•If the vehicle has not been driven in sev-
eral days, the first few seconds of opera-
tion after shifting the transmission into
gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This con-
dition is normal and will not cause dam-
age to the transmission. The torque con-
verter will refill within five seconds after
starting the engine.
Rocking the VehicleIf the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or
mud, it can often be moved by a rocking
motion. Move the shift lever between DRIVE
and REVERSE, while applying slight pressure
to the accelerator.
NOTE:
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and
Traction Control System (TCS) (if equipped)
should be turned OFF before attempting to
rock the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information. The least amount of accelerator pedal pressure
to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning
the wheels or racing the engine, is most effec-
tive. Racing the engine or spinning the wheels
may lead to transmission overheating and fail-
ure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever
in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every
five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize
overheating and reduce the risk of transmission
failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck
vehicle.CAUTION!
When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving
between “First” and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h) or
drivetrain damage may result.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
Quadra-Trac II
Operating
Instructions/Precautions
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case is fully auto-
matic in the normal driving 4WD AUTO mode.
The Quadra-Trac II transfer case provides
three mode positions:
• 4WD HI
• NEUTRAL
• 4WD LOW
This transfer case is fully automatic in the 4WD
HI mode.
Transfer Case Switch
210
Shifting Procedures
4WD HI to 4WD LOW
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD LOW” button
once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD
LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will begin to flash and remain on solid when the
shift is complete.
NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, or
a transfer case motor temperature protec-tion condition exists, a “For 4x4 Low Slow
Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans in N Press
4 Low” message will flash from the Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Re-
fer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
4WD LOW to 4WD HI
With the vehicle at speeds of 0 to 3 mph (0 to
5 km/h), the ignition switch in the ON position or
the engine running, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL, and press the “4WD LOW” button
once on the transfer case switch. The “4WD
LOW” indicator light in the instrument cluster
will flash and go out when the shift is complete.
NOTE:
•
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met,
or a transfer case motor temperature pro-
tection condition exists, a “For 4x4 High
Slow Below 3 MPH or 5 KPH Put Trans in
N Press 4 Low” message will flash from
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor- mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
• Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is pos-
sible with the vehicle completely stopped;
however, difficulty may occur due to the
mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be re-
quired for clutch teeth alignment and shift
completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling 0 to
3 mph (0 to 5 km/h). If the vehicle is
moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h), the
transfer case will not allow the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position,
engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Hold down the NEUTRAL “pin” switch (with
a pen, etc.) for four seconds until the LED light
by the switch starts to blink indicating shift in
progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on
solid) when the NEUTRAL shift is complete. A
Transfer Case Switch
212
speed remains between 15 mph (24 km/h)
and 25 mph (40 km/h) for greater than
60 seconds, or the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) the Park Mode change will
be cancelled. To exit Park Mode, press the
“Up” button once while in Park Mode or drive
the vehicle over 15 mph (24 km/h).
The Selec-Terrain™ switch will automatically
change the vehicle to the proper height based
on the position of the Selec-Terrain™ switch.
The height can be changed from the default
Selec-Terrain™ setting by normal use of the air
suspension buttons. Refer to “Selec-Terrain™”
in “Starting and Operating” for further informa-
tion.
The system requires that the engine be running
for all changes. When lowering the vehicle all of
the doors, including the liftgate, must be
closed. If a door is opened at any time while the
vehicle is lowering the change will not be
completed until the open door(s) is closed.
The Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system uses
a lifting and lowering pattern which keeps the
headlights from incorrectly shining into oncom-
ing traffic. When raising the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first and then the front.
When lowering the vehicle, the front will move
down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed
that the air suspension system operates briefly,
this is normal. The system is correcting the
position of the vehicle to ensure a proper
appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the
Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system has a fea-
ture which allows the automatic leveling to be
disabled. Press and hold both the “Up” and
“Down” buttons simultaneously between 5 and
10 seconds, a message will appear in the EVIC
stating leveling has been disabled immediately
after both buttons have been released. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information. Driving the vehicle over
5 mph (8 km/h) will return the air suspension to
normal operation. Refer to “Jacking and Tire
Changing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pres-
sure volume of air to operate the system. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the sys-
tem, see your authorized dealer for service.
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) Display Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a mes-
sage will appear in the EVIC display. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
An audible chime will be heard whenever a
system error has been detected.
OperationThe indicator lamps 3 through 6 will illuminate
to show the current position of the vehicle.
Flashing indicator lamps will show a position
which the system is working to achieve. When
raising, if multiple indicator lamps are flashing
on the “Up” button, the highest flashing indica-
tor lamp is the position the system is working to
achieve. When lowering, if multiple indicators
216
sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow
for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
20 in (51 cm), and reduce speed appropriately
to minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in
20 in (51 cm) of water is less than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine oil, trans-
mission oil, axle, transfer case) to assure the
fluids have not been contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) should
be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving in Snow, Mud and SandIn 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 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information. Do not shift to a
lower gear than necessary to maintain forwardmotion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery
roads, because 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 trans-
mission to a lower gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW. Use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose forward motion
while climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to
come to a stop and immediately apply the
brakes. Restart the engine, and shift into RE-
VERSE. Back slowly down the hill, allowing the
compression braking of the engine to help
regulate 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, you lose forward motion,
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 carefully straight down a hill in
REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in
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 forward motion by turning the front
wheels slowly. This may provide a fresh “bite”
into the surface and will usually provide traction
to complete the climb.
Traction DownhillShift the transmission into a low gear, and the
transfer case into 4WD 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. 219
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.
After Driving Off-RoadOff-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to
check for damage. That way you can get any
problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness,
particularly on the chassis, drivetrain com-
ponents, steering, and suspension. Re-
tighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual. •
Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses,
axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
• After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the ra-
diator, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake lin-
ings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned
as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking power
when you need it to prevent a collision. If you
have been operating your vehicle in dirty
conditions, get your brakes checked and
cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material. Im-
pacted material can cause a wheel imbal-
ance and freeing the wheels of it will correct
the situation.
POWER STEERING
3.6L Engine and 3.0L Diesel Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-
hydraulic power steering system that will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will vary its assist to provide light efforts while
parking and good feel while driving. If the
electro-hydraulic power steering system expe-
riences a fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system will
provide mechanical steering capability.
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the
electrically driven pump to reduce or stop
power steering assistance in order to prevent
damage to the system. Normal operation will
resume once the system is allowed to cool.
If the “SERVICE POWER STEER-
ING SYSTEM” message and a
flashing icon are displayed on the
EVIC screen, it indicates that the
vehicle needs to be taken to the
220
dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has lost
power steering assistance. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM OVER
TEMP” message and an icon are displayed on
the EVIC screen, it indicates that extreme steer-
ing maneuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition in the
power steering system. You will lose power
steering assistance momentarily until the over
temperature condition no longer exists. Once
driving conditions are safe, then pull over and
let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light
turns off. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
NOTE:
•Even if power steering assistance is no
longer operational, it is still possible to
steer the vehicle. Under these conditions
there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at very low ve-
hicle speeds and during parking maneu-
vers. •
If the condition persists, see your autho-
rized dealer for service.
5.7L EngineThe standard power steering system will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will provide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is inter-
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will ob-
serve a substantial increase in steering effort,
especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the
steering wheel travel are considered nor-
mal and do not indicate that there is a
problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering pump may make noise for
a short amount of time. This is due to the
cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This noise should be considered normal,
and it does not in any way damage the
steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power
steering assist could pose a safety risk to
yourself and others. Service should be ob-
tained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will in-
crease the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.
Power Steering Fluid CheckChecking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The
fluid should only be checked if a leak is sus-
pected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or
the system is not functioning as anticipated.
Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
221
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure accu-
rate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use
only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM
(MDS) (IF EQUIPPED) — 5.7L
ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by
shutting off four of the engine’s eight cylinders
during light load and cruise conditions. The
system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required.
NOTE:
The MDS system may take some time to
return to full functionality after a battery
disconnect.
PARKING BRAKEBefore leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the
shift lever in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage. When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
222
•This light only shows that the parking
brake is applied. It does not show the
degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the
front wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade. Apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make
it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK.
The parking brake should always be applied
whenever the driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
•
Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Do not leave the key fob in the ignition
switch. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
• Be sure the parking brake is fully disen-
gaged before driving; failure to do so can
lead to brake failure and a collision.
• Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and
cause damage or injury. Also be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may allow the vehicle to roll and
cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system
malfunction is indicated. Have the brake sys-
tem serviced by an authorized dealer imme-
diately.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL
SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
electronic brake control system that includes
the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction
Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All five of
these systems work together to enhance ve-
hicle stability and control in various driving
conditions.
Also, your vehicle is equipped with Trailer Sway
Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Brake
Lock Differential (BLD), Ready Alert Braking,
Rain Brake Support and, if it has four-wheel
drive with the MP 3023 two-speed transfer
case, Hill Descent Control (HDC).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining ve-
hicle control under adverse braking conditions.
The system controls hydraulic brake pressure
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skid-
ding on slippery surfaces during braking.
223