WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
AdvanceTrac/traction control:
Illuminates when the
AdvanceTrac/traction control is
active. If the light remains on,
contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
AdvanceTrac/traction control
off light:Illuminates when
AdvanceTrac/traction control has
been disabled by the driver. Refer to
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty. Refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the on position and any
door is open.
Overdrive off (if equipped):
Illuminates when the overdrive
function of the transmission has
been turned off; refer to the
Drivingchapter. If the light flashes steadily or does not illuminate,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Four-wheel drive low (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged.
Four-wheel drive high (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged. It
may also illuminate when the 4WD LOW is engaged. Refer to the
Drivingchapter for more information.
OFF
O/D
OFF
4x4
LOW
4x4
Instrument Cluster
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NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks are not 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.
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Study your owner’s guide and any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD and AWD systems (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD (when selected) has the ability to
use all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may
enable you to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
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Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDrivingchapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
WARNING:Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD
and AWD vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may
accelerate better than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won’t stop any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles.
Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUVs and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
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•Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
vehicles/Four-wheel drive
(4WD)/All-wheel drive (AWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
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Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Before you tow your vehicle:
•Release the parking brake.
•Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the off/unlocked position.
•The maximum towing speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•Put 4WD switch in 2WD mode (4WD only)
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward direction to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided
by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
2WD vehicles equipped with an automatic transmissions:Do not
tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.
4WD vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and
electronic shift transfer case (Neutral tow kit accessory):
On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you
to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the
ground. Contact your authorized dealer for more details. Do not tow your
vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral tow
kit as vehicle damage may occur.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
CAMPER BODIES
Your vehicle is not recommended for slide-in camper bodies.
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If you switch off the AdvanceTrac
with RSCsystem, the stability
control off light will illuminate
steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTrac
with RSCbutton again will turn off
the stability control light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare
disabled.
AdvanceTracFeatures
Button
functions
icon
statusRSCESC TCS
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
and held more
than 5 seconds
(speed under
35 mph)Illuminated
for
5 seconds,
turns off for
3 seconds,
then
illuminated
solidDisabled Disabled Disabled
Button pressed
and held less
than 5 seconds
(speed over
35 mph)Illuminated
solidEnabled Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
Transfer case in
4L (4WD Low)Illuminated
solidDisabled Disabled Disabled
OFF
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur.
If equipped with the electronic shift 4WD system, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the
4WD system will not engage. This is normal and should be no
reason for concern.Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for
proper operation.
4WD system indicator lights
•4x4- Momentarily illuminates
when the vehicle is started.
Illuminates when 4H (4WD High)
is engaged.
•4x4 LOW– Momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.
Using the electronic shift 4WD
system
2H (2WD High)- Power to the
rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4H (4WD High)- Used for extra
traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not
intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4WD Low)- Uses extra
gearing to provide maximum power to all four wheels. Intended only for
off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavy
objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this
is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from
4L (4WD Low)for proper operation.
4x4
4x4
LOW
4H
2H4L
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Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or slower.
2. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral). On vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, press the clutch.
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If the vehicle speed or transmission gear requirements are not met,
the shift will not occur.
•If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD 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.
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.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
Driving
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