2023 JEEP RENEGADE Owners Manual

SAFETY 223
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC 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 counteract the above conditions.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path.
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.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the
vehicl
e 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.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
locate d

in the instrument cluster will start to flash
as soon as the ESC system becomes active. The
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light also
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.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) cannot prevent
all wheel lift or rollovers, 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.
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 conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci -
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehic l

e must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize 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 nega -
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
Chang e

s to the steering system, suspension,
braking system, tire type and size or wheel size
may adversely affect ESC performance. Improp -
erly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
d egrad

e ESC performance. Any vehicle modifi-
cation or poor vehicle maintenance that
r educe

s the effectiveness of the ESC system
can increase the risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

6

224 SAFETY
ESC Operation Modes
To disable ESC and other safety systems, follow
the instructions below.
There are three modes of active safety systems
presen

t on the vehicle:
ESC On
Partial Off
Full Off
ESC On – Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And
Four-W h

eel Drive Vehicles In 2WD And 4WD High
This is the normal operating mode for ESC when
operati
ng a two-wheel drive vehicle. It is also the
normal mode for operating a four-wheel drive
vehicle in 2WD or 4WD High. The ESC system will
be in “ESC On” mode whenever the vehicle is
started or the power transfer unit (if equipped) is
shifted out of 4WD Low. This mode should be used
for most driving situations. ESC should only be
turned to “Partial Off” or “Full Off” for specific
reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” and to “Full
Off” for additional information.
NOTE:
It is recommended to select the mode "Partial Off"
or "Fu l
l Off" only for specific reasons.
Partial Off – Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And
Four-Wh
eel Drive Vehicles In 2WD And 4WD High
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for driving in
deep s
now, sand, or gravel. This mode raises the threshold for TCS and ESC activation, which allows
for more wheel spin than what ESC normally
allows.

ESC OFF Button

To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily push
the E S

C 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. This will restore the
normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow c h
ains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily pushing the ESC
OFF button. Once the situation requiring “Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pushing the ESC OFF button. This may
be done while the vehicle is in motion. Full Off – Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 4WD High
And 4
W

D Low
The “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway and
off-road
use when ESC stability features could
inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail
conditions. The ESC OFF button is located in the
lower switch bank above the climate control panel.
To enter “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, the ESC OFF Indicator Light will illuminate
and an “ESC OFF” message will appear in the
odometer.

In this mode, ESC and TCS are turned off (except for
the “ l

imited slip” feature described in the TCS
section) until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph

WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS function -
ality of ESC, except for the limited slip feature
descr i
bed 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.

SAFETY 225

(64 km/h). At speeds over 40 mph (64 km/h), the
system
automatically switches to “Partial Off” mode,
described above. When the vehicle speed returns to
less than 35 mph (56 km/h), the ESC system will
retur n

to “Full Off” mode. The ESC OFF Indicator
Light is always illuminated when ESC is off. To turn
ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF
button. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode
of operation.

NOTE:
With the ESC switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stabi l
ity offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emer -
gency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not
e ngage

to assist in maintaining stability. “Full Off”
mode is only intended for off-highway or off-road
use.
NOTE:
“Full Off” is the only operating mode for ESC in
4WD Low. The ESC system will be in this mode
whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD Low or
the power transfer unit is shifted into 4WD Low.

The “ESC OFF” message will display and a chime
will sound when the gear selector is moved from
any position to the PARK (P) position and then
moved out of the PARK position. This will occur
even if the message was cleared previously.

Selec-Terrain — If Equipped
On models equipped with Selec-Terrain, the
a ctiva

tion of some driving modes provide partial off or full off of some active safety systems in order
to optimize performance in specific modes.
Partial or full off of the active safety systems will be
indic
a

ted by a light in the instrument cluster.
In "SAND" and "MUD", the active safety systems
are pa
rtially disabled and put in place to ensure
maximum performance in the specific mode of
operation. However, you can reactivate them
completely at any time by pushing the ESC button.
NOTE:
In 4WD Low, the active safety systems are
comple t
ely bypassed in order to ensure maximum
off-road performance.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster will come
on whe n
the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position. 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
(locat
e

d 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 Traction Control
System 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 switch is
placed in the ON position.
Each time the ignition is placed in the ON posi -
tion, the ESC system will be on even if it was
turne d
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 in
“Part i

al Off” or “Full Off” modes.
The ESC OFF button is located in the center
console.
6

226 SAFETY
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped

Hill Descent Control (Trailhawk)

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. O ff (feature is not enabled and will not
acti va

te).

2. Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but activ
ation conditions are not met, or driver is
actively overriding with brake or throttle
application).
3. Active (feature is enabled and actively control
ling vehicle speed). Enabling HDC
HDC is enabled by pushing the HDC switch, but the
f
ollow i

ng conditions must also be met to enable
HDC:
The driveline is in 4WD Low.
The vehicle speed is below 7.5 mph (12 km/h).
The Electric Park Brake (EPB) is released.
The driver’s door is closed.
Activating HDC
Once HDC is enabled, it will activate automatically
i f dri

ven down a grade of sufficient magnitude
(greater than approximately 8%). The set speed for
HDC is selectable by the driver and can be
adjusted using brake and throttle input.
Driver Override:
The driver may override HDC activation with
t hrott l

e or brake application at any time.
Deactivating HDC
HDC will be deactivated but remain available if any
of the

following conditions occur:
The driver overrides HDC set speed with throttle
or brake application.
Vehicle speed exceeds 7.5 mph (12 km/h) but
remain
s below 25 mph (40 km/h).
Vehicle is on a downhill grade of insufficient
magnitude (less than approximately 8%), is on
level ground, or is on an uphill grade.
Vehicle is shifted to PARK (P).
Disabling HDC
HDC will be deactivated and disabled if any of the
f ollowin

g conditions occur:
The driver pushes the HDC switch.
The driveline is shifted out of 4WD Low.
The driver’s door opens.
The vehicle is driven greater than 25 mph
(40 km/
h) (HDC exits immediately.)
Feedback To The Driver:
The instrument cluster has an HDC icon and the
HDC sw i

tch has an LED, which offers feedback to
the driver about the state HDC is in.
The cluster icon and switch lamp will illuminate
and remain solid when HDC is enabled or acti -
vated. This is the normal operating condition for
HD C.
The switch lamp will flash for several seconds
then extinguish when the driver pushes the HDC
switch when enable conditions have not been
met.
The HDC Switch is located within the Selec-Terrain
knob in
the upper right position.

SAFETY 227
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
HSA is designed to help the driver accelerate the
vehicle 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 system will
release brake pressure in proportion to amount of
throttle applied.
The following conditions must be met in order for
HSA to a

ctivate:
The vehicle must be stopped.
The vehicle must be on a 5% (approximate)
grade or greater hill.
The gear selection must match vehicle uphill
direction (i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward
gear; vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
For vehicles equipped with an automatic trans -
mission, the HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all f
or ward gears. The system will not activate if
the transmission is in PARK.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To
chang e

the current setting, see Ú page 64.
Traction Control System (TCS)
TCS monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and
engine power is reduced 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. This feature remains
active even if TCS and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) are in the “Partial Off” mode or the “Full Off”
modes. For further information, see
Ú page 223.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
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.
NOTE:
TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always
use c a
ution when towing a trailer and follow the
trailer tongue weight recommendations. For
further information, see Ú page 124. When TSC is
functioning, the ESC Activation/Malfunction Indi -
cator Light will flash, the engine power may be
r educ e

d 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!
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.
6

228 SAFETY
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) —
I
F EQUIPPED
BSM uses two radar-based sensors, located inside
the rear fascia/bumper 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 m
omentarily 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 (P).
The BSM detection zone covers approximately one
lane
w

idth on both sides of the vehicle, 10 ft (3 m).
The z on
e length starts at the outside mirror and
extends approximately 20 ft (6 m) beyond the rear
fascia

/bumper of the vehicle. The BSM system
monitors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed reaches
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will
alert

the driver of vehicles in these areas.
NOTE:
The BSM system DOES NOT alert the driver
about rapidly approaching vehicles that are
outside the detection zones.
If a trailer is connected to the vehicle, it is neces -
sary to deactivate the BSM system manually
t h r
ou g
h
the settings menu to avoid a misdetec -
tion. For further information, see Ú page 133.
The area on the rear fascia/bumper where the
r adar

sensors are located must remain free of
snow, ice, and dirt/road contamination so that the
BSM system can function properly. Do not block
the radar sensors located on the rear fascia/
bumper with foreign objects (bumper stickers,
bicycle racks, etc.).
Rear Sensor Locations

The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the
detec t

ion zones by illuminating the BSM warning
light located in the outside mirrors in addition to
sounding an audible (chime) alert and reducing the
radio volume Ú page 231.

BSM Warning Light

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.

SAFETY 229
The BSM system monitors the detection zone from
three different entry points (side, rear, front) while
driving to see if an alert is necessary. The BSM
system will issue an alert during these types of
zone entries.
Entering From The Side
Vehicles that move into your adjacent lanes from
e
ithe r

side of the vehicle.

Side Monitoring

Entering From The Rear
Vehicles that come up from behind your vehicle on
either
side and enter the rear detection zone with
a relative speed of less than 31 mph (50 km/h).
Rear Monitoring

Overtaking Traffic
If you pass another vehicle slowly with a relative
s peed

of less than 15 mph (25 km/h) and the
vehic l
e remains in the blind spot for approximately
1.5 seconds, the warning light will be illuminated.
If the difference in speed between the two vehicles
is greater than 15 mph (25 km/h), the warning
light

will not illuminate.
Overtaking/Approaching
Overtaking/Passing

6

230 SAFETY
The BSM system is designed not to issue an alert
on stationary objects such as guardrails, posts,
walls, foliage, berms, etc. However, occasionally
the system may alert on such objects. This is
normal operation and your vehicle does not require
service.
The BSM system will not alert you of objects that
are t r

aveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle
in adjacent lanes Ú page 349.

Opposing Traffic

Rear Cross Path (RCP)
RCP is intended to aid the driver when backing out
of parking spaces where their vision of oncoming
vehicles may be blocked. Proceed slowly and
cautiously out of the parking space until the rear
end of the vehicle is exposed. The RCP system will
then have a clear view of the cross traffic and if an
oncoming vehicle is detected, alert the driver.
RCP Detection Zones

RCP monitors the rear detection zones on both
sides

of the vehicle, for objects that are moving
toward the side of the vehicle with a minimum
speed of approximately 1 mph (2 km/h), to objects
moving

a maximum of approximately 22 mph
(35 km /
h), such as in parking lot situations.
When RCP is on and the vehicle is in REVERSE (R),
the dr
iver is alerted using both the visual and
audible alarms, including reducing the radio
volume.
WARNING!
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is only an aid
to help detect objects in the blind spot zones.
The BSM system is not designed to detect
pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals. Even if your
vehicle is equipped with the BSM system, always
check your vehicle’s mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use your turn signal before
changing lanes. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.