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
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
SAFETY 231
NOTE:
In a parking lot situation, oncoming vehicles can be
blocke d
by vehicles parked on either side. If the
sensors are blocked by other structures or
vehicles, the system will not be able to alert the
driver.
Blind Spot Modes
Blind Spot has three selectable modes of
operation that are available in the Uconnect
system.
Blind Spot Alert Lights Only
When operating in Blind Spot Alert mode, the BSM
s ystem
will provide a visual alert in the appropriate
side view mirror based on a detected object.
However, when the system is operating in Rear
Cross Path (RCP) mode, the system will respond with both visual and audible alerts when a
detected object is present. Whenever an audible
alert is requested, the radio is muted.
Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime
When operating in Blind Spot Alert Lights/Chime
m
ode, t
he BSM system will provide a visual alert in
the appropriate side view mirror based on a
detected object. If the turn signal is then activated,
and it corresponds to an alert present on that side
of the vehicle, an audible chime will also be
sounded. Whenever a turn signal and detected
object are present on the same side at the same
time, both the visual and audible alerts will be
issued. In addition to the audible alert, the radio (if
on) will also be muted.
NOTE:
Whenever an audible alert is requested by the
BSM s y
stem, the radio is also muted.
When the system is in RCP, the system will respond
with b
oth visual and audible alerts when a
detected object is present. Whenever an audible
alert is requested, the radio is also muted. Turn/
hazard signal status is ignored; the RCP state
always requests the chime.
Blind Spot Alert Off
When the BSM system is turned off, there will be a
relat e
d message on instrument cluster display. If
BSM system is off, this message will be visualized
every time the vehicle is restarted.
NOTE:
The BSM system will store the current operating
mode w h
en the vehicle is shut off. Each time the
vehicle is started the previously stored mode will
be recalled and used.
Blind Spot Monitoring Fault Warnings
Blinded Sensor
In the case of a sensor that is blinded:
BSM Mirror Warning Lights are turned on contin -
uously
An instrument cluster dedicated message will
display
NOTE:
The rear fascia/bumper must be clean and free of
any ob s
tructing debris.
System Not Available
In the case of the system being temporarily
unava i
lable:
BSM Mirror Warning Lights are turned on contin -
uously
An instrument cluster dedicated message will
display
In the case of the system being completely
unavai
lable:
A chime will sound
An instrument cluster dedicated message will
display
WARNING!
Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) is not a backup
aid system. It is intended to be used to help a
driver detect an oncoming vehicle in a parking
lot situation. Drivers must be careful when
backing up, even when using RCP. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind you,
and be sure to check for pedestrians, animals,
other vehicles, obstructions, and blind spots
before backing up. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
6
SAFETY 233
If the vehicle enters 4WD Low, the FCW system
will be automatically deactivated.
The active braking is disabled when a trailer is
connected with a Mopar® Trailer Towing
system. If the vehicle is equipped with an after
-
market system, it is recommended that the
Activ e
Braking is turned off manually
Ú page 349.
Turning FCW On Or Off
The Forward Collision menu setting is located in
the Uconnect settings.
NOTE:
The default status of FCW is “Warning + Active
Braki n
g,” this allows the system to warn you of a
possible collision with the vehicle in front of you
and enable the active braking.
Changing the FCW status to “Off” deactivates
the system, so no warning or active braking will
be available in case of a possible collision.
Changing the FCW status to “Only warning”
prevents the system from providing limited
active braking, or additional brake support if the
driver is not braking adequately in the event of
a potential frontal collision, but maintains the
audible and visual warnings.
Changing the status of the system can be done at
any t i
me in the vehicle's head unit.
NOTE:
When the system is turned off, the FCW system
state
will reset.
Changing FCW Sensitivity
By changing the settings on the menu of the
Uconnect system, you can change the sensitivity of
the system by choosing one of the following three
options: "Near", "Medium" or "Far" Ú page 133.
The default option is "Medium". This setting allows
t he sy
stem to warn the driver of a possible collision
with the vehicle in front when it is at a standard
distance, intermediate between the “Near” and
“Far” settings.
By setting the sensitivity of the system to "Far", the
syste m
will warn the driver of a possible accident
with the vehicle in front when the latter is at a
greater distance, giving you the chance to act on
the brakes in a more limited and gradual way. This
setting gives the driver the maximum possible time
of reaction to prevent a possible accident.
NOTE:
The “Far” setting may result in a greater number of
FCW p os
sible collision warnings experienced.
By changing the option to "Near", the system will
warn t
he driver of a possible accident with the
vehicle ahead of it when the latter is a reduced
distance. This setting offers a reaction time to the
driver lower than the settings "Medium" and "Far",
in the case of a potential accident, providing a
more dynamic driving of the vehicle.
NOTE:
The “Near” setting may result in a lesser number of
FCW p os
sible collision warnings experienced.
The setting of the sensitivity of the system is
mainta
ined in memory when the engine is
switched off.
FCW Limited Warning
If the instrument cluster display reads “FCW
Limited Functionality” or “FCW Limited
Functionality Wipe Front Windshield” momentarily,
there may be a condition that limits FCW
functionality. Although the vehicle is still drivable
under normal conditions, the active braking may
not be fully available. Once the condition that
limited the system performance is no longer
present, the system will return to its full
performance state. If the problem persists, see an
authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is not intended
to avoid a collision on its own, nor can FCW
detect every type of potential collision. The driver
has the responsibility to avoid a collision by
controlling the vehicle via braking and steering.
Failure to follow this warning could lead to
serious injury or death.
6
234 SAFETY
Service FCW Warning
If the system turns off, and the instrument cluster
display reads: “FCW Unavailable Service
Required”, this indicates there is an internal
system fault. Although the vehicle is still drivable
under normal conditions, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
“FCW Front Radar Sensor Temporarily Blocked”
Warni n
g
The “FCW Front Radar Sensor Temporarily
Blocked
” warning will display when conditions
temporarily limit system performance. This most
often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as in
snow or heavy rain. The system may also become
temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as
mud, dirt or ice. In these cases, the instrument
cluster display will read “FCW Front Radar Sensor
Temporarily Blocked” and the system will
deactivate.
The “FCW Front Radar Sensor Temporarily
Blocke d
” message can sometimes be displayed
while driving in highly reflective areas (i.e. tunnels
with reflective tiles, or ice and snow). The system
will recover after the vehicle has left these areas.
Under rare conditions, when the radar is not
tracking any vehicles or objects in its path, this
warning may temporarily occur. If weather conditions are not a factor, the driver
shoul
d
examine the sensor. It may require cleaning
or removal of an obstruction. In absence of visible
obstructions on the fasica/bumper, it could be
necessary to wipe off the radar directly on the
surface, after having the radar cover removed. It’s
recommended that an authorized dealer perform
this operation.
NOTE:
If the “FCW Front Radar Sensor Temporarily
Blocked” message occurs frequently (e.g. more
than once on every trip) without any snow, rain,
mud, or other obstruction, have the radar
sensor realigned at an authorized dealer.
Installing a snow plow or front-end protector is
not recommended. Doing so may block the
sensor and inhibit FCW operation.
Use only a soft cloth for cleaning. Do not use
solvents or abrasive pastes.
The radar is equipped with a defrost system, so
in some climatic conditions it could reach high
temperatures. Wait at least 30 seconds after
the engine has been turned off before touching
the sensor.
Precautions While Driving With FCW
In certain driving conditions, such as:
Driving in the vicinity of a curve
Small vehicles and/or not aligned to the lane
Lane changing of other vehicles
Passing of vehicles in an oncoming intersection
The intervention of the system could be
u n e
xp
e
cted or delayed. The driver must therefore
always pay particular attention, while maintaining
control of the vehicle to drive in complete safety.
Driving In The Vicinity Of A Curve
Entering or exiting a large curve, the system could
detec t
the presence of a vehicle that is in front of
the vehicle, but that does not preside in the same
lane. In cases such as this, the system might
respond.
Driving In The Vicinity Of A Curve
236 SAFETY
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low
tire 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 Light) illuminates, you must increase the
tire pressure to the recommended cold placard
pressure in order for the TPMS Warning Light to
turn off.
The system will automatically update and the Tire
Press u
re Monitoring System 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 (24 km/h) in order for
the TP
MS to receive this information.
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (
parked for more than three hours) placard
pressure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If the ambient
temperature is 68°F (20°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 Light. Driving the vehicle may cause the tire
pressure to rise to approximately 28 psi (193 kPa),
but the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light will
still be on. In this situation, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Light will turn off only after the
tires are inflated to the vehicle’s recommended cold
placard pressure value.
NOTE:
When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need
to be i
ncreased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in
order to turn the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Light off.NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire
care and maintenance, or to provide warning of
a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure, unless
your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Fill Alert
(TFA) system.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi -
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehic l
e’s handling and stopping ability.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility
to maintain correct tire pressure using an accu -
rate tire pressure gauge, even if underinflation
has n ot
reached the level to trigger illumination
of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect TPMS
information on your instrument cluster
Ú page 349.
Base System
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses
wireless technology with wheel rim mounted
electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure levels.
Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the
receiver module.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not
of the same size, type, and/or style. The TPMS
sensor is not designed for use on aftermarket
wheels, and may contribute to a poor overall
system performance. Customers are encour
-
aged to use OEM wheels to ensure TPMS feature
o pera t
ion.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor
to become inoperable. After using an after -
market tire sealant it is recommended that you
take y
our vehicle to an authorized dealer to have
your sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the TPMS sensor.
250 SAFETY
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABICs)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Side
Air Ba
g Inflatable Curtains (SABICs).
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABIC
s) are located above the side windows. The
trim covering the SABICs is labeled “SRS AIRBAG”
or “AIRBAG.”
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) Label
Location
SABICs may help reduce the risk of head and other
injuri
es to front and rear seat outboard occupants
in certain side impacts, in addition to the injury
reduction potential provided by the seat belts and
body structure. The SABIC deploys downward, covering the side
window
s
. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside
edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the
window. The SABICs inflate with enough force to
injure occupants if they are not belted and seated
properly, or if items are positioned in the area
where the SABICs inflate. Children are at an even
greater risk of injury from a deploying air bag.
The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or
comple t
e ejection of vehicle occupants through
side windows in certain side impact events. Side Impacts
The Side Air Bags are designed to activate in
c
erta i
n side impacts. The Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC) determines whether the
deployment of the Side Air Bags in a particular
impact event is appropriate, based on the severity
and type of collision. The side impact sensors aid
the ORC in determining the appropriate response
to impact events. The system is calibrated to
deploy the Side Air Bags on the impact side of the
vehicle during impacts that require Side Air Bag
occupant protection. In side impacts, the Side Air
Bags deploy independently; a left side impact
deploys the left Side Air Bags only and a right-side
impact deploys the right Side Air Bags only. Vehicle
damage by itself is not a good indicator of whether
or not Side Air Bags should have deployed.
The Side Air Bags will not deploy in all side
collis i
ons, including some collisions at certain
angles, or some side collisions that do not impact
the area of the passenger compartment. The Side
Air Bags may deploy during angled or offset frontal
collisions where the front air bags deploy.
Side Air Bags are a supplement to the seat belt
restr a
int system. Side Air Bags deploy in less time
than it takes to blink your eyes.
WARNING!
Do not mount equipment, or stack luggage or
other cargo up high enough to block the
deployment of the SABICs. The trim covering
above the side windows where the SABIC and
its deployment path are located should
remain free from any obstructions.
In order for the SABICs to work as intended, do
not install any accessory items in your vehicle
which could alter the roof. Do not add an after -
market sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add
roof r a
cks that require permanent attach -
ments (bolts or screws) for installation on the
v ehicl
e roof. Do not drill into the roof of the
vehicle for any reason.
252 SAFETY
If A Deployment Occurs
The front air bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:
Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all colli -
sions. This does not mean something is wrong with
t he a i
r bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air
bags,
any or all of the following may occur:
The air bag material may sometimes cause
abrasions and/or skin reddening to the occu -
pants as the air bags deploy and unfold. The
abrasi
ons are similar to friction rope burns or
those you might get sliding along a carpet or
gymnasium floor. They are not caused by
contact with chemicals. They are not permanent
and normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or
if you have any blistering, see your doctor imme -
diately.
As the air bags deflate, you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal
by-product of the process that generates the
non-toxic gas used for air bag inflation. These
airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment
manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the air bags have
deploy e
d. If you are involved in another collision,
the air bags will not be in place to protect you.
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the interior
trim, but they will open during air bag deploy -
ment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be taken
to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will determine
whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response
System perform the following functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or for 15 minutes
f r
om
t h
e intervention of the Enhanced Accident
Response System
Unlock the power door locks
Your vehicle may also be designed to perform any
of the s
e other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the HVAC
Blower Motor, Close the HVAC Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the:
Engine
Electric Motor (if equipped)
Electric power steering
Brake booster
Electric park brake
Automatic transmission gear selector
Horn
Front wiper
Headlamp washer pump (if equipped)
WARNING!
Deployed air bags and seat belt pretensioners
cannot protect you in another collision. Have the
air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and the seat
belt retractor assemblies replaced by an autho -
rized dealer immediately. Also, have the Occu -
pant Restraint Controller System serviced as well.