Get SAFETY -> Safety Features Guide for Ram Pickup 1500 Light Truck 2023

260 MULTIMEDIA

NOTE:

PITCH & ROLL

Pitch & Roll values may show upon startup. These

The Pitch & Roll page displays the vehicle’s current pitch

(angle up and down) and roll (angle side to side) in

degrees. The Pitch & Roll gauges provide a visualization of

the current vehicle angle.

numbers will update once the vehicle is driven.

Pitch & Roll Menu 2WD/4WD

MULTIMEDIA 261

SUSPENSION — IF EQUIPPED

FORWARD FACING CAMERA —

IF EQUIPPED

The Suspension page displays the current status of the

vehicle’s suspension system and the current ride height of

the vehicle. The Suspension page will also indicate when

the vehicle’s height changes.

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Forward Facing

Camera that allows you to see an on-screen image of the

front view of your vehicle. The image will be displayed on

the touchscreen along with a caution note “Check Entire

Surroundings” across the top of the screen.

To activate, press the Forward Facing Camera button on

the touchscreen.

Suspension Menu

262

SAFETY

The ABS is designed to function with the Original

Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification may

result in degraded ABS performance.

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.

WARNING!

 The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those

resulting from excessive speed in turns, following

another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.

WARNING!

 The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-

ment that may be susceptible to interference caused

by improperly installed or high output radio transmit-

tingequipment. This interference can cause possible

loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of

such equipment should be performed by qualified

professionals.

 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.

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.

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.

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).

 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.

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.

You also may experience the following normal

characteristics when the ABS activates:

 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.

 ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you may continue

to hear for a short time after the stop)

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.

 Brake pedal pulsations

(Continued)

 A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop

SAFETY 263

REAR SEAT REMINDER ALERT (RSRA)

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)

SYSTEM

WARNING!

RSRA alerts of the possible presence of an object,

passenger, or pet in the rear seats through a visual and

auditory notification. When the system is activated, it

displays the message “Check Rear Seat” on the

instrument cluster display and sounds an auditory alert

upon the driver placing the ignition in the OFF position to

exit the vehicle. The system will activate automatically if a

rear door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition being

placed in the ON/RUN position. RSRA should be used as a

reminder to check the rear seats, it does not directly

detect objects, passengers, or pets and is only activated

when the previous conditions are met.

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.

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 System Warning Light

The red Brake System Warning Light will turn on when the

ignition is placed in the ON/RUNmode and may stay on for

as long as four seconds.

To enable or disable RSRA, see Ú page 191.

Brake Assist System (BAS)

The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking

capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The

system detects an emergencybraking situation bysensing

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!

 Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete

stop, then shift the automatic transmission into

PARK and apply the parking brake.

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.

 Always make sure the keyless ignition node is in the

OFF position, key fob is removed from the vehicle

and vehicle is locked.

 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving children in a

vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of

reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally

injured. Children should be warned not to touch the

parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector.

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.

 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi-

cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause

serious injury or death.

264 SAFETY

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

WARNING!

The ERM system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by

monitoring the driver’s steering wheel inputand the speed

of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate of

change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed

are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then applies

the appropriate brake and may also reduce engine power

to lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM can

only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring during

severe or evasive driving maneuvers; it cannot prevent

wheel lift due to other factors, such as road conditions,

leaving the roadway, striking objects or other vehicles.

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.

 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 hydro-

planing. 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 capabil-

ities 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.

 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.

WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions

and driving conditions, influence the chance that wheel

lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel

lift or 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.

 Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly maintain

your vehicle, may change the handling characteris-

tics 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 mayalso degrade ESC performance. Anyvehicle

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.

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light located in

the instrument cluster will start toflash 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.

SAFETY 265

ESC Operating Modes

Depending upon model and mode of operation, the ESC

system may have multiple operating modes.

WARNING!

 In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque reduc-

tion and stability features are disabled. Therefore,

enhanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC system

is unavailable. In an emergency evasive maneuver,

the ESC system will not engage to assist in main-

taining stability. ESC “Full Off” mode is intended for

off-highway or off-road use only.

 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.

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.

 The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot prevent

the natural laws of physics from acting on the

 Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC

system is in the “Partial Off” mode.

Partial Off

vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by

prevailing road conditions. 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.

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.

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 instrumentcluster. To turn ESC

on again, momentarily push the 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.

ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

And ESC OFF Indicator Light

NOTE:

The ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light

in the instrument cluster will come on when the

ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode. It

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”.

NOTE:

should go out with the engine running. If the

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 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.

ESC modes may also be affected by drive modes (if

equipped).

266 SAFETY

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 following conditions must be met in order for HSA to

activate:

Disabling And Enabling HSA

This feature can be turned on or turned off. To change the

current setting, proceed as follows:

 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.

If disabling HSA using Uconnect Settings Ú page 191.

Towing With HSA

HSA will also provide assistance to mitigate roll back while

towing a trailer.

The ESC OFF Indicator Light indicates that the

Electronic StabilityControl (ESC) is in areduced

mode.

 The gear selection must match vehicle uphill direction

(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle

backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).

WARNING!

 If you use a trailer brake controller with your trailer,

the trailer brakes may be activated and deactivated

with the brake switch. If so, there may not be enough

brake pressure to hold both the vehicle and the

trailer on a hill when the brake pedal is released. In

order to avoid rolling down an incline while resuming

acceleration, manually activate the trailer brake or

apply more vehicle brake pressure prior to releasing

the brake pedal.

 HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward gears.

The system will not activate if the transmission is in

PARK or NEUTRAL.

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.

WARNING!

 Each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode,

the ESC system will be on even if it was turned off previ-

ously.

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.

 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.

 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 colli-

sion or serious personal injury.

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.

SAFETY -> Safety Features for Your Ram Pickup 1500 Light Truck 2023

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