If your vehicle should become stuck in deep snow or mud, try switching
the AdvanceTracsystem off by pressing the AdvanceTracbutton.
This will allow your tires to“dig”for traction. Pressing the control once
will disable the AdvanceTracstability enhancement and the engine
power reduction portion of the traction enhancement feature; the brake
portion of the traction enhancement feature will still function normally.
Pressing and holding the control for more than five seconds will disable
the AdvanceTracstability enhancement and traction enhancement
feature. If the AdvanceTracsystem is activated excessively for an
extended period of time, the brake portion of the system will shut down
to allow the brakes to cool down.
A limited AdvanceTracfunction using only engine power reduction will
still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have
cooled down, the system will again function normally. Anti-lock braking is
not affected by this condition and will function normally during the
cool-down period.
AdvanceTracenhances your vehicle’s stability during maneuvers that
require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road conditions
and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an emergency
lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle traction,
and have better control of the vehicle.
The AdvanceTracsystem helps the driver maintain steering control if
the vehicle begins to slide excessively left or right or spin out.
AdvanceTracwill attempt to correct the sliding motion by applying
brake force at individual tires and, if necessary, by reducing engine
power.
Driving conditions which may activate AdvanceTracinclude:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Hitting a patch of ice
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Hitting a curb while turning
•Driving on slick surfaces
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
Towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter)
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Roll Stability Control System (if equipped)
The Roll Stability Control system works in conjunction with the
AdvanceTracsystem to further enhance the vehicle’s overall stability
during aggressive maneuvers. The system helps maintain roll stability of
the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by applying brake force to one
or more wheels.
Driving conditions that may activate Roll Stability Control include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability Control system automatically turns on
when the engine is started. However, the system does not function when
the vehicle is traveling in R (Reverse). In R (Reverse), ABS and the
traction enhancement feature will continue to function.
The AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability
Control button allows the driver to
control the availability of the
AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability Control
system. AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability
Control system status is indicated by a warning indicator light with a
“sliding car”icon in the instrument cluster that will flash when the
system is active and an indicator light in the control button that will
illuminate when the system is turned off. In vehicles with a message
center, the message“ADVTRAC OFF”will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability Control
system, the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on.
If the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while
the engine is running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the control once will disable the AdvanceTracstability
enhancement/Roll Stability Control and the engine power reduction
portion of the traction enhancement feature; the brake portion of the
traction enhancement feature will still function normally. Pressing and
holding the control for more than five seconds will disable the
AdvanceTracstability enhancement/Roll Stability Control and traction
enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when
driving in deep sand, switching off the AdvanceTracsystem may be
beneficial so the wheels are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose
engine power while driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off
the AdvanceTracstability enhancement feature will restore full engine
power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
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Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTracperforms a system self-check. During AdvanceTrac/Roll
Stabilty Control operation you may experience the following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The AdvanceTracindicator light will flash
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability
Control operation.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability Control system. Also, do not
install a stereo loudspeaker near the rear console or either rear
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac/Roll Stability Control sensors located in this area.
Note:Pressing the AdvanceTracbutton will disable AdvanceTracand
Roll Stability Control.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a AdvanceTrac/Roll
Stability Control event is an indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering
wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
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The system detects obstacles up to
six feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
The system automatically turns on when the gear selector is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is ON. A control in the message center allows
the driver to disable the system only when the ignition is ON, and the
gear selector is in R (Reverse). Refer toMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter for more information.
Keep the Rear Park Assist sensors (located on the rear
bumper/fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumulations of
dirt (do not clean the sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors
are covered, it will affect the accuracy of the system.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) transfer
case. With the AWD option, power is supplied to all four wheels
automatically with no need to shift between two-wheel drive and
four-wheel drive. If your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTrac
stability enhancement feature, you can change AWD modes, if desired,
by selecting AWD options through the message center.
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For the lubricant specification and refill capacity of the AWD transfer
case refer toMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different
diameter than the road tires should never be used. Such a tire
could make the vehicle difficult to control as well as result in damage
to driveline components.
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
The following sections,Normal operation,Autolock operationand
Disabling AWD, apply only to vehicles which allow the driver to change
AWD modes through the message center.
Normal operation (vehicles equipped with AdvanceTraconly)
During normal operation:
•the AWD system is in AWD AUTO mode (AWD LOCKED will
illuminate in the message center for four seconds when you first start
your vehicle). The AWD LOCKED indicator in the instrument cluster
will also come on.
•AWD AUTO mode can be overridden by pressing SETUP in the
message center. When you first press SETUP, AWD
displayed, then if you press RESET within four seconds of pressing
SETUP, AWD
power to all four wheels constantly which allows you to operate your
vehicle in severe winter or off-road conditions such as deep snow, ice
or shallow sand. It is not recommended that you use AWD
on dry pavement.
•AWD
center. (The AWD LOCKED display in the message center will then
turn off and the display will return to AWD
when the shift is complete.)
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Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
AWD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
When driving at slow speeds off-road under high outside temperatures,
use 1 (First) gear when possible. 1 (First) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
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•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain
and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot.
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