When split shifting, the axle shift control must stay UP in the
HIGH range until after any transmission lever movement.
A 2±speed axle should NEVER be shifted on a downgrade.
To downshift the axle from HIGH to LOW range, either the ring gear has
to speed up by one-third, or the wheels have to slow down by one-third
to allow for synchronization. When you are on a down grade, the wheels
will not slow down, but will tend to speed up. As a result, the ring gear
must be accelerated to synchronize speeds. You are however limited in
doing so by your engine governed speed, and may not be able to reach
synchronization to allow the shift to take place. If the shift is not
completed , the axle will be in neither HIGH nor LOW range and all
driveline retardation will be lost.
Ratio extender use
Low End
A 2±speed axle can be used as a ratio-extender when split shifting is not
necessary. For low end use, just shift the axle into the LOW to start out,
and shift to HIGH when the extra torque is no longer needed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
2-speed Axle Axle
LowAxle High
High End
To use the 2±speed axle as a high end ratio-extender, stay in the LOW
range for normal upshifts and only shift the axle to HIGH on the freeway
for greater road speed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Speed
Axle
High 2-Speed Axle Low for Gradeability
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
Driving
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Maintenance Operation Frequency - Observation
Check the transmission and
engine mountings (*b)Hard shifting or excessive vibration
Check and adjust transmission
controls (*b)High effort to shift or noisy
transmission
Check fuel pump pressure Insufficient full-throttle power or
backfiring
Clean radiator cap seal. Clean
and inspect the cap surface on
the radiatorWhen the cap does not hold pressure
Check the battery terminals for
corrosionWhenever electrical power supply has
diminished
Tighten the wheel mounting
nuts to the specified torque.
Refer toServicing your
wheels and tiresRequired initially at 804 and 1 609 km
(500 and 1 000 miles). Perform again
at 804 and 1 609 km (500 and 1 000
mile) intervals after each tire
removal/replacement.
*a During maintenance and repair, protect the fuel tube and the hose
assemblies, the power steering lines, and the brake lines from the
external heat, the acids and the abrasion that could damage the lines.
*b Check for (free) linkage action and ensure that (return) spring
force is adequate to maintain pedal free play.
*c Adjust, repair or replace as required with the same or equivalent
parts.
General Maintenance Information
244
