WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an
Adaptive Transmission Shift
Strategy. The Adaptive Transmission
Shift Strategy offers the optimal
transmission operation and shift
quality. When the engine is turned
off, the shift data which includes the
adaptive information will be stored
automatically in the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM). If the
battery is disconnected for any
reason, the stored information from
the last time the key was turned to
OFF will be read. This way, no
information will be lost with any
battery removal or battery
disconnect.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear. If your vehicle is
equipped with a floor-shift transmission, press the gearshift lever
release button (on the front of the lever) while shifting into the
desired gear.
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To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING: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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul Off
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through six.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul On
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
To activate Tow/Haul, press the
button on the side of the gearshift
lever.
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The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
WARNING:Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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The front sensors cover an area up
to 27.6 inches (70 cm) from the
front of the vehicle and about 6–9 in
(15–23 cm) to the side of the front
end of the vehicle. See the
illustration for approximate sensor
area coverage.
The reverse sensing portion of the
system detects obstacles up to 6 ft.
(2 m) from the rear bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the
outer corners of the bumper, (refer
to the illustration 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.
While receiving a warning, the radio
volume will be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the
warning goes away, the radio will
return to the previous value.
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WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the forward and reverse sensing
system as contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Traffic control systems, inclement weather,
air brakes, and external motors and fans may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the forward and reverse sensing system may
create false beeps.
The system will sound a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near either
bumper in the following manner:
•The front sensors will sound a high pitched tone which will appear to
come from the dashboard
•The rear sensors will sound a lower pitched tone which will appear to
come from the rear interior of the vehicle
•The sensing system will report the obstacle which is closest to the
front or rear of the vehicle. For example, if an obstacle is 12 inches
(30 cm) from the front of the vehicle and, at the same time, an
obstacle is only six inches (15 cm) from the rear of the vehicle, the
lower pitched tone will sound.
The reverse sensing portion of the system will assist the driver in
detecting certain objects while:
•the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and moving toward a stationary object at
a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
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Note:If the reverse camera system image is not clear or seems
distorted, it may be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other
substance. If this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the reverse
camera system.
WARNING:The reverse camera system is a reverse aid
supplement device that still requires the driver to use it in
conjunction with the rear view mirror and the side mirrors for
maximum coverage.
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the reverse camera system.
WARNING:Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the reverse camera system with the
liftgate open.
If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your
authorized dealer to have your rear video system checked for proper
coverage and operation.
Night time and dark area use
At night time or in dark areas, the reverse camera system relies on the
reverse lamp lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that
both reverse lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the
dark. If either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the reverse
camera system, at least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and
functioning.
Servicing
•If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
•If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the
lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear
after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
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CONTROL TRAC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
Do not use 4X4 mode on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components.
4X4 mode is only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
Use of 4X4 mode on these surfaces may produce some noise (such as
occasional clunks) but will not damage drive components.
Your 4x4 features the heavy-duty Control Trac system which includes a
computer-operated transfer case. This unique system is interactive with
the road, continually monitoring and adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize vehicle control.
System indicator messages
The Control Trac system indicator messages display in the reconfigurable
telltale (RTT) location in the message center only under the following
conditions. If these messages display when driving in 4X2, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•4X4 AUTO– displays when 4X4 AUTO is selected.
•4X4– displays when 4X4 is selected.
Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Trac system functions
in three modes:
•4X2 (2WD)delivers power to
the rear wheels only. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement.
•4X4 AUTOprovides electronic
control four-wheel drive with
power delivered to all four wheels, as required, for increased traction.
The RTT location in the message center will display “4X4 AUTO”
when this position is selected. This is appropriate for all on-road
driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow or
gravel.
4X24X4
AUTO4X4
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•4X4provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to front and
rear wheels. The RTT location in the message center will display
“4X4” when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended
for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or
shallow sand.
WARNING: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 or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles.
Note:The Control Trac selector switch should not be changed while the
rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting between modes
Press any button (4X2, 4X4 AUTO or 4X4) at any forward speed up to
55 mph (88 km/h). The message center may display “4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESS” during the system shift. The RTT location in the message
center will then display “4X4 AUTO” if 4X4 AUTO is selected or “4X4” if
4X4 is selected.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
Four–wheel drive 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.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC stability enhancement system can be turned
off manually by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSC button (refer to
AdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control (RSC) Stability
Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 4X2, 4X4
AUTO or 4X4 while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more
strenuous off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management
feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced
momentum through the obstacle.
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.
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