2013 Ram 1500 traction control

WARNING!
•The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
• The BAS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, 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.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver in
launching a vehicle on an incline. HSA will maintain the
level of brake pressure the driver inputs for a short duration once the driver takes his foot off of the brake
pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this
short duration, the system will release brake pressure
and the vehicle will roll down the incline. The system will
release brake pressure in proportion to the amount of
throttle applied.
During operation, HSA will activate the brake control
system and a clicking noise may occur. If your foot is on
the brake pedal during operation you may feel a slight
pedal movement. The clicking and pedal movement is
normal and both will stop when HSA becomes inactive.
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•
Vehicle must be stopped
• Vehicle must be on a 7% or greater incline
472 STARTING AND OPERATING

the intended path, ESC applies the brake of the appro-
priate 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.
All Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel
Drive Vehicles In 2WD, 4WD AUTO, Or 4WD
LOCK Modes Can Choose The Following ESC
Operating Modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in 2WD/4WD
AUTO/4WD LOCK modes and in 2WD vehicles. When-
ever the vehicle is started or the transfer case (if
equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOW or Neutral, back to
4WD LOCK or 4WD AUTO, the ESC system will be in this mode. This mode should be used for almost all
driving situations. ESC should only be turned to “Partial
Off” or “ESC Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
WARNING!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent accidents resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the con-
ditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner which could jeopardize the user ’s
safety or the safety of others.
476 STARTING AND OPERATING

TIRE CHAINS
NOTE:Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle as
recommended by the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
• Because of restricted traction device clearance be-
tween tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condi-
tion are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pave-
ment.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufac-
turer ’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
504 STARTING AND OPERATING

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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
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 711

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.
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 allpassenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle 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.
712 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Daytime Running Lights....................163
Dealer Service ........................... .635
Defroster, Rear Window .....................225
Defroster, Windshield ..................... .122
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................173
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................440
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................623
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................651
Door Locks ..............................34
Door Locks, Automatic ......................37
Driving Off-Pavement ......................... .421
Off-Road ............................ .421
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .442
Dual Rear Wheels ........................ .507E-85 Fuel
.............................. .526
Electrical Power Outlets .....................208
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................225
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .............390
Electronic Brake Control System ...............470
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................470
Brake Assist System .....................471
Traction Control System ...................471
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................361
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........180
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............475
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......193
Emergency Brake ........................ .467
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................616
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................571
Jump Starting ......................... .612
Tow Hooks ........................... .618
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........634
10
INDEX 717

Cap Top Clearance..................... .686
Cargo .............................. .170
Center Mounted Stop ....................684
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........257
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .168
Daytime Running ...................... .163
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....480
Exterior ............................. .124
Fog ................................ .166
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................390
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................571
Headlights ........................... .162
High Beam ........................... .172
High Beam Indicator .....................261
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............172
Illuminated Entry ........................22
Instrument Cluster ..................... .257
Interior ............................. .167
Oil Pressure .......................... .262Passing
............................. .172
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .261
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ...............262
Service .............................. .678
Side Marker .......................... .688
SmartBeams .......................... .164
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ...............262
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............262
Traction Control ....................... .480
Transfer Case ......................... .390
Turn Signal .......................... .124
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......257
Limited-Slip Differential ....................440
Loading Vehicle ......................... .532
Tires ............................... .488
Locks ..................................34
Automatic Door .........................37
Child

Protection .........................38
Door .................................34
722 INDEX

Tire Safety Information.....................482
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................544
Tonneau Cover .......................... .667
Tonneau Cover Cleaning ....................667
Torque Converter Clutch ....................375
Tow Hooks, Emergency .....................618
Towing ............................... .534
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .623
Guide .............................. .540
Recreational .......................... .561
Weight .............................. .540
Traction ............................... .441
Traction Control ......................... .471
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................481
Trailer Towing .......................... .534
Cooling System Tips .....................556
Hitches ............................. .539
Minimum Requirements ..................545
Mirrors ............................. .139Trailer and Tongue Weight
.................544
Wiring .............................. .553
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .540
Trailer Weight ........................... .540
Transfer Case ........................... .658
Electronically Shifted .....................390
Fluid ............................... .692
Transmission ........................... .355
Automatic ........................... .355
Fluid ............................... .692
Maintenance .......................... .658
Shifting ............................. .352
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .30
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .23
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........23
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .500
Turn Signals ............................ .171
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................
71110
INDEX 729