2014 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab traction control

refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)/
Customer Programmable Features” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — If Equipped
The ESC system enhances directional control and stabil-
ity 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 condition.
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 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.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, in-
cluding those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydro-
planing. ESC also cannot prevent accidents resulting
from loss of vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capa-
bilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must never be
(Continued)
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during ac-
celeration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.NOTE:
•
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•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).
• 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.
• 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 369

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 523

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.
524 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Defroster, Rear Window.....................192
Defroster, Windshield ......................112
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ..................162
Differential, Limited-Slip ....................322
Dipsticks Automatic Transmission ..................475
Power Steering ........................ .327
Disabled Vehicle Towing ....................438
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................466
Door Locks Door Locks ............................35
KeyFob...............................35
Remote ...............................35
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................35
Door Locks, Automatic ......................37
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................... .324Dual Rear Wheels
........................ .371
Electrical Power Outlets .....................176
Electric Rear Window Defrost .................192
Electronically Shifted Transfer Case .............316
Electronic Brake Control System ...............333
Anti-Lock Brake System ..................333
Traction Control System ...................334
Electronic Range Select (ERS) .................308
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ........169
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............338
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......212
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . .212
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Setup
Menu ............................... .212
EVIC Messages ........................ .212
Emergency Brake ........................ .328
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................435
10
INDEX 529

Alarm.............................. .205
Anti-Lock ............................ .200
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... .332
Automatic Headlights ....................151
Brake Assist Warning ....................341
Brake Warning ........................ .202
Bulb Replacement ...................... .495
Cap Top Clearance ..................... .501
Cargo .............................. .159
Center Mounted Stop ....................499
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) .........200
Courtesy/Reading ..................... .157
Daytime Running ...................... .152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator .....341
Exterior ..............................114
Fog ................................ .155
Four-Wheel Drive Indicator ................315
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................420
Headlights ........................... .151High Beam
........................... .161
High Beam Indicator .....................204
High Beam/Low Beam Select ...............161
Illuminated Entry ........................23
Instrument Cluster ..................... .200
Interior ............................. .156
Oil Pressure .......................... .205
Passing ............................. .161
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... .204
Security Alarm ........................ .205
Service .............................. .495
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ............206
Traction Control ....................... .341
Transfer Case ......................... .315
Turn Signal ............................114
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ......200
Limited-Slip Differential ....................322
Loading

Vehicle ......................... .387
Tires ............................... .351
534 INDEX

Weight.............................. .394
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........410
Traction ............................... .323
Traction Control ......................... .334
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..................343
Trailer Towing .......................... .389
Cooling System Tips .....................406
Hitches ............................. .393
Minimum Requirements ..................396
Mirrors ............................. .131
Trailer and Tongue Weight .................395
Wiring .............................. .404
Trailer Towing Guide ...................... .394
Trailer Weight ........................... .394
Transfer Case ........................... .473
Electronically Shifted .....................316
Fluid ............................... .506
Transmission Automatic ........................... .300Fluid
............................... .506
Maintenance .......................... .474
Shifting ............................. .297
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . .28
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . .23
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .........23
Tread Wear Indicators ..................... .365
Turn Signals ............................ .160
Uconnect® Customer Programmable Features ...........258
Uconnect® Settings ..................... .258
Uconnect® Settings Customer Programmable Features ............40
Passive Entry Programming .................40
Uconnect® Settings ..................... .256
Uniform Tire Quality Grades .................523
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... .380
10
INDEX 541