is active, there is no notification
to the driver and no driver interaction is re-
quired.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) —
Four-Wheel Drive Models With MP3023
Two-Speed Transfer Case Only
HDC maintains vehicle speed while descending
hills during off-road driving situations and is
available in 4WD LOW range only. To enable
HDC, press the HDC switch or put the Selec-
Terrain™ system in “ROCK” mode (“ROCK”
mode is only available in 4WD LOW range).
Hill Descent Switch
257
When HDC is enabled, the HDC icon will be
illuminated in the instrument cluster. HDC will
automatically apply the brakes to control down-
hill speed to the selected level when necessary
on grades greater than approximately 8%. It will
usually not activate on level ground.
The HDC speed may be adjusted by the driver
to suit the driving conditions. The speed corre-
sponds to the transmission gear selected.
HDC operation can be overridden with brake
application to slow the vehicle down below the
HDC control speed. Conversely, if more speed
is desired during HDC control, the accelerator
pedal will increase vehicle speed in the usual
manner. When either the brake or the accelera-
tor is released, HDC will control the vehicle back
to the original set speed.
HDC Operation In 4WD Low Range
To enable HDC, press the HDC switch or put the
Selec-Terrain™ system in the “ROCK” mode. The
HDC icon will be illuminated in the instrument
cluster and HDC will function. If the vehicle speed
goes above 20 mph (32 km/h), the HDC icon will
flash and HDC will not function. To disable HDC,
press the HDC switch.
4WD Low Range Set Speeds
•1st = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• 2nd = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
• 3rd = 4 mph (6 km/h)
• 4th = 5.5 mph (9 km/h)
• 5th, 6th or D (Drive) = 7.5 mph (12 km/h)
• REVERSE = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• NEUTRAL = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
• PARK = HDC will not function
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driv-
ing only. At vehicle speeds above 20 mph
(32 km/h), HDC will no longer function. When
the vehicle speed drops below 20 mph
(32 km/h), HDC function will automatically re-
sume and the vehicle speed will return to the
chosen set speed.WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending
hills. The driver must remain attentive to the
driving conditions and is responsible for
maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” in the instrument cluster
will come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. It should
go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several
miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
258
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted hitch system may
reduce handling, stability and braking perfor-
mance and could result in an accident. Con-
sult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer
or a reputable trailer/caravan dealer for ad-
ditional information. Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi-
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Breakaway Cable AttachmentEuropean braking regulations for braked trailers
up to 7,700 lbs (3 500 kg), require trailers to be
fitted with either a secondary coupling or break-
away cable.
The recommended location for attaching the
normal trailer’s breakaway cable is in the
stamped slot located on the sidewall of the hitch
receiver.
With Attachment Point
•
For detachable tow bar pass the cable through
the attachment point and clip it back onto itself
or attach the clip directly to the designated
point.
Detachable Ball Clip Loop Method
279
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
with Trailer Brake Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
without Trailer Brake Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L Gasoline 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)249 lbs (113 kg)
5.7L Gasoline 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
3.0L Diesel 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
Maximum trailer towing speed is limited to 62 mph (100 km/h) unless local laws require a lower speed.
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight refer-
enced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Trailer And Tongue WeightAlways load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. Loads balanced over the
wheels, or heavier in the rear, can cause the
trailer to sway severelyside-to-side which will
cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents. Never exceed
the maximum tongue weight stamped on your
trailer hitch. Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•
The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
281
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options, or au-
thorized dealer-installed options, must be
considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the tire loading information
placard located on the drivers door pillar for
the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing RequirementsTo promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts
at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Fol-
low these guidelines to make your trailer
towing as safe as possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a
collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
(Continued)
282