2008 Dodge Caliber Owner Manual - Page 133

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131 Traction Control System (TCS) This system 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 system 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 Program (ESP)" in this Section of this manual. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects for over-steering or under-steering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over-steering or under-steering 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 appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over-steer or under-steer condition. • Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position. • Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position. 3