•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between a
forward gear and reverse, do not spin wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
Recommended Manual Transmission Shifting
Speeds
The manufacturer recommends that you use the shift
speeds listed in the chart below.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
En-
gine Speeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
3.7L Accel. 15 (24) 24 (39) 34
(55) 47
(76) 56
(90)
Cruise 10 (16) 19 (31) 27
(43) 37
(60) 41
(66)
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System
2WD Models Only — Manual transmission vehicles are
equipped with a clutch interlock safety feature. The
clutch pedal must be fully depressed to allow cranking of
the engine.
4WD Models Only — The exception to this clutch inter-
lock is 4WD models equipped with a manual transmis-
sion. For these models, the clutch interlock feature is
overridden when the vehicle is operated in 4L to enhance
off-road capability. Refer to “Starting Procedures —
Manual Transmission (4WD Models Only)” in this sec-
tion.
226 STARTING AND OPERATING
4L
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). (Allows engine starting without depressing
the clutch pedal on vehicles equipped with manual
transmission. Refer to “Starting Procedures — Manual
Transmission (4WD Models Only)” in this section.
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle in motion up to 55 mph (88 km/h). The transfer
case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily
release the accelerator 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 the
clutch 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: To shift from 4H to 4L, the shift lever should
pushed away from the driver, and then rearward into 4L.
In 4H, there is a neutral stop to prevent shifting into N
(Neutral) by accident.
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 automatic
transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn
engine OFF. Make shift to the desired mode.
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5
Engine/
Transmission Model
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Wt.
Rating) GCWR
(Gross Combined
Wt. Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max.
Tongue Wt.
(See Note 1)
3.7L/6-Speed Manual 4x2 5,350 lbs (2 427 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 855 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters) 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/6-Speed Manual 4x4 5,600 lbs (2 540 kg) 8,750 lbs (3 969 kg) 40 Sq. Ft. (3.72
square meters) 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) 350 lbs (159 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic 4x2 5,350 lbs (2 427 kg) 7,150 lbs (3 243 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic 4x4 5,600 lbs (2 540 kg) 7,400 lb
s ( 3 356 kg) 32 Sq. Ft. (2.97
square meters) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic
w/ Cooler 4x2 5,350 lbs (2 427 kg) 9,850 lbs (4 468 kg) 60 Sq. Ft. (5.57
square meters) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/
Automatic w/Cooler 4x4 5,600 lbs (2 540 kg) 10,100 lbs (4 581 kg) 60 Sq. Ft. (5.57
square meters) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
2.8L Diesel/ Automatic 4x4 5,650 lbs (2 563 kg) 10,150 lbs (4 604 kg) 60 Sq. Ft. (5.57
square meters) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or chockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals. NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — O/D OFF (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “O/D OFF” button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5