OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
NOTE:
Prior to off-road driving, remove the front air
dam to prevent damage. The front air dam is
attached to the lower front fascia with seven
quarter turn fasteners and can be removed
by hand.
Quadra-Lift™ – If EquippedWhen off-roading, it is recommended that the
lowest useable vehicle height that will clear thecurrent obstacle or terrain be selected. The
vehicle height should then be raised as re-
quired by the changes in terrain.
The Selec-Terrain™ switch will automatically
change the vehicle to the optimized height
based on the Selec-Terrain™ switch position.
The vehicle height can be changed from the
default height for each Selec-Terrain™ mode
by normal use of the air suspension switches.
Refer to “Quadra-Lift™ – If Equipped” in “Start-
ing and Operating” for further information.
When to Use 4WD LOW Range –
If Equipped
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for
additional traction. This range should be limited
to extreme situations such as deep snow, mud,
or sand where additional low speed pulling
power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of
25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in
4WD LOW range.
Driving Through WaterAlthough your vehicle is capable of driving
through water, there are a number of precau-
tions that must be considered before entering
the water.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering, as a precaution, and check all
fluids afterward. Driving through water may
cause damage that may not be covered by the
new vehicle limited warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your
vehicle. If you must drive through water, try to
determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to enter-
ing. Proceed with caution and maintain a
steady controlled speed less than 5 mph
(8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave ef-
fects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in
storm run-off), avoid crossing until the water
level recedes and/or the flow rate is reduced. If
you must cross flowing water avoid depths in
excess of 9 in (23 cm). The flowing water can
erode the streambed, causing your vehicle to
Front Air Dam
1 — Front Bumper
2 — Front Air Dam Fasteners
218
Inflation pressures specified on the chart are
always “Cold Inflation Pressure.” Cold inflation
pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the
vehicle has been idle for at least three hours, or
driven less than a mile (1.6 km) after a three-
hour period. The cold inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum values molded into
the tire sidewall.
Tire pressures may increase from 2 to 6 psi
(0.14 to 0.41 bar) [14 to 41 kPa] during opera-
tion. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
buildup.
High Speed OperationThe manufacturer advocates driving at safe
speeds within posted speed limits. Where
speed limits or conditions are such that the
vehicle can be driven at high speeds, correct
tire inflation pressure is very important.
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of
tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to
handle poorly. The instability could cause an
accident. Always use radial tires in sets of
four. Never combine them with other types of
tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable
only in the tread area because of sidewall
flexing. Consult your dealer for radial tire re-
pairs.
Tire SpinningWhen stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice condi-
tions, do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
when you are stuck, and do not let anyone
near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
Tire ChainsUse of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-
body clearance. Follow these recommenda-
tions to guard against damage.
• Install on Rear Tires Only
• Due to limited clearance, use SAE class “S”
low profile cables or traction devices only.
Security Chain Company (SCC) Super Z6
#SZ 441 cables or equivalent are recom-
mended.
231
thorized dealer-installed options, must be
considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle.
Towing RequirementsTo promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at
full throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
•
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dy-
namic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle transmission in PARK. For four-
wheel drive vehicles, make sure the trans-
fer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block
or chock the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
Towing Requirements – Tires
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper
tire inflation procedures.
247
2. Turn OFF the ignition.
3. For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, re-
move the Keyless Enter-N-Go button and use
the key fob to complete this procedure. Refer to
“Starting Procedures/Keyless Enter-N-Go” in
“Starting and Operating” for further information.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN po-
sition, but do not start the engine.
5. Press and hold the brake pedal.
6. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
7. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar
object, press and hold the recessed transfer
case N (Neutral) button (located by the selector
switch) for four seconds, until the light behind
the N symbol starts to blink, indicating shift in
progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on
solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
A “FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IN NEU-
TRAL” message will display on the EVIC (Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds
and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Turn OFF the engine and leave the ignition
switch in the unlocked OFF position.
12. Firmly apply the parking brake.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
transmission is shifted into PARK with the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) and the engine
running. With the transfer case in NEUTRAL
(N) ensure that the engine is off prior to
shifting the transmission into PARK.
14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using
a suitable tow bar.
15. Release the parking brake.
16. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and
secure it away from the negative battery post.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 6 are requirements that
must be met prior to pressing the NEU-
TRAL (N) button, and must continue to be
met until the four seconds elapse and the
shift has been completed. If any of these
requirements are not met prior to press-
ing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no
longer met during the four second timer,
then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will
Neutral Switch
253
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings
to help prevent personal injury or damage to
your vehicle:
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far
from the edge of the roadway as possible
before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an
automatic transmission in PARK.
• Never start or run the engine with the
vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it
is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated
and for lifting this vehicle during a tire
change.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• If working on or near a roadway, be ex-
tremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated,
are securely stowed, spares must be
stowed with the valve stem facing the
ground.
1. Remove the spare tire, jack, and tools from
storage.
2. Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug
nuts by turning them to the left, one turn, while
the wheel is still on the ground.
3. Assemble the jack and jacking tools. 4. For a front tire, place the jack and protective
cap on the body flange just behind the front tire
(as indicated by the triangular lift point symbol
on the sill molding).
Do not raise the vehicle
until you are sure the jack is fully engaged.
Jack Warning Label
Jack and Tool Assembly
260
12. Securely store the road wheel and jack in
the cargo area.
13. Have the aluminum road wheel and tire
repaired as soon as possible and properly
secure the spare tire, jack and tool kit.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack
parts and the spare tire in the places provided.
JUMP-STARTINGIf your vehicle has a discharged battery it can
be jump-started using a set of jumper cables
and a battery in another vehicle or by using a
portable battery booster pack. Jump-starting
can be dangerous if done improperly so please
follow the procedures in this section carefully.
NOTE:
When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer’s operating instruc-
tions and precautions.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or
any other booster source with a system volt-
age greater than 12 Volts or damage to the
battery, starter motor, alternator or electrical
system may occur.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is
frozen. It could rupture or explode and cause
personal injury.
Preparations for Jump-StartThe battery in your vehicle is located under the
passenger’s front seat. There are remote loca-
tions located under the hood to assist in jump-
starting.
Stowed Spare
Remote Battery Posts
1 — Remote Positive(+) Post
(covered with protective cap)
2 — Remote Negative (-) Post
262
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEThis section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the transmission and drivetrain are operable,
disabled vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in the “Starting and Operating” section.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground 4WD Models
Flat Tow NONE See instructions in “Recreational Towing” under “Starting and Operating”
•
Trans in PARK
• T/case in NEUTRAL
• To w i n forward direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow
bars and other equipment designed for the
purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory.
Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main
structural members of the vehicle, not to
bumpers or associated brackets. State and
local laws applying to vehicles under tow must
be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, de-
frosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition
must be in the ON/RUN position, not the ACC
position.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, see
Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual Override
(under Starting and Operating, Automatic
Transmission) for instructions on shifting the
automatic transmission out of the PARK posi-
tion for towing.
CAUTION!
•
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment
when towing. When securing the vehicle to
a flat bed truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
• If the vehicle being towed requires steering,
the ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC
position, not in the LOCK position.
265
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory cooling performance, poor gas mileage,
and increased emissions.
Brake SystemIn order to assure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be peri-
odically inspected. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly an accident. Driving with your
foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can
result in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency. Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood ser-
vice, or immediately if the brake system warn-
ing lamp indicates system failure.
The brake master cylinder has a translucent
plastic reservoir. On the outboard side of the
reservoir, there is a “MAX” dot and a “MIN” dot.
The fluid level must be kept within these two
dots. Do not add fluid above the MAX mark,
because leakage may occur at the cap.
With disc brakes, the fluid level can be ex-
pected to fall as the brake linings wear. How-
ever, an unexpected drop in fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a system check should
be conducted.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the
original factory installed hydraulic master
cylinder reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed con-
tainer. Keep the master cylinder reservoir
cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in a
open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This
may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sud-
den brake failure. This could result in a
accident.
(Continued)
283