
312  (Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) 
The 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 that 
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.
The ABS is activated during braking when the 
system detects one or more wheels are beginning 
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 normal 
characteristics when the ABS activates:
ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you may 
continue to hear for a short time after the stop)
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the 
stopThe ABS is designed to function with the Original 
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification 
may result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning 
Light
The yellow ABS 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 ABS 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 ABS Warning Light is on.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic 
equipment that may be susceptible to interfer
-
ence caused by improperly installed or high 
output radio transmitting equipment. This 
interference can cause possible loss of 
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of 
such equipment should be performed by qual -
ified 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 hydro -
planing.
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!
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 312   

SAFETY313
If the ABS Warning Light is on, the brake system 
should be serviced as soon as possible to restore 
the benefits of anti-lock brakes. If the ABS 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 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake 
Assist System (BAS), Electronic Brake Force 
Distribution (EBD), Electronic Roll Mitigation 
(ERM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start 
Assist (HSA), and Traction Control System (TCS). 
These systems work together to enhance both 
vehicle stability and control in various driving 
conditions.
Your vehicle may also be equipped with Trailer 
Sway Control (TSC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).
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 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.
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)
EBD 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.
WARNING!
The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent 
the natural laws of physics from acting on the 
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded 
by prevailing road conditions. BAS cannot 
prevent collisions, including 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.
6
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SAFETY315
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the 
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. 
Whenever 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
This mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes 
stuck. This mode may modify TCS and ESC 
thresholds for activation, which allows for more 
wheel spin than normally allowed.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily push 
the ESC OFF button and the ESC OFF Indicator 
Light will illuminate. To turn the ESC on again, 
momentarily push the ESC OFF button and the ESC 
OFF Indicator Light will turn off.
NOTE:For vehicles with multiple partial ESC modes, the 
push and release of the button will toggle the ESC 
modes. Multiple attempts may be required to 
return to “ESC On”.
Full Off — If Equipped
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road 
use only and should not be used on any public 
roadways. In this mode, TCS and ESC features are 
turned off. To enter the “Full Off” mode, push and 
hold the ESC OFF button for five seconds while the 
vehicle is stopped with the engine running. After 
five seconds, a chime will sound, the ESC OFF 
Indicator Light will illuminate, and the “ESC OFF” 
message will display in the instrument cluster. To 
turn ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF 
button.NOTE:System may switch from ESC “Full Off” to “Partial 
Off” mode when vehicle exceeds a predetermined 
speed. When the vehicle speed slows below the 
predetermined speed the system will return to ESC 
“Full Off”.
ESC modes may also be affected by drive modes (if 
equipped).
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 perfor
-
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn 
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any 
vehicle modification or poor vehicle mainte -
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the 
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of 
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal 
injury and death.
WARNING!
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS function -
ality 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 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.
6
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316SAFETY  
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light 
And ESC OFF Indicator Light 
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator 
Light in the instrument cluster will come 
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/
RUN mode. It should go out with the 
engine running. If the ESC Activation/Malfunction 
Indicator Light comes on continuously with the 
engine running, 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 an authorized dealer 
as soon as possible to have the problem 
diagnosed and corrected.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light 
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.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates 
that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
is in a reduced mode.
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/RUN mode.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN 
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.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped  
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driving 
while in 4WD Low. HDC maintains vehicle speed 
while descending hills during various driving 
situations. HDC controls vehicle speed by actively 
controlling the brakes.
HDC Has Three States:
1. Off (feature is not enabled and will not activate).
2. Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but  activation conditions are not met, or driver is 
actively overriding with brake or throttle 
application).
3. Active (feature is enabled and actively  controlling vehicle speed).
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque 
reduction and stability features are disabled. 
Therefore, enhanced vehicle stability offered 
by the ESC system is unavailable. In an emer -
gency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will 
not engage to assist in maintaining stability. 
ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for 
off-highway or off-road use only.
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 condi -
tions. 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.
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318SAFETY  
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for 
several seconds, then extinguish when HDC 
disables due to excess speed.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash when 
HDC deactivates due to overheated brakes. The 
flashing will stop and HDC will activate again 
once the brakes have cooled sufficiently.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)  
HSA 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 for 
HSA to activate:
The feature must be enabled.
The vehicle must be stopped.
The parking 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.
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 Uconnect Settings  
Ú page 234.
Towing With HSA
HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll 
back while towing a trailer.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.
WARNING!
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 involvement. 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 accel -
eration, 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 transmission in 
PARK.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a 
collision or serious personal injury.
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SAFETY319
Rain Brake Support (RBS)
RBS may improve braking performance in wet 
conditions. It will periodically apply a small amount 
of brake pressure to remove any water buildup on 
the front brake rotors. It functions when the 
windshield wipers are in LO or HI speed. When Rain 
Brake Support is active, there is no notification to 
the driver and no driver interaction is required.
Ready Alert Braking (RAB)
RAB may reduce the time required to reach full 
braking during emergency braking situations. It 
anticipates when an emergency braking situation 
may occur by monitoring how fast the throttle is 
released by the driver. The Electronic Brake 
Control system will prepare the brake system for a 
panic stop.
Traction Control System (TCS) 
The 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 torque 
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.
NOTE:TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always 
use caution when towing a trailer and follow the 
trailer tongue weight recommendations  
Ú
page 212.
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 swaying. TSC is 
disabled when the ESC system is in the “Partial 
Off” or “Full Off” modes.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) — 
I
F EQUIPPED 
BSM uses two radar sensors, located inside the 
taillights, to detect highway licensable vehicles 
(automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) that enter 
the blind spot zones from the rear/front/side of 
the vehicle.
Rear Detection Zones
When the vehicle is started, the BSM Warning Light 
will momentarily illuminate in both outside 
rearview mirrors to let the driver know that the 
system is operational. The BSM system sensors 
operate when the vehicle is in any forward gear 
and enters standby mode when the vehicle is in 
PARK.
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.
6
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336SAFETY  
(Continued)
Initial Indication
If the driver is unbuckled when the ignition switch 
is first in the START or ON/RUN position, a chime 
will signal for a few seconds. If the driver or 
outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with 
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is 
unbuckled when the ignition switch is first in the 
START or ON/RUN position the Seat Belt Reminder 
Light will turn on and remain on until both outboard 
front seat belts are buckled. The outboard front 
passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when an 
outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied.
BeltAlert Warning Sequence
The BeltAlert warning sequence is activated when 
the vehicle is moving above a specified vehicle 
speed range and the driver or outboard front seat 
passenger is unbuckled (if equipped with outboard 
front passenger seat BeltAlert) (the outboard front 
passenger seat BeltAlert is not active when the 
outboard front passenger seat is unoccupied). The 
BeltAlert warning sequence starts by blinking the 
Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounding an 
intermittent chime. Once the BeltAlert warning 
sequence has completed, the Seat Belt Reminder 
Light will remain on until the seat belts are 
buckled. The BeltAlert warning sequence may 
repeat based on vehicle speed until the driver and 
occupied outboard front seat passenger seat belts 
are buckled. The driver should instruct all 
occupants to buckle their seat belts. Change Of Status
If the driver or outboard front seat passenger (if 
equipped with outboard front passenger seat 
BeltAlert) unbuckles their seat belt while the 
vehicle is traveling, the BeltAlert warning sequence 
will begin until the seat belts are buckled again.
The outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert is not 
active when the outboard front passenger seat is 
unoccupied. BeltAlert may be triggered when an 
animal or other items are placed on the outboard 
front passenger seat or when the seat is folded flat 
(if equipped). It is recommended that pets be 
restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet 
harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat 
belts, and cargo is properly stowed.
BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by an 
authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not 
recommend deactivating BeltAlert.
NOTE:If BeltAlert has been deactivated and the driver or 
outboard front seat passenger (if equipped with 
outboard front passenger seat BeltAlert) is 
unbuckled the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn 
on and remain on until the driver and outboard 
front seat passenger seat belts are buckled.
Lap/Shoulder Belts   
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped 
with lap/shoulder belts.
The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during 
very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows 
the shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely 
with you under normal conditions. However, in a 
collision the seat belt will lock and reduce your risk 
of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown 
out of the vehicle.
WARNING!
Relying on the air bags alone could lead to 
more severe injuries in a collision. The air 
bags work with your seat belt to restrain you 
properly. In some collisions, the air bags won’t 
deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt even 
though you have air bags.
In a collision, you and your passengers can 
suffer much greater injuries if you are not 
properly buckled up. You can strike the inte
-
rior of your vehicle or other passengers, or you 
can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be 
sure you and others in your vehicle are 
buckled up properly.
22_DT_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 336   

SAFETY353
(Continued)
NOTE:After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition to 
the STOP (OFF/LOCK) position and remove the key 
from the ignition switch to avoid draining the 
battery. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in 
the engine compartment and on the ground near 
the engine compartment and fuel tank before 
resetting the system and starting the engine. If 
there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle 
electrical devices (e.g. headlights) after an 
accident, reset the system by following the 
procedure described below. If you have any doubt, 
contact an authorized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System 
Reset Procedure
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response 
System functions after an event, the ignition switch 
must be changed from ignition START or ON/RUN 
to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel 
leaks in the engine compartment and on the 
ground near the engine compartment and fuel 
tank before resetting the system and starting the 
engine. After an accident, if the vehicle will not 
start after performing the reset procedure, the 
vehicle must be towed to an authorized dealer to 
be inspected and to have the Enhanced Accident 
Response System reset.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System   Event Data Recorder (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an event data 
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to 
record, in certain crash or near crash-like 
situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting 
a road obstacle, data that will assist in 
understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. 
The EDR is designed to record data related to 
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short 
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. 
WARNING!
Modifications to any part of the air bag system 
could cause it to fail when you need it. You 
could be injured if the air bag system is not 
there to protect you. Do not modify the compo-
nents or wiring, including adding any kind of 
badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub 
trim cover or the upper passenger side of the 
instrument panel. Do not modify the front 
fascia/bumper, vehicle body structure, or add 
aftermarket side steps or running boards.
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the 
air bag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone 
who works on your vehicle that it has an air 
bag system.
Do not attempt to modify any part of your air 
bag system. The air bag may inflate acciden -
tally or may not function properly if modifica -
tions are made. Take your vehicle to an 
authorized dealer for any air bag system 
service. If your seat, including your trim cover 
and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way 
(including removal or loosening/tightening of 
seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to an 
authorized dealer. Only manufacturer 
approved seat accessories may be used. If it is 
necessary to modify the air bag system for 
persons with disabilities, contact an autho -
rized dealer.
WARNING!
6
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