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2020 Safety & Technology Glossary
Structural system technology
- Energy-absorbing steering column: Manual-adjust steering column features two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other to allow for enhanced energy absorption during an impact; power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element that deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management
- Front and rear crumple zones: Specially-formed structural members that crumple and absorb energy in a collision, helping protect the occupant cabin
- Laminated glass: Plastic sandwiched between glass panes to provide added strength; discourages break-ins
- Safety cage body structure: Helps protect occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
- Side-guard door beams: Reinforcement beams inside the doors that help provide occupant protection in certain side collisions
- Splayed and Tapered Frame Rail Technology: Highly efficient, energy-absorbing frame rail structure for certain frontal impacts; features frame-mounted, high-strength steel tire blockers to redirect tires outbound in certain front-offset impacts
Driver warning and assist, chassis-control and brake systems
- Advance Brake Assist: Works with Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus; increases deceleration if driver does not apply brake with sufficient force to respond to a potential collision condition
- Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Full Stop: Helps maintain distance from vehicle ahead; under certain traffic conditions, system can bring vehicle to full stop without driver intervention
- All-speed traction control system: While driving, helps keep wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or at speed by applying brakes alone or in combination with engine torque limitation
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS): Senses and helps prevent wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
- Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses radar sensors to aid driver when changing lanes, passing or being passed; blind-spot vehicle presence noted via illuminated icons in side-view mirrors and driver-selectable audible chime
- Brake Assist: System applies maximum braking power in emergency braking situations, minimizing stopping distanc
- Brake-lock differential system (BLDS): Allows the vehicle to maintain forward motion if one or two wheels lose traction by selectively applying brakes to the spinning wheels
- Brake-throttle override: Standard equipment on every FCA US vehicle, it allows driver to more quickly stop the vehicle when throttle and brake inputs occur simultaneously; electronic throttle control reduces engine-power output
- Brake/park Interlock: Prevents transmission from being shifted out of “Park” unless the key is engaged with the starting system and the brake pedal is pressed
- Brake traction-control system (BTCS): Helps to keep wheels from spinning during acceleration from a stop or during slow speeds by applying individual brakes to the slipping wheel(s)
- Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD): Optimizes stopping distances and control under all vehicle loading conditions by regulating braking pressure, front-to-rear
- Electronic roll mitigation (ERM): Uses input from electronic stability control (ESC) sensors to anticipate potential rollover conditions; applies brakes individually and modulates the throttle position as needed to help reduce the potential of vehicle rollover
- Electronic stability control (ESC): Enhances directional control and stability of vehicle in various driving conditions; activation occurs when steering-wheel angle is inconsistent with vehicle’s direction of travel; automatically reduces throttle input and/or selectively deploys brakes to counteract oversteer or understeer
- Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus: Radar and camera technology combine to determine if frontal impact with another vehicle appears imminent; if so, system pre-fills brakes, then transmits audible and visual warnings for driver to intervene; no driver response triggers brief brake application as tactile alert; if driver remains unresponsive and frontal collision risk remains, brakes are applied to slow vehicle before impact; system may bring vehicle to full stop if imminent frontal collision detected at speeds below 31 mph or 25 mph, depending on the model
- Forward Collision Warning-Plus: Radar and camera technology combine to determine if frontal impact with another vehicle appears imminent; if so, system pre-fills brakes, then transmits audible and visual warnings for driver to intervene; no driver response triggers brief brake application as tactile alert; if driver remains unresponsive and frontal collision risk remains, brakes are applied to slow vehicle before impact
- Forward Collision Warning: Radar determines if a frontal impact with another vehicle appears imminent; if so, system pre-fills brakes, then transmits audible and visual warnings for driver to intervene
- Hill-start Assist: Assists drivers when starting from a stop on a hill; maintains brake pressure for short period of time after driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal; if throttle is not applied within short period of time thereafter, brake pressure will be released
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist: Alerts and assists driver; leverages electric power steering (EPS) to deliver subtle steering-wheel input when system detects need for course correction
- ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist: Features ultrasonic sensors on the bumper to find and guide driver into parking space; guidance system automatically controls the steering angle while driver controls gear position, brake, and accelerator; parallel parking possible on either side of the car; to accommodate perpendicular parking, vehicle is backed into the space
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist Systems with Stop and Release: ln reverse, at low speeds, ultrasonic sensors detect stationary objects; if imminent collision is detected, system will provide momentary, autonomous brake pulse; below 4.4 mph, system will bring vehicle to a stop before releasing
- ParkView rear backup camera: Provides wide-angle view of area immediately behind vehicle; available features include dynamic grid lines to aid driver when maneuvering into parking spaces or narrow areas; also assists when lining up trailer to vehicle’s hitch, when so equipped; image displayed on the center-stack screen or rear-view mirror when transmission is shifted into reverse
- Rain Brake Support: In rainy conditions, occasionally pushes brake pads lightly against brake rotors to keep rotors dry
- Ready Alert Braking (RAB): Anticipates situations when driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and uses ESC pump to set brake pads against rotors, decreasing time required for full brake application
- Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection: In parking-lot situations, warns drivers of lateral traffic when backing out of parking spaces; automatically activates any time a vehicle is in reverse gear; driver alerted of approaching vehicle(s) via illuminated icons on side-view mirrors and driver-selected audible chime
- Trailer-sway Mitigation: Uses input from electronic stability control (ESC) sensors to anticipate potential trailer-induced yaw conditions; applies brakes individually and modulates throttle to help driver maintain control
Occupant restraint technology
- Active head restraints: Deploy during collision; help limit occupant head movement
- Advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags: Inflate with force appropriate to the severity of the impact; meet FMVSS 208 advanced air bag requirements for smaller, out-of-position occupants
- All-row, full-length side-curtain air bags: Extend to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers; housed in headliner above side windows, each side air bag has its own impact sensor that, when warranted, triggers deployment on the side of the vehicle where impact occurs
- BeltAlert: Activates chime and/or illuminates icon in instrument cluster to remind driver and front passenger to buckle up if vehicle is driven with unbelted front-seat occupants
- Child Seat Anchor System: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
- Constant-force retractors: Regulates force exerted on occupant by seat belt, by gradually releasing webbing in controlled manner
- Front seat-belt pretensioners: During a collision, impact sensors initiate front seat-belt pretensioners to remove slack in the seat-belt system, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso
- Front-seat-mounted side pelvic thorax bags: Help provide enhanced protection to driver or front passenger in certain impacts
- Driver’s-side knee air bag: Deploys with advanced multistage driver air bag; located below instrument panel, device designed to properly position occupant during impact
- Height-adjustable seat belts (front row): Outboard seat belts feature height adjustment, allowing for seat belt to be placed in optimal position
- Occupant Restraint Controller: Detects impact and determines if air bag deployment, and degree of deployment, is appropriate; also manages front seat-belt pretensioners
Lighting and visibility systems
- Active turn signals: Turn signal flashes three times when stalk is depressed for one second
- Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS): Points headlamps in the intended direction of vehicle travel using steering-wheel and vehicle-speed inputs to provide improved illumination entering turns
- Auto-adjust exterior mirrors: Side-view mirrors automatically adjust to enhance the field of view for backing maneuvers
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror: Auto-dimming mirror automatically reduces glare from bright light of trailing vehicles, allowing driver to have a clearer view of the road ahead
- Automatic defog: Automatic temperature control system measures interior humidity and activates defogging system without driver intervention
- Automatic headlamps: Headlamps turn on and off automatically depending on exterior light levels and if windshield wipers are operating
- Automatic high-beam headlamps: Headlamp system adjusts to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting without driver intervention
- Daytime Running Lamps (DRL): Low-intensity halogen or signature LED lights that illuminate during daytime conditions, increasing vehicle’s visibility to other drivers
- Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking doors after air bag deployment; also shuts off flow of fuel to the engine
- Heated windshield washer nozzles: Helps ensure nozzles stay free of ice and snow during freezing conditions
- High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps: Provide approximately three times the light output than conventional reflector lamps
- Halogen infrared reflecting bulbs (HIR): Unique component coating delivers greater light output than conventional bulbs
- LED fog lamps: Provide improved illumination during inclement weather
- LED headlamps: Provide improved illumination
- LED tail lamps: Provide improved illumination (brake, stop, turn and running light functions)
- Rain-sensing Wipers: A driver convenience feature that automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates wipers
Other features
- Auto-reverse sunroof: Automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction while closing
- Auto-reverse windows: Automatically reverses when it senses an obstruction while closing
- Capless fuel-filler door: Enables fuel-filling simplicity
- Child-protection Rear Door Locks: Disables rear doors’ inside-release handle by adjusting a small lever opposite the doorjamb
- Electronic Locking Fuel-filler Door: Prevents theft or tampering, which can lead to damage, inefficiency and unwanted fuel vapor release
- Express up/down windows: One-touch express up/down window function
- Global Position Sensor (GPS): Used for navigation guidance and electronic vehicle tracking
- Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS): Continually measures flow of current into and out of battery; if battery is running low, system shuts off less-critical electrical systems to conserve power; icon in cluster denotes activation
- Inside Emergency Trunk-lid Release: Glow-in-the-dark handle enables unlocking from inside trunk
- Keyless Enter 'n Go: Electronic sensors detect if unique vehicle key fob is present, which enables passive cabin entry and trunk access; illuminates interior lamps and enables push-button ignition – no need to insert key
- Remote keyless entry: Locks and unlocks doors and turns on interior lamps. If vehicle is equipped with security alarm, remote also arms and disarms system
- Remote start: Fob-activated convenience; starts engine and activates interior climate settings while maintaining vehicle security
- Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes engine key with embedded transponder and preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft; when key is inserted into the ignition, controller sends a random number to the transponder and engine is allowed to start; engine will shut off after a few seconds if an incorrect key is used
- SOS/Assist: Button on rearview mirror or overhead console connects occupants with call-center agent who can send emergency assistance to the vehicle’s location
- Speed-sensitive door locks: System automatically locks doors when vehicle reaches prescribed speed
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering column: Allows steering column to tilt and move toward or away from the driver to achieve a safe and comfortable distance from the advanced multistage front driver air bag, if deployed
- Tire-fill Alert: When filling tires with air, the system provides an audible “chirp” when a recommended pressure is achieved
- Tire-pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Lock-on Sync: Informs driver when tire pressure is too low; pressure-sensor modules within valve stems of all four wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver; available systems use graphic display to indicate tire-specific pressure
- Uconnect Voice Command: Voice-recognition technology enables hands-free navigation-system inputs and access to real-time information, such as weather forecasts
- Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth: Voice-recognition technology enables drivers to use Bluetooth-enabled phones while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road
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