Dodge 2500 (2009 year). Manual — part 21

The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation. This is
normal.

The ABS conducts a low-speed selftest at about 10 mph
(16 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake
while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal
movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice
and snow. This is normal.

The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 10 mph
(16 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation. This is
normal.

When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a complete stop. This is the result of
the system reverting to the base brake system and is
normal.

Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal, and indicate that the
system is functioning.

ABS Warning Light
The ABS includes an amber warning light. When the light
is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The system
reverts to standard, non-anti-lock brakes.

WARNING!

• Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish

their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• The Anti-Lock Brake System (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 accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS-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 BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), HSA (Hill Start Assist), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and
Trailer Sway Control (TSC). All six systems work to-
gether to enhance vehicle stability and control in various
driving conditions, and are commonly referred to as ESP.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
For more information about ABS, refer to “Anti-Lock
Brake System” under “Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual.

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NOTE:

ABS improves steering control of the vehicle

during hard braking maneuvers.

WARNING!

• ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics

from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

Traction Control System (TCS)

The 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 functions similar 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 ESP are in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)” in this section of this manual. This brake
pressure modulation transfers drive torque from slipping
to non-slipping wheels to provide optimal forward
traction.

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Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
BAS detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. The system
applies optimum pressure to the brakes in emergency
braking conditions. This can help reduce braking dis-
tances. The BAS complements the ABS. Applying the
brakes very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of BAS, you must apply continuous
braking pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired.

Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.

WARNING!

• The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-

ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.

• The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• 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.

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Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist the driver in
launching a vehicle on an incline. HSA will maintain the
level of brake pressure the driver inputs for a short
duration once the driver takes his foot off of the brake
pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this
short duration, the system will release brake pressure
and the vehicle will roll down the incline. The system will
release brake pressure in proportion to the amount of
throttle applied.

During operation, Hill Start Assist will activate the brake
control system and a clicking noise will occur. If your foot
is on the brake pedal during operation you may feel a
slight pedal movement. The clicking and pedal move-
ment is normal and both will stop when HSA becomes
inactive.

HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:

• Vehicle must be stopped
• Vehicle must be on a 7% or greater incline
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e.,

vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle back-
ing uphill is in REVERSE gear).

WARNING!

There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than
7%), with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer
where the system will not activate and slight rolling
may occur, which could cause a collision with an-
other vehicle or object. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.

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The system will only work if the intended direction of the
vehicle and vehicle gear match. For example, if the
intended direction is forward up a hill and the vehicle is
in DRIVE, and the activation criteria are met, HSA will
activate.

HSA on Automatic Transmission Vehicles
The system will work in REVERSE and all forward gears
on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
The system will not activate if the vehicle is placed in
NEUTRAL.

Towing and Hauling with HSA (Vehicles Equipped
with Automatic Transmissions Only)
The HSA system does not know if your vehicle is loaded
or towing a trailer, unless the TOW/HAUL button,
located on the shift lever, is selected. When activated, the
TOW/HAUL light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster. For more information on the TOW/HAUL mode,
refer to “When To Use TOW/HAUL and O/D OFF
Modes” under

⬙Automatic Transmission” in Section 5. In

order to accommodate the extra weight entailed under
towing and hauling conditions and to increase driver
comfort while launching on a hill, the system recognizes
when the TOW/HAUL button is activated and compen-
sates by releasing brake pressure at a slower rate while
throttle is applied in order to prevent the vehicle from
rolling down the hill.

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WARNING!

• If you use a trailer brake controller with your

trailer, your trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, when the
brake pedal is released, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on a
hill and this could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object behind you. In order to avoid
rolling down the incline while resuming accelera-
tion, manually activate the trailer brake or apply
more vehicle brake pressure prior to releasing the
brake pedal. Always remember the driver is re-
sponsible for braking the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the vehicle

on a hill without putting the transmission in
PARK or using the parking brake, it will roll down
the incline and could cause a collision with an-
other vehicle or object. Always remember to use
the parking brake while parking on a hill, and that
the driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.

HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, follow this
procedure:

1. Start with the engine off, and vehicle in PARK with
wheels straight.

2. Start the engine.

3. With the engine running, the brake applied, rotate the
steering wheel 180° counterclockwise from center.

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4. Press ESP button four times within twenty seconds.
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” should appear and dis-
appear four times.

5. Rotate the steering wheel 360° clockwise (180° clock-
wise from center).

6. Cycle ignition switch OFF then ON.

7. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm
HSA is off.

Steps 1-7 must be completed within 90 seconds to turn off
HSA. Repeat steps 1-7 to re-enable HSA functionality.

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 speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the

appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.

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 or striking objects or
other vehicles.

WARNING!

Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur.

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or rollovers,

especially those that involve leaving the roadway
or striking objects or other vehicles. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.

• 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 Program (ESP)

The ESP system enhances directional control and stability
of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP
corrects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist
in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition.
Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.

ESP 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, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.

• 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.

ESP/TCS Indicator Light

The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” also

flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the

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accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.

WARNING!

• ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent

the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.

• ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those

resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

The ESP system has multiple operating modes depend-
ing on vehicle type: Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) or Four-
Wheel Drive (4WD). Four-wheel drive vehicles may be
equipped with either a four-mode position (2WD/4WD
LOCK/4WD LOW/Neutral) transfer case or a five-mode
position (2WD/4WD AUTO/4WD LOCK/4WD LOW/
Neutral) transfer case. If you have a four-wheel drive
vehicle, and want to determine which transfer case is on
your vehicle and how to operate it, refer to the “Four
Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.

All 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2WD,
AUTO or 4HI Modes can choose the following ESP
operating modes:

ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD/
AUTO/4HI Modes and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the
vehicle is started, or the transfer case (if equipped) is
shifted from 4WD LO or Neutral, back to 4WD LOCK or

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AUTO, the ESP system will be in this mode. This mode
should be used for almost all driving situations. ESP
should only be turned to “Partial Off” or “ESP Off” for
specific reasons as noted below.

ESP Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch. When in

⬙Partial Off⬙ mode, the TCS portion

of ESP, except for the “limited slip” feature described in
the TCS section, has been disabled and the

⬙ESP/TCS

Indicator Light

⬙ will be illuminated. All other stability

features of ESP function normally. This mode is intended
to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand, or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress the ESP OFF switch. This
will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.

NOTE:

To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving

with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is

ESP OFF Switch

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overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.

WARNING!

In the “Partial Off” mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are desensitized. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.

All 4WD vehicles in Auto and 4HI Modes can also
choose the following ESP operating mode. This is
the only ESP operating mode in 4LO:

Full Off
This mode is intended for off-road use when ESP stability
features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability due to trail
conditions. This mode is entered by depressing and
holding the ESP OFF switch for five seconds when the

vehicle is stopped and the engine is running. After five
seconds, the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will illuminate
and the “ESP OFF” message will appear in the odometer.
Press and release the trip odometer button located on the
instrument cluster to clear this message.

NOTE:

The “ESP OFF” message will display and the

audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed
into the PARK position from any other position, and then
moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if
the message was previously cleared.

In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the “Limited Slip”
feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). At
40 mph (64 km/h), the system returns to “Partial Off”
mode, described above. When the vehicle speed drops
below 35 mph (56 km/h), the ESP system shuts off. ESP
is off at low vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere
with off-road driving but ESP function returns to provide

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the stability feature at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h).
The “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will always be illumi-
nated when ESP is off. To turn ESP on again, momen-
tarily depress the ESP OFF switch. This will restore the
normal “ESP On” mode of operation.

“ESP Off” is the only operating mode for ESP in 4WD
LOW. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD LOW or
the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOCK
or Neutral, to 4WD LOW, the ESP system will be in this
mode.

WARNING!

With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. “ESP Off”
mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use,
only.

ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The “ESP/BAS Warning Light” and
the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster
both come on when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. They should both go out with the engine
running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in either the ESP or BAS system, or both. 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 your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:

• The “ESP Indicator Light” and the “ESP/BAS Warning

Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.

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• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System

will be ON even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking

sounds when it is active. This is normal. The sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.

TSC (Trailer Sway Control)
The TSC system uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize
an excessively swaying trailer and will take the appro-
priate 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.
TSC will become active automatically once an excessively
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. Note that TSC cannot stop all trailers from
swaying. Always use caution when towing a trailer and
follow the trailer tongue weight recommendations. Refer
to “Trailer Towing” in Section 5 of this manual for more

information on towing a trailer with your vehicle. When
TSC is functioning, the “ESP/TCS 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 ESP system is in the Partial Off or Full Off
modes.

TSC is only active in the default “ESP On” mode. TSC can
be disabled by pressing the ESP OFF switch and entering
“ESP Partial Off” mode. It is not active in the “ESP Partial
Off” or “ESP Off” modes. Please refer to the ESP portion
of this section for an explanation of the different ESP
operating modes.

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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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

NOTE:

• P (Passenger) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European-Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) - Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are high-pressure compact

spares designed for temporary emergency use only.

1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan-

dards Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description

6 — Treadwear, Traction and

Temperature Grades

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Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Size Designation:

P

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards

ⴖ. blank. ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards

T

= Temporary spare tire

31

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

65

= Aspect ratio in percent (%)

— Ratio of section height to section width of tire

10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

R

= Construction code

—

⬙R⬙ means radial construction

—

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

15

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

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