2020 DODGE JOURNEY warning light

109
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides
increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions.
The system automatically prevents wheel lock,
and enhances vehicle control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure
th

at the ABS is working properly each time the
vehicle is started and driven. During this
self-check, you may hear a slight clicking sound
as well as some related motor noises.
ABS is activated during braking when the
sy
stem detects one or more wheels begin to
lock. Road conditions such as ice, snow, gravel,
bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops may increase the likelihood of ABS
activation(s). You also may experience the following when
AB

S activates:
The ABS motor noise (it may continue to run
for a short time after the stop)
The clicking sound of solenoid valves
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of
the stop
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to inter -
ference caused by improperly installed or
h i

gh output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by
qualified professionals.

Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you
need to slow down or stop.

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING! (Continued)
4

110 SAFETY
ABS is designed to function with the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires.
Modification may result in degraded ABS
performance.
Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light

The yellow “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will
turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
mode and may stay on for as long as four
seconds.

If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” remains
on

or comes on while driving, it indicates that
the anti-lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will
continue to operate normally if the “Anti-Lock
Brake Warning Light” is on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” is on, the
b r

ake system should be serviced as soon as
possible to restore the benefits of anti-lock
brakes. If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light”
does not come on when the ignition is placed in
the ON/RUN mode, have the light repaired as
soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system.
This system includes Electronic Brake Force
D i

stribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill Start
Assist (HSA), Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Electronic
Roll Mitigation (ERM). These systems work
together to enhance both vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer
S w

ay Control (TSC).
Brake Assist System (BAS)

The Brake Assist System (BAS) is designed to
optimize the vehicle’s braking capability during
emergency braking maneuvers. The system
detects an emergency braking situation by
sensing 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 braking 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.

Brake System Warning Light
The red “Brake System Warning Light” will turn
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN
mode and may stay on for as long as

four seconds.
WARNING!

The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
a f

forded by prevailing road conditions.
BAS cannot prevent collisions, including those
r e

sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving
on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
m u

st never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.

SAFETY 111
If the “Brake System Warning Light” remains on
or comes on while driving, it indicates that the
brake system is not functioning properly and
that immediate service is required. If the “Brake
System Warning Light” does not come on when
the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,
have the light repaired as soon as possible.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

The Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
function manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by
limiting braking pressure to the rear axle. This is
done to prevent overslip of the rear wheels to
avoid vehicle instability, and to prevent the rear
axle from entering the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) before the front axle.

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

The Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) 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 steering wheel
angle and vehicle’s speed are sufficient 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 can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during severe or evasive driving
maneuvers; it cannot prevent wheel lift due to
other factors, such as road conditions, leaving
the roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 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(s) 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
t
h

e 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 position.
Understeer — when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel position.

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
l o

cated in the instrument cluster will start to flash
as soon as the ESC system becomes active.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
a l

so flashes when the TCS is active. If the ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light begins to
flash during acceleration, 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.

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 roll overs,
especially those that involve leaving 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.

4

112 SAFETY
(Continued)
ESC Operating Modes
NOTE:
Depending upon model and mode of operation,
t h

e ESC system may have multiple operating
modes. ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Wh

enever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used
for most driving conditions. Alternate ESC
modes should only be used for specific reasons
as noted in the following paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for times
w h

en a more spirited driving experience is
desired. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed. This mode
may be useful if the vehicle becomes stuck.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily
p u

sh the ESC OFF switch and the ESC OFF
Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF switch
and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will turn off.
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 condi -
tions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
i n

cluding 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 conditions. Only a safe, atten -
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
ve
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopar -
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING! (Continued)

SAFETY 113
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light

The ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light in the instrument
cl

uster will come on when the ignition
is placed in the ON mode. It should
go out with the engine running. If the ESC
A c

tivation/Malfunction Indicator Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a
m a

lfunction 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 an authorized dealer as
s o

on as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
( l

ocated 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
acceleration, 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 momentarily each time the ignition is
placed in the ON mode.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON
mode, 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 customer has elected to have the
El

ectronic Stability Control (ESC) in a
reduced mode.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS func -
tionality of ESC (except for the limited slip
f e

ature 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
enhanced 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.
WARNING!
The 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
c o

nditions. ESC cannot prevent all accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent collisions.
4

114 SAFETY
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) system is designed to
mitigate roll back from a complete stop while on
an incline. If the driver releases the brake while
stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to hold
the brake pressure for a short period. If the
driver does not apply the throttle before this
time expires, the system will release brake
pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill as
normal.
The following conditions must be met in order
fo

r HSA to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The park brake must be off.
The driver door must be closed.
The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in
forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is in
REVERSE gear).

HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward
gears. The system will not activate if the trans -
mission is in PARK or NEUTRAL. For vehicles
e q

uipped with a manual transmission, if the
clutch is pressed, HSA will remain active.

Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll
back while towing a trailer.

There may be situations where the Hill Start
Assist (HSA) will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, such as on minor hills or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer.
HSA is not a substitute for active driving
i n

volvement. It is always the driver’s
responsibility to be attentive to distance to
other vehicles, people, and objects, and most
importantly brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is always
required while driving to maintain safe control
of your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision or serious
personal injury.
WARNING!

If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, the trailer brakes may be activated
and deactivated with the brake switch. If so,
there may not be enough brake pressure to
hold both the vehicle and the trailer on a hill
when the brake pedal is released. In order to
avoid rolling down an incline while resuming
acceleration, manually activate the trailer
brake or apply more vehicle brake pressure
prior to releasing the brake pedal.

HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when exiting your
vehicle. Also, be certain to place the trans -
mission in PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result
in a collision or serious personal injury.

SAFETY 115
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
change the current setting, proceed as follows:
If disabling HSA using your instrument cluster
display, refer to “Instrument Cluster Display”
in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings,
refer to “Uconnect Settings” in “Multimedia”
for further information.
For vehicles not equipped with an instrument
c lu

ster display, perform the following steps:

1. C enter the steering wheel (front wheels
p
ointing straight forward).

2. S hift the transmission into PARK.
3
. A pply the parking brake.
4
. S tart the engine.
5
. R otate the steering wheel slightly more than
o
ne-half turn to the left.
6. P ush the “ESC OFF” button located in the
l
ower switch bank below the climate control
four times within 20 seconds. The “ESC OFF
Indicator Light” should turn on and turn off
two times. 7. R
otate the steering wheel back to center
a
nd then an additional slightly more than
one-half turn to the right.

8. P lace the ignition in the OFF mode and then
b
ack to ON. If the sequence was completed
properly, the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” will blink
several times to confirm HSA is disabled.

9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this f
eature to its previous setting.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) monitors the
amount of wheel spin of each of the driven
wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may
apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s)
and/or reduce engine power to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature
of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential (BLD),
functions similarly 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 power to be applied to the wheel that is
not spinning. BLD may remain enabled even if
TCS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are in
reduced modes.
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.
TSC will become active automatically once an
excessively swaying trailer is recognized.
Note that TSC cannot stop all trailers from
s w

aying. Always use caution when towing a
trailer and follow the trailer tongue weight
r e

commendations. Refer to “Trailer Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information.

When TSC is functioning, the ESC Activation/
M a

lfunction 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 swaying. TSC is
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial
Off” mode.
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.

4

116 SAFETY
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
will warn the driver of a low tire pressure based
on the vehicle recommended cold placard
pressure.

The tire pressure will vary with temperature
by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C).
Th
is means that when the outside temperature
decreases, the tire pressure will decrease. Tire
pressure should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined as the tire
pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for
at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
( 1

.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire
i n

flation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance”
for information on how to properly inflate the
vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will also increase
as the vehicle is driven. This is normal and there
should be no adjustment for this increased
pressure.

The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire
p r

essure if the tire pressure falls below the low-pressure warning limit for any reason,
including low temperature effects and natural
pressure loss through the tire.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
t i

re pressure as long as the condition exists, and
will not turn off until the tire pressure is at or
above the recommended cold placard pressure.
Once the low tire pressure warning (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light) illuminates,
you must increase the tire pressure to the
recommended cold placard pressure in order for
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light to turn off.

NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
n e

ed to be increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa) above the recommended cold placard
pressure in order to turn the Tire Pressure Moni
-
toring System Warning Light off.
The system will automatically update and the
T i

re Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light
will turn off once the system receives the
updated tire pressures. The vehicle may need to
be driven for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
( 2

4 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
i n

formation.
For example, your vehicle may have a
r e

commended cold (parked for more than
three hours) placard pressure of 33 psi
(227 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F
( 2

0°C) and the measured tire pressure is 28 psi
(193 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C)
will decrease the tire pressure to approximately
24 psi (165 kPa). This tire pressure is low
enough to turn on the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light. Driving the vehicle may
cause the tire pressure to rise to approximately
28 psi (193 kPa), but the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light will still be on.
In this situation, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light will turn off only after the
tires are inflated to the vehicle’s recommended
cold placard pressure value.