
WARNING!
Never use P (Park) position with an automatic trans-
mission as a substitute for the parking brake. Al-
ways apply parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and possible injury
or damage.
CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise,
damage to steering column or shifter could result.
•Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can overheat and damage the transmission.
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween D (Drive) and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
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NOTE:The transmission electronics constantly monitor
the transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets
too hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to
help control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough, the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
(COMMAND-TRAC™ OR ROCK-TRAC™) — IF
EQUIPPED
4WD Shift Controls
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

Proper operation of four wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H Position
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4H Position
Four Wheel Drive High Range — Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces.
N (Neutral) Position
Neutral — Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

4L Position
Four Wheel Drive Low Range — Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maxi-
mum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion,
shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress theclutch pedal on a manual transmission. While the vehicle
is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the auto-
matic transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake,
and turn the engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however, difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required for clutch teeth align-
ment and shift completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with
the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
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NOTE:Your vehicle has automatically adjusting rear
brakes and we do not recommend any adjustment other
than the maintenance performed by your authorized
dealer.
Before leaving the vehicle parked on a hill, you must
make sure the parking brake is fully applied and place
the gear selector in the P (Park) position (automatic
transmission) or first gear (manual transmission). Make
certain the transfer case is in gear. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave a
automatic transmission in P (Park), or a manual
transmission in 1st gear. Make certain the transfer
case is in gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
•If the parking brake is released, and the BRAKE
warning light glows while the ignition switch is
ON or the engine is running, there may be a brake
system problem. Brake pedal travel, effort and
stopping distances may increase, and you should
obtain corrective service immediately.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in P (Park), other-
wise the load on the transmission locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of P (Park).
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WARNING!
To use your brakes and decelerate more safely, follow these tips:
•Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the pedal. This
could overheat the brakes and result in unpredictable braking
action, longer stopping distances, or brake damage.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can cause
brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid repeated heavy
braking by downshifting the transmission whenever possible.
•Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because engine braking
may cause skidding and loss of control.
•Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up, which could
cause rear wheels to spin and result in loss of vehicle control. Be
especially careful while driving on slippery roads, in close-quarter
maneuvering, parking or stopping. Remember, always engage
4-wheel drive when driving on slippery roads.
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially when roads are wet
or slushy. A wedge of water can build up between the tire tread and the
road. This hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control. Under such conditions, engage 4-wheel drive.
•After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may become
wet, resulting in poor performance and unpredictable braking
action. Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal action while
driving at very slow speeds.
WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can change
the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle handling. To avoid
loss of control resulting in personal injury, follow these
guidelines:
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor, and locate
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear axle. Too
much weight or improperly placed weight over or behind
the rear axle can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a danger-
ous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
•The rear cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and use
seat belts.
•On hardtop models, do not drive with the lift glass up. On
fabric top models, do not drive with the rear window
curtain up unless the side curtains are also open. This will
prevent dangerous exhaust fumes from entering the ve-
hicle.
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Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine oil, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low) if necessary.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this section.Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4L (Low). Use
first gear and 4L (Low) for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose headwaywhile climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing
the compression braking of the engine to help regulate
204 STARTING AND OPERATING

your speed. If the brakes are required to control vehicle
speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding
the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never
back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill-always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain headway byturning the front wheels slowly left and right. This may
provide a fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually
provide traction to complete the climb.
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4L (Low) range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
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