Page 89 of 382

R (Reverse):To back up, stop the
vehicle. Press the clutch pedal
and shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let
up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal. If it is hard
to shift, let the shift lever return
to Neutral and release the clutch
pedal. Then press the clutch again
and shift into R (Reverse). Do not
attempt to shift into the fth gear
position prior to shifting into
R (Reverse). The transmission has
a lock out feature which prevents
a 5 (Fifth) gear to R (Reverse)
gear shift.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with the
parking brake, for parking the
vehicle.Up-Shift Light
This light will show you when to
shift to the next higher gear for best
fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can
shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road and traffic conditions
permit. For the best fuel economy,
accelerate slowly and shift when the
light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal
for the light to go on and off if
you quickly change the position of
the accelerator. Ignore the shift light
when you downshift.
Disregard the shift light when the
transfer case is in four-wheel low.
For more information, seeUp-Shift
Light on page 3-27.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.
Hill Start Assist
H3 and H3T vehicles have a Hill
Start Assist feature, which may be
useful when stopped on a grade.
SeeBraking on page 4-3for
more information.
Features and Controls 2-23
Page 212 of 382

Before Leaving on a
Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, consider having it serviced
by your dealer/retailer before
departing.
Things to check on your own
include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All
levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are
lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires
in ated to recommended
pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to
travel? Have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving. If
you become tired or sleepy, nd
a safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on at or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
4-30 Driving Your Vehicle
Page 232 of 382

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet for
vehicles with an automatic
transmission, or into gear for
vehicles with a manual
transmission. Turn the wheels
into the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal.
Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park) for vehicles
with an automatic transmission or
into gear for vehicles with a
manual transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
The vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
feature, which may be useful
when stopped on a grade. See
Braking on page 4-3for more
information.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
4-50 Driving Your Vehicle