Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an elec-
tronically controlled Overdrive (fourth and fifth
gears). The transmission will automatically shift
into Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
•the shift lever is in the DRIVE position,
• the transmission fluid has reached an ad-
equate temperature,
• the engine coolant has reached an adequate
temperature,
• vehicle speed is sufficiently high,
• the driver is not heavily pressing the accel-
erator, and
•
the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated.
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, etc., and frequent trans-
mission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL
switch to activate TOW/HAUL mode. This will
improve performance and reduce the potential
for transmission overheating or failure due to
excessive shifting. When operating in TOW/ HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are delayed,
and the transmission will automatically down-
shift (for engine braking) during steady braking
maneuvers.
The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate
in the instrument cluster to indicate that TOW/
HAUL mode has been activated. Pressing the
switch a second time restores normal operation.
Normal operation is always the default at en-
gine start-up. If TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the switch must be pressed each time the
engine is started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy
has been included in the automatic transmis-
sion on your vehicle. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at calibrated
speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops
or during some accelerations, the clutch auto-
matically disengages.
NOTE:
•
The torque converter clutch will not en-
gage, and the transmission will not shift
into the top overdrive gear, until the trans-
mission fluid and engine coolant are
warm [usually after 1 to 3 miles (2 to 5 km)
of driving]. Because top gear is disabled,
and engine speed is higher when the
torque converter clutch is not engaged, it
may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting properly when cold. This is nor-
mal. Using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demon-
strate that the transmission is able to shift
into and out of Overdrive.
TOW/HAUL Switch
236
•After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the radia-
tor, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings,
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 colli-
sion. If you have been operating your vehicle
in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
• If you experience unusual vibration after driv-
ing in mud, slush or similar conditions, check
the wheels for impacted material. Impacted
material can cause a wheel imbalance and
freeing the wheels of it will correct the
situation.
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY
5.7L ENGINE ONLY – IF
EQUIPPED
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:
This system may take some time to return to
full functionality after a battery disconnect.
POWER STEERING
3.6L And 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 dur-
ing 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.
248
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
increase the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage
to the power steering pump may occur.
3.0L Diesel EngineYour 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 theelectro-hydraulic power steering system experi-
ences 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
dealer for service. It is likely the
vehicle has lost power steering assistance. Re-
fer to “Electronic Vehicle Information (EVIC)” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for fur-
ther 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 steer-
ing effort, especially at very low vehicle
speeds and during parking maneuvers.
•
If the condition persists, see your autho-
rized dealer for service.
249
WARNING!
•The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
• The BAS cannot prevent collisions, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces,
or hydroplaning.
•
The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)This system anticipates the potential for wheel
lift by monitoring the driver’s steering wheel
input and the speed of the vehicle. When ERM
determines that the rate of change of the steer-
ing wheel angle and vehicle’s speed are suffi-
cient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce engine power to lessen the chance that
wheel lift will occur. ERM will only intervene
during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift
occurring during severe or evasive driving ma-
neuvers. It cannot prevent wheel lift due to other
factors, such as road conditions, leaving the
roadway, or striking objects or other vehicles.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road
conditions, and driving conditions, influence
the chance that wheel lift or rollover may
occur. ERM cannot prevent all wheel lift or
rollovers, especially those that involve leav-
ing the roadway or striking objects or other
vehicles. The capabilities of an ERM-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner, which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)This system enhances directional control and
stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or
understeering of the vehicle by applying the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer con-
dition. Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and
compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition.
•
Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more
than appropriate for the steering wheel posi-
tion.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less
than appropriate for the steering wheel posi-
tion.
253
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
WARNING!(Continued)
•HSA is not a parking brake. If you stop the
vehicle on a hill without putting the trans-
mission in PARK and using the parking
brake, it will roll down the hill and could
cause a collision with another vehicle or
object. Always remember to use the park-
ing brake while parking on a hill, and that
the driver is responsible for braking the
vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, it can be
done using the Customer Programmable Fea-
tures in the Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Ready Alert BrakingReady Alert Braking may reduce the time re-
quired to reach full braking during emergency
braking situations. It anticipates when an emer-
gency braking situation may occur by monitor-
ing how fast the throttle is released by the driver.
When the throttle is released very quickly,
Ready Alert Braking applies a small amount of
brake pressure. This brake pressure will not be
noticed by the driver. The brake system uses
this brake pressure to allow a fast brake re-
sponse if the driver applies the brakes.
Rain Brake SupportRain Brake Support may improve braking per-
formance in wet conditions. It will periodically
apply a small amount of brake pressure to
remove any water buildup on the front brake
rotors. It only functions when the windshield
wipers are in the LO or HI mode, it does not
function in the intermittent mode. When Rain
Brake Support is active, there is no notification
to the driver and no driver interaction is re-
quired.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) —
Four-Wheel Drive Models With MP3023
Two-Speed Transfer Case Only
HDC maintains vehicle speed while descending
hills during off-road driving situations and is
available in 4WD LOW range only. To enable
HDC, press the HDC switch or put the Selec-
Terrain™ system in “ROCK” mode (“ROCK”
mode is only available in 4WD LOW range).
Hill Descent Switch
257
When HDC is enabled, the HDC icon will be
illuminated in the instrument cluster. HDC will
automatically apply the brakes to control down-
hill speed to the selected level when necessary
on grades greater than approximately 8%. It will
usually not activate on level ground.
The HDC speed may be adjusted by the driver
to suit the driving conditions. The speed corre-
sponds to the transmission gear selected.
HDC operation can be overridden with brake
application to slow the vehicle down below the
HDC control speed. Conversely, if more speed
is desired during HDC control, the accelerator
pedal will increase vehicle speed in the usual
manner. When either the brake or the accelera-
tor is released, HDC will control the vehicle back
to the original set speed.
HDC Operation In 4WD Low Range
To enable HDC, press the HDC switch or put the
Selec-Terrain™ system in the “ROCK” mode. The
HDC icon will be illuminated in the instrument
cluster and HDC will function. If the vehicle speed
goes above 20 mph (32 km/h), the HDC icon will
flash and HDC will not function. To disable HDC,
press the HDC switch.
4WD Low Range Set Speeds
•1st = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• 2nd = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
• 3rd = 4 mph (6 km/h)
• 4th = 5.5 mph (9 km/h)
• 5th, 6th or D (Drive) = 7.5 mph (12 km/h)
• REVERSE = 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
• NEUTRAL = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
• PARK = HDC will not function
HDC is intended for low speed off-road driv-
ing only. At vehicle speeds above 20 mph
(32 km/h), HDC will no longer function. When
the vehicle speed drops below 20 mph
(32 km/h), HDC function will automatically re-
sume and the vehicle speed will return to the
chosen set speed.WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in
controlling vehicle speed when descending
hills. The driver must remain attentive to the
driving conditions and is responsible for
maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light And ESC OFF Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” in the instrument cluster
will come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. It should
go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with the engine run-
ning, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several
miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and
corrected.
258
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable
ride. Over-inflation produces a jarring and un-
comfortable ride. Both under-inflation and over-
inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and
can produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause
erratic and unpredictable steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation PressuresThe proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side “B” Pillar or rear edge of the
driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good
quality pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not
make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible
damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres-
sure, always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from en-
tering the valve stem, which could damage
the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are
always “cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire
inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km)
after a three hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum infla-
tion pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a
wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire
pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi
(7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the
winter. Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C)
and the outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then
the cold tire inflation pressure should be in-
creased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13
to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce
this normal pressure build up or your tire pres-
sure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed
Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe
speeds and within posted speed limits. Where
speed limits or conditions are such that the
vehicle can be driven at high speeds, maintain-
ing correct tire inflation pressure is very impor-
tant. Increased tire pressure and reduced ve-
hicle loading may be required for high-speed
vehicle operation. Refer to your authorized tire
or original equipment vehicle dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, loading and
cold tire inflation pressures.
260