Safety Features
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 stop
ABS is designed to function with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification may result in degraded ABS performance.
WARNING:
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference 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 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.
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.
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) SYSTEM
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 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 Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).
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.
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.
DYNAMIC STEERING TORQUE (DST)
DST uses the integration of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system with the electric power steering to increase the safety level of the whole vehicle. In critical situations (understeering, oversteering, braking with different grip conditions), through the DST function the ESC system controls the steering to implement an additional torque contribution on the steering wheel, to suggest the most correct maneuver to the driver. The coordinated action of brakes and steering increases the safety and feeling of vehicle control.
Note:
The DST is a driving aid system and does not replace the driver’s actions while driving the car.
ELECTRONIC ROLL MITIGATION (ERM)
ERM anticipates the potential for wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the speed of the vehicle. When Electronic Roll Mitigation (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, and it will only intervene during these types of maneuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to other factors, such as road conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
Note:
ERM is disabled any time the ESC is in “Full Off” mode. For a complete explanation of the available ESC modes, see .
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.
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 these 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 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.
The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light located 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:
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 accidents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle 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 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.
ESC OPERATION MODES
To disable ESC and other safety systems, follow the instructions provided.
There are three modes of active safety systems present on the vehicle:
ESC On
Partial Off
Full Off
ESC On – Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 2WD And 4WD High
This is the normal operating mode for ESC when operating 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 "Full Off" only for specific reasons.
Partial Off – Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles And Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 2WD And 4WD High
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for driving in deep snow, 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 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. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
Note:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with snow chains, 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.
WARNING:
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality 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.
Full Off – Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles In 4WD High And 4WD 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 “limited slip” feature described in the TCS section) until the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At speeds over 40 mph (64 km/h), the system automatically switches to “Partial Off” mode, described. When the vehicle speed returns to less than 35 mph (56 km/h), the ESC system will return 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 stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not engage 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 activation 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 indicated by a light in the instrument cluster.
In "SAND" and "MUD", the active safety systems are partially 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 completely 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 when 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 (located 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 position, the ESC system will be on even if it was turned off previously.
The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESC activation.
The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is in “Partial Off” or “Full Off” modes.
The ESC OFF button is located in the center console.
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:
-
Off (feature is not enabled and will not activate).
-
Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but activation conditions are not met, or driver is actively overriding with brake or throttle application).
-
Active (feature is enabled and actively controlling vehicle speed).
Enabling HDC
HDC is enabled by pushing the HDC switch, but the following 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 if driven 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 throttle 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 remains 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 following 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 switch 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 activated. This is the normal operating condition for HDC.
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.
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.
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 activate:
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 transmission, the HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward gears. The system will not activate if the transmission is in PARK.
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.
Disabling And Enabling HSA
This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the current setting, see .
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 .
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 caution when towing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue weight recommendations. For further information, see . 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” 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.
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