RAM 1500 (2022 year). Manual in english — page 20

315

(Continued)

SAFETY

SAFETY FEATURES

A

NTI

-L

OCK

B

RAKE

S

YSTEM

(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

stop

The 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!

6

316

SAFETY

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.

E

LECTRONIC

B

RAKE

C

ONTROL

(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.

SAFETY

317

(Continued)

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)

The ERM system anticipates the potential for

wheel lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel

input and 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.

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

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!

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.

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 condi

-

tions. 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 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.

6

318

SAFETY

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.

SAFETY

319

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.

6

320

SAFETY

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 5 mph (8 km/h).



The parking brake is released.



The driver door is closed.

Activating HDC
Once HDC is enabled it will activate automatically

if driven down a grade of sufficient magnitude. The

set speed for HDC is selectable by the driver, and

can be adjusted by using the gear shift +/-. The

following summarizes the HDC set speeds:
HDC Target Set Speeds



P = No set speed. HDC may be enabled but will

not activate.



R = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)



N = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)



D = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)



1st = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)



2nd = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)



3rd = 1.8 mph (3 km/h)



4th = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)



5th = 3.1 mph (5 km/h)



6th = 3.7 mph (6 km/h)



7th = 4.3 mph (7 km/h)



8th = 5.0 mph (8 km/h)



9th = 5.6 mph (9 km/h) – If Equipped

NOTE:

During HDC the +/- shifter input is used for HDC

target speed selection, but will not affect the gear

chosen by the transmission. When actively

controlling HDC the transmission will shift appro

-

priately for the driver-selected set speed and corre

-

sponding driving conditions.
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.



The vehicle speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h)

but remains below 40 mph (64 km/h).



The vehicle is on a downhill grade of insufficient

magnitude, is on level ground, or is on an uphill

grade.



The vehicle is shifted to PARK.

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 the 4WD Low.



The parking brake is applied.



The driver door opens.



The vehicle is driven greater than 20 mph

(32 km/h) for greater than 70 seconds.



The vehicle is driven greater than 40 mph

(64 km/h) (HDC exits immediately).



HDC detects excessive brake temperature.

Feedback To The Driver
The instrument cluster has an HDC icon and the

HDC switch has an LED icon, which offers feedback

to the driver about the state HDC is in.



The cluster icon and switch lamp will illuminate

and remain on solid when HDC is enabled or

activated. This is the normal operating condition

for HDC.



The cluster icon and switch lamp will flash for

several seconds, then extinguish when the

driver pushes the HDC switch but enable condi

-

tions are not met.

SAFETY

321



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 237.

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.

6

322

SAFETY

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 214.

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

B

LIND

S

POT

M

ONITORING

(BSM) —

I

F

E

QUIPPED

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.

SAFETY

323

The BSM detection zone covers approximately one

lane width on both sides of the vehicle 12 ft

(3.8 m). The zone length starts at the outside

rearview mirror and extends approximately 10 ft

(3 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.



BSM may experience dropouts (blinking on and

off) of the side mirror warning indicator lamps

when a motorcycle or any small object remains

at the side of the vehicle for extended periods of

time (more than a couple of seconds).

The BSM system can become blocked if snow, ice,

mud, or other road contaminations accumulate on

the rear fascia/bumper where the radar sensors

are located. The system may also detect blockage

if the vehicle is operated in areas with extremely

low radar returns such as a desert or parallel to a

large elevation drop. If blockage is detected, a

“Blind Spot Temporarily Unavailable, Wipe Rear

Corners” message will display in the cluster, both

mirror lights will illuminate, and BSM and RCP

alerts will not occur. This is normal operation.

The system will automatically recover and resume

function when the condition clears. To minimize

system blockage, do not block the area of the rear

fascia/bumper where the radar sensors are

located with foreign objects (bumper stickers,

bicycle racks, etc.) and keep it clear of road

contaminations.

Radar Sensor Locations

If the system detects degraded performance due

to contamination or foreign objects, a message will

warn you of a blocked sensor and the warning

indicators in side view mirrors will be on. The

warning indicators will remain illuminated until

blockage clearing conditions are met. First clear

the taillights around the sensors of the blockage.

After removing the blockage, the following

procedure can be used to reset the system:

Cycle the ignition from ON to OFF and then

back ON.
If the blockage message is still present after

cycling the ignition and driving in traffic, check

again for a blockage.
The system may also detect a blockage if the

vehicle is operated in areas with extremely low

radar returns such as a desert or parallel to a large

elevation drop.
The BSM system notifies the driver of objects in the

detection 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 326.

Warning Light Location

6

324

SAFETY

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

either 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 30 mph (48 km/h).

Rear Monitoring

Overtaking Traffic
If you pass another vehicle slowly with a relative

speed less than 15 mph (24 km/h) and the vehicle

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 (24 km/h), the warning light

will not illuminate.

Overtaking/Approaching

Overtaking/Passing

SAFETY

325

The BSM system is designed not to issue an alert

on stationary objects such as guardrails, posts,

walls, foliage, berms, snow banks, car washes, 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 traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle

in adjacent lanes

Ú

page 485.

Opposing Traffic

For information on how Blind Spot Monitoring

functions when pulling a trailer

Ú

page 326.

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 3 mph (5 km/h), to objects

moving a maximum of approximately 20 mph

(32 km/h), such as in parking lot situations.
When RCP is on and the vehicle is in REVERSE (R),

the driver 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.

6

326

SAFETY

NOTE:

In a parking lot situation, oncoming vehicles can be

blocked 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

system 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

mode, the 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 system, the radio is also muted.

When the system is in RCP, the system shall

respond with both 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 no

visual or audible alerts from either the BSM, RCP,

or Trailer Merge Assist systems.

NOTE:

The BSM system will store the current operating

mode when the vehicle is shut off. Each time the

vehicle is started the previously stored mode will

be recalled and used.

Trailer Merge Assist — If Equipped

Trailer Merge Assist is a function of the Blind Spot

Monitoring (BSM) system that extends the blind

spot zone to work while pulling a trailer.

NOTE:

When Trailer Merge Assist is activated, Rear Cross

Path is disabled.

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.

SAFETY

327

Trailer Merge Assist consists of three sub

functions:



Automatic Trailer Detection



Trailer Length Detection



Trailer Merge Warning

Blind Spot Zones With Trailer Merge Assist

Automatic Trailer Detection
There are two modes of operation for the detection

of the trailer length:



Automatic Mode

— When “Auto Mode” is

selected, the system will use the blind spot

sensors to automatically determine the pres

-

ence and length of a trailer. The presence of a

trailer will be detected using the blind spot radar

within 90 seconds of forward movement of the

vehicle. The vehicle must be moving above

6 mph (10 km/h) to activate the feature. Once

the trailer has been detected, the system will

default to the maximum blind spot zone until the

length has been verified. You will see “Auto” in
the instrument panel cluster

.



Maximum Mode

— When “Max Mode” is

selected, the system will default to the

maximum blind spot zone regardless of what
size trailer is attached

.

NOTE:

Selected setting is stored when the ignition is

placed in the OFF position. To change this setting,

it must be selected through the Uconnect Settings

Ú

page 237.

Trailer Length Detection
Once the trailer presence has been established,

the trailer length will be established (by making a

90 degree turn) and then the trailer length

category (example 10-20 ft (3 m to 6 m)) will be

displayed. This can take up to 30 seconds after

completing the turn.

NOTE:

During the same ignition cycle, if the vehicle is at a

standstill for a minimum of 90 seconds, a new

“trailer detection request” is enabled by the

system once the vehicle resumes motion.
The maximum trailer length supported by the

Trailer Merge Assist feature is 39.5 ft (12 m).

Trailer length is considered the forward most

portion of the trailer hitch to the rearward most

portion of the body, fascia/bumper, or ramp of the

trailer.
The maximum width supported by the Trailer

Merge Assist feature is 8.5 ft (2.59 m). Trailer

width is measured at the widest portion of the

trailer and may include wheels, tires, finders, or

rails.

NOTE:

Fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers are not supported

by Trailer Merge Assist.

1 — Vehicle
2 — Trailer

6

328

SAFETY

NOTE:

The ability to detect a trailer may be degraded in

crowded or busy environments. Busy parking lots,

narrow areas surrounded with trees, or any other

crowded area may prevent the radar sensors from

being able to adequately detect the trailer. The

system will try to detect a trailer at every ignition

cycle or 90 seconds of standstill.

Trailer Length Detection

Trailer length will be identified and placed into one

of the following categories:



Trailer length up to 10 ft (3 m) — Blind spot zone
will be adjusted to 10 ft (3 m)

.



Trailer length between 10 ft to 20 ft

(3 m to 6 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted
to 20 ft (6 m)

.



Trailer length between 20 ft to 30 ft (6 m to

9 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted to 30 ft
(9 m)

.



Trailer length between 30 ft and 39.5 ft

(9 m to 12 m) — Blind spot zone will be adjusted
to Max distance

.

NOTE:

Trailer length is determined within +/- 3 ft (1 m) of

actual length. Trailers that are the same size as the

category limit, 10/20/30 ft (3/6/9 m), could be

subject to being placed in the category above or

below the correct one.
Trailer Merge Warning
Trailer Merge Warning is the extension of the blind

spot function to cover the length of the trailer, plus

a safety margin, to warn the driver when there is a

vehicle in the adjacent lane. The driver is alerted by

the illumination of the BSM warning light located in

the outside mirror on the side the other vehicle is

detected on. In addition, an audible (chime) alert

will be heard and radio volume will be reduced

Ú

page 326.

NOTE:



The Trailer Merge Alert system DOES NOT alert

the driver about rapidly approaching vehicles

that are outside the detection zones.



The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may

experience drop outs (blinking on and off) of the

side mirror warning indicator lamps when a

motorcycle or any small object remains at the

side of the vehicle for extended periods of time

(more than a couple of seconds).



Crowded areas such as parking lots, neighbor

-

hoods, etc. may lead to an increased amount of

false alerts. This is normal operation.

1 — Trailer Length
2 — Trailer Hitch
3 — Trailer Width

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.

SAFETY

329

F

ORWARD

C

OLLISION

W

ARNING

(FCW)

W

ITH

M

ITIGATION

— I

F

E

QUIPPED

FCW with Mitigation provides the driver with

audible warnings, visual warnings (within the

instrument cluster display), and may apply a brake

jerk to warn the driver when it detects a potential

frontal collision. The warnings and limited braking

are intended to provide the driver with enough time

to react, avoid or mitigate the potential collision.

NOTE:

FCW monitors the information from the forward

looking sensors as well as the Electronic Brake

Controller (EBC), to calculate the probability of a

forward collision. When the system determines

that a forward collision is probable, the driver will

be provided with audible and visual warnings as

well as a possible brake jerk warning.
If the driver does not take action based upon these

progressive warnings, then the system will provide

a limited level of active braking to help slow the

vehicle and mitigate the potential forward collision.

If the driver reacts to the warnings by braking and

the system determines that the driver intends to

avoid the collision by braking but has not applied

sufficient brake force, the system will compensate

and provide additional brake force as required.
If a FCW with Mitigation event begins at a speed

below 32 mph (52 km/h), the system may provide

the maximum braking possible to mitigate the

potential forward collision. If the Forward Collision

Warning with Mitigation event stops the vehicle

completely, the system will hold the vehicle at

standstill for two seconds and then release the

brakes.

FCW Message

When the system determines a collision with the

vehicle in front of you is no longer probable, the

warning message will be deactivated

Ú

page 485.

NOTE:



The minimum speed for FCW activation is

3 mph (5 km/h).



The FCW alerts may be triggered on objects

other than vehicles such as guardrails or sign

posts based on the course prediction. This is

expected and is a part of normal FCW activation

and functionality.



It is unsafe to test the FCW system. To prevent

such misuse of the system, after four Active

Braking events within a key cycle, the Active

Braking portion of FCW will be deactivated until

the next key cycle.



The FCW system is intended for on-road use

only. If the vehicle is taken off-road, the FCW

system should be deactivated to prevent unnec

-

essary warnings to the surroundings.



FCW may not react to irrelevant objects such as

overhead objects, ground reflections, objects

not in the path of the vehicle, stationary objects

that are far away, oncoming traffic, or leading

vehicles with the same or higher rate of speed.



FCW will be disabled like ACC, with the unavail

-

able screens.

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

330

SAFETY

Turning FCW On Or Off

The FCW button is located in the Uconnect display

in the control settings

Ú

page 237.



To turn the FCW system on, press the forward

collision button once.



To turn the FCW system off, press the forward

collision button once.

NOTE:



When the FCW is “on”, this allows the system to

warn the driver of a possible collision with the

vehicle in front.



When the FCW is “off”, this prevents the system

from warning the driver of a possible collision

with the vehicle in front. If the FCW is set to “off”,

“FCW OFF” will be displayed in the instrument

cluster display.



When FCW status is set to “Only Warning”, this

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.



When FCW status is set to “Warning and

Braking”, this allows the system to warn the

driver of a possible collision with the vehicle in

front using audible/visual warnings and it

applies autonomous braking.



The FCW system state is defaulted to “Full On”

from one ignition cycle to the next. If the system

is turned off, it will reset to “Full On” when the

vehicle is restarted.

FCW Braking Status And Sensitivity

The FCW Sensitivity and Active Braking status are

programmable through the Uconnect system

Ú

page 237.



Far



When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the

“Far” setting and the system status is “Only

Warning”, this allows the system to warn the

driver of a possible more distant collision

with the vehicle in front using audible/

visual warnings.



More cautious drivers that do not mind

frequent warnings may prefer this setting.



Medium



When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the

“Medium” setting and the system status is

“Only Warning”, this allows the system to

warn the driver of a possible collision with

the vehicle in front using audible/visual

warnings.



Near



When the sensitivity of FCW is set to the

“Near” setting and the system status is

“Only Warning”, this allows the system to

warn the driver of a possible closer collision

with the vehicle in front using audible/

visual warnings.



This setting provides less reaction time than

the “Far” and “Medium” settings, which

allows for a more dynamic driving experi

-

ence.



More dynamic or aggressive drivers that

want to avoid frequent warnings may prefer

this setting.