How does the ESP system work on my '09 Ram?
As I understand it, if one wheel loses traction the brake is partial applied. How is it applied?
Is there another master cylinder for each rear brake connected to the computer?
Is there a solenoid at each rear brake connected to the computer? How does it work?
Someone out there help me please.
Thanks,
Jack

 

Where can I find some info?

 

It's part of the ABS system. The ABS computer just selectivly pulses the wheels that it thinks are slipping.

 

Each wheel is controlled separately for braking. The ABS/ESP brain knows when a wheel loses traction and applies brake pressure to that wheel. Conversely when a wheel locks up the brain lessens the brake pressure allowing the wheel to rotate.

 

ESP does more than just apply the brakes if it senses wheel slip. From the Dodge site:

" ESP automatically analyzes steering wheel angle, turning rate, lateral acceleration and wheel speed to determine appropriate brake and throttle actions. ESP includes Hill Start Assist, which applies the brakes momentarily to prevent roll back on hills, and Trailer Sway Control, which helps prevent fishtailing."

For example, if you are ripping down the road and going through a right hand bend in the road, and your speed is to high for the road traction available, you will end up in an understeer situation where you are turning the wheel more than you are actually turning. In that situation, the ESP would look at the steering wheel angle, then the actual direction of travel, and probably apply the right rear brake only, to help tuck the front end back in.

 

That's what I wanted to know.
Thanks,
Jack

 

I have all but made up my mind on a 2010 Dodge Ram. I don't like the fact that I can't get limited slip unless I get the 3.92. I am not a serious off-roader but don't like the idea of being one wheel drive in front and one wheel drive in back. For wet/snowy weather and or unpaved boat launches, will this type of traction control work as well as limited slip or at least be a big improvement over an open differential with no traction control?

Thanks.

NC.

 

I pulled into a frozen field one AM to go hunting. When I left in the afternoon everything had thawed out. I had a heck of a time getting out of that field. With the crappy tires and no LSD it took me a while. I wish i had gone with the upgraded gears and LSD.

 

While I'm sure it's better then an open differential with no traction control, nothing beats more tires turning, so LSD, better, 4x4 even better, 4x4 with lock front dif the best (I don't think the last is a factory option).

 

The esp works great on ice as long as you are easy on the throttle. Once you start slipping both wheels fast, you'll come to a stop. We had an ice storm last night and have an inch or so of ice on the streets. Pulled right out and went to the store (2wd only) and the traction control did an excellent job.