2 (Second)
This range is used for moderate grades and to assist
braking on dry pavement or in mud and snow. Begins at
a stop in low gear with automatic upshift into second
gear. Will not shift into third gear.
1 (First)
This range is used for hard pulling at low speeds in mud,
sand, snow, or on steep grades. Begins and stays in low
gear with no upshift. Provides engine compression brak-
ing at low speeds.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth gear (OVERDRIVE). The
transmission will automatically shift from third gear into
OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are present:
•the shift lever is in DRIVE
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h)
•the TOW/HAUL button has not been activated
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, the transmission will
shift into third gear.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
NOTE:TOW/HAUL mode locks out Overdrive.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores nor-
mal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the engine is started.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that could result in
transmission damage, the Transmission Limp Home
Mode will be engaged. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in second gear in any forward driving range.
To reset the transmission, use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off and turn the key to the LOCK
position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then restart the en-
gine.
5. Move the shift lever into the desired gear range.
Tow/Haul Button
308 STARTING AND OPERATING
•The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the ESC
system has up to three operating modes: “ESC On”
“Partial Off,” and “Full Off.”
ESC On — Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Four-Wheel
Drive Vehicles in 2WD and 4WD High Range
This is the normal operating mode for ESC when oper-
ating a two-wheel drive vehicle. It is also the normal
mode for operating a four-wheel drive vehicle in 2WD or
4WD HIGH range. The ESC system will be in “ESC On”
mode whenever the vehicle is started or the transfer case
(if equipped) is shifted out of 4WD LOW range. This
mode should be used for most driving situations. ESCshould only be turned to “Partial Off” or “Full Off” for
specific reasons as noted. Refer to “Partial Off” and to
“Full Off” for additional information.
Partial Off — Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles and
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles in 2WD and 4WD High
Range
The “Partial Off” mode is intended for driving in deep
snow, sand, or gravel. This mode raises the threshold for
TCS and ESC activation, which allows for more wheel
spin than what ESC normally allows.
The “ESC Off” button is located in the lower switch bank
below the climate control. To enter the “Partial Off”
mode, momentarily press the “ESC Off” button and the
ESC Off Indicator Light” will illuminate. To turn the ESC
on again, momentarily press the
ESC Offbutton and the
ESC Off Indicator Light” will turn off. This will restore
the normal “ESC On” mode of operation.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the
“Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the “ESC
Off” button. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily
pressing the “ESC Off” button. This may be done while
the vehicle is in motion.
Full Off — Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles in 4WD High
and 4WD Low Range
The “Full Off” mode is intended for off-highway and
off-road use when ESC stability features could inhibit
vehicle maneuverability due to trail conditions.
The “ESC Off” button is located in the lower switch bank
below the climate control panel. To enter “Full Off”
mode, press and hold the “ESC Off” button for five
seconds while the vehicle is stopped with the engine
running. After five seconds, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will illuminate and an “ESC OFF” message will
appear in the odometer. Press and release the trip odom-
eter button located on the instrument cluster to turn off
this message.
In this mode, ESC and TCS are turned off (except for the
“limited slip” feature described in the TCS section) until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 40 mph (64 km/k). At
speeds over 40 mph (64 km/k), the system automatically
switches to “Partial Off” mode, described above. When
the vehicle speed returns to less than 35 mph (56 km/h),
the ESC system will return to “Full Off” mode. The “ESP
Off Indicator Light” is always illuminated when ESC is
off. To turn ESC on again, momentarily press the “ESC
Off” button. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode
of operation.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, you will
want to activate the TOW/HAUL feature. Refer to “Au-
tomatic Transmission” in this section for additional in-
formation.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8
for the proper maintenance intervals.
TOW/HAUL
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the TOW HAUL button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to Drive position “2” on
more severe grades. Refer to “Automatic Transmission”
in this section for additional information.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not 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.
396 STARTING AND OPERATING