In the event of a momentary problem, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward
gears by performing the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF
position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6.
Shift into the desired gear range. If the prob-
lem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we
recommend that you visit your authorized
dealer at your earliest possible conve-
nience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem
could recur. If the transmission cannot be
reset, authorized dealer service is required. Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
allows the driver to limit the highest available
gear when the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position. For example, if you shift the transmis-
sion into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but will shift down
into second and first gears normally.
Use of ERS (or TOW/HAUL mode) also enables
an additional underdrive gear which is not nor-
mally used during through-gear accelerations.
This additional gear can improve vehicle perfor-
mance and cooling capability when towing a
trailer on certain grades. In ERS mode, gears 1
though 3 are underdrive gears, and ERS 4 is
direct drive. ERS 5 and 6 (Overdrive gears ) are
the same as the normal fourth and fifth gears.
You can switch between DRIVE and ERS mode at
any vehicle speed. When the shift lever is in the
DRIVE position, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between all available
gears. Tapping the shift lever to the left (-) will
activate ERS mode, display the current gear in
the instrument cluster, and maintain that gear as
the top available gear. Once in ERS mode, tap-
ping the shift lever to the left (-) or right (+) will
change the top available gear.
The instrument cluster display will show the
requested top gear limit, however the transmis-
sion will not downshift to the requested gear if
doing so would overspeed the engine. The
transmission will downshift once the vehicle
speed has slowed sufficiently.
To exit ERS mode, simply press and hold the
shift lever to the right (+) until “D” is once again
displayed in the shift lever position indicator in
the instrument cluster.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery surface. The drive wheels
could lose their grip and the vehicle could
skid, causing a collision or personal injury.
NOTE:
To select the proper gear position for maxi-
mum deceleration (engine braking), simply
press and hold the shift lever to the left (-).
The transmission will shift to the range from
which the vehicle can best be slowed down.
235
•If the vehicle has not been driven for
several days, the first few seconds of
operation 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 condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The
torque converter will refill within five sec-
onds after starting the engine.
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.
When additional traction is required, the 4WD
LOW position can be used to lock the front and
rear driveshafts together and force the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. The
4WD LOW position is intended for loose, slip-
pery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOW position on dry, hard-surfaced roads may
cause increased tire wear and damage to drive-
line components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the
engine speed is approximately three times that
of the 4WD HI position at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine and do
not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and cir-
cumference on each wheel. Any difference will
adversely affect shifting and cause damage to
the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case
in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The trans-
fer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages
both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The
parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
237
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 possible
with the vehicle completely stopped; how-
ever, difficulty may occur due to the mating
clutch teeth not being properly aligned.
Several attempts may be required 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.
5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 to shift out of NEU-
TRAL.
NOTE:
If shift conditions/interlocks are not met, a
“To Tow Vehicle Safely, Read Neutral Shift
Procedure in Owners Manual” message will
flash from the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.Neutral Switch
239
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 regu-
late 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.
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 ve-
hicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
•
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, par-
ticularly on the chassis, drivetrain compo-
nents, steering, and suspension. Retighten
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.
247
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced elec-
tronic brake control system that includes the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control
System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Elec-
tronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), and Electronic Sta-
bility Control (ESC). All five of these systems work
together to enhance vehicle 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. Refer
to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The ABS cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting from ex-
cessive speed in turns, driving on very slip-
pery surfaces, or hydroplaning. The capabili-
ties of an ABS-equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
Traction Control System (TCS)This system monitors the amount of wheel spin
of each of the driven wheels. If wheel spin is
detected, brake pressure is applied to the slip-
ping wheel(s) and engine power is reduced to
provide enhanced acceleration and stability.
A feature of the TCS system, Brake Limited
Differential (BLD), functions similar to a limited-
slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a drivenaxle is spinning faster than the other, the sys-
tem will apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque to be applied
to the wheel that is not spinning. This feature
remains active even if ESC system is in the
“Partial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section for further infor-
mation.
Brake Assist System (BAS)The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies
optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Apply-
ing the brakes very quickly results in the best
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the
system, you must apply
continuousbraking
pressure during the stopping sequence (do not
“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer desired.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
252
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driv-
ing with snow chains, or starting off in deep
snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch to the “Partial Off” mode by pressing
the “ESC OFF” switch. Once the situation
requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial
Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pressing the “ESC OFF”
switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
WARNING!
•When in "Partial Off" mode, the TCS func-
tionality of ESC, (except for the limited slip
feature described in the TCS section), has
been disabled and the "ESC Off Indicator
Light" will be illuminated. When in "Partial
Off" mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.
• Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled
when the ESC system is in the "Partial Off"
mode.
4WD Low Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESC in
4WD LOW range. Whenever the vehicle is
started in 4WD LOW range, or the transfer case
(if equipped) is shifted from 4WD HIGH range or
NEUTRAL to 4WD LOW range, the ESC sys-
tem will be in the “Partial Off” mode.Trailer Sway Control (TSC)TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize
an excessively swaying trailer and will take the
appropriate actions to attempt to stop the sway.
The system may reduce engine power and
apply the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to
counteract the sway of the trailer. TSC will
become active automatically once an exces-
sively swaying trailer is recognized. No driver
action is required. Note that TSC cannot stop all
trailers from swaying. Always use caution when
towing a trailer and follow the trailer tongue
weight recommendations. Refer to “Trailer Tow-
ing” in “Starting and Operating” for further infor-
mation. When TSC is functioning, the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” will flash,
the engine power may be reduced and you may
feel the brakes being applied to individual
wheels to attempt to stop the trailer from sway-
ing. TSC is disabled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
ESC OFF Switch
255
WARNING!
If TSC activates while driving, slow the vehicle
down, stop at the nearest safe location, and
adjust the trailer load to eliminate trailer sway.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)The HSA system is designed to assist the driver
when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill.
HSA will maintain the level of brake pressure
the driver applied for a short period of time after
the driver takes their foot off of the brake pedal.
If the driver does not apply the throttle during
this short period of time, the system will release
brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the
hill. The system will release brake pressure in
proportion to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the intended direc-
tion of travel.HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for
HSA to activate:
•
Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate)
grade or greater hill.
•Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear;
vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all forward
gears when the activation criteria have been
met. The system will not activate if the vehicle is
placed in NEUTRAL or PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills (i.e.,
less than 8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer, when the system will not
activate and slight rolling may occur. This
could cause a collision with another vehicle
or object. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle. Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a
grade when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•
If you use a trailer brake controller with
your trailer, your trailer brakes may be
activated and deactivated with the brake
switch. If so, when the brake pedal is
released, there may not be enough brake
pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on
a hill and this could cause a collision with
another vehicle or object behind you. In
order to avoid rolling down the hill while
resuming acceleration, manually activate
the trailer brake prior to releasing the
brake pedal. Always remember the driver
is responsible for braking the vehicle.
(Continued)
256
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
(located in the instrument cluster) starts to flash
as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” also flashes when
TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light” begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” and the “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” come on momentarily each time
the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the
ESC system will be ON even if it was
turned off previously.
• 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.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indi-
cates the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
Tire PressureProper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Three primary areas are affected by improper
tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and
can result in over-heating and tire failure.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail sud-
denly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of
the vehicle to the other can cause the
vehicle to drift to the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread.
These abnormal wear patterns will reduce tread
life resulting in a need for earlier tire replace-
ment. Under-inflation also increases tire rolling
resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
259