Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
•If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump
Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In
Emergencies”.
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem
with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system. The light will come
on when the ignition is first turned
ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during
starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped
and the shift lever is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running,
your vehicle will usually be drivable. How-
ever, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when
the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced per-
formance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing.
• Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated en-
gine condition. As temperatures rise
and the gauge approaches H,this in-
dicator will illuminate and a single chime will
sound after reaching a set threshold. Further
overheating will cause the temperature gauge
to pass H,a continuous chime will occur until
the engine is allowed to cool.
• If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is
on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the tem-
perature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats”
in “What To Do In Emergencies” for more
information. •
Transmission Temperature Light
This light indicates that there is
excessive transmission fluid tem-
perature that might occur with se-
vere usage such as trailer towing. It
may also occur when operating the
vehicle in a high torque converter slip condition,
such as 4-wheel-drive operation (e.g., snow
plowing, off- road operation). If this light comes
on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or
faster, with the transmission in NEUTRAL until
the light goes off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Indicator illuminated will even-
tually cause severe transmission damage or
transmission failure.
176
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
Engine Oil Change Indicator System
Oil Change Due — Gasoline Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The “Oil Change Due”
message will flash in the EVIC display for
approximately 10 seconds after a single chime
has sounded, to indicate the next scheduled oil
change interval. The engine oil change indicator
system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate, depen-
dent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to
display each time you turn the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position or cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position if equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go. To turn off the message temporar-
ily, press and release the MENU button.To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to
the following procedure.
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
1. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the
ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the
engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly,
three times within 10 seconds.
3. Without pressing the brake pedal, push the
ENGINE START/STOP button once to return
the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless
Enter-N-Go™
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN po-
sition (Do not start the engine.)
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly,
three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK
position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when
you start the vehicle, the oil change indica-
tor system did not reset. If necessary, repeat
this procedure.
Oil Change Due — Diesel Engine
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
change indicator system. The
"Oil Change Due"
message will display in the EVIC for five sec-
onds after a single chime has sounded at the
start of each ignition that an oil change is due.
The engine oil change indicator system is duty
cycle based, which means the engine oil
change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to
display each time you cycle the ignition to the
ON/RUN position. To turn off the message
177
DRIVE
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest up-
shifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through underdrive first and second
gears, direct third gear and overdrive fourth and
fifth gears. The DRIVE position provides opti-
mum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
To access all six available gears, you must use
the Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control
(refer to “Electronic Range Select (ERS) Opera-
tion” in this section).
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control (refer to “Electronic Range
Select (ERS) Operation” in this section) to se-
lect a lower gear range. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear range will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.If the transmission temperature exceeds normal
operating limits, the powertrain controller will
modify the transmission shift schedule and ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch en-
gagement. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot or is
in danger of overheating, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and
the transmission may operate differently until
the transmission cools down.
NOTE:
Use caution when operating a heavily
loaded vehicle at low speeds (such as tow-
ing a trailer up a steep grade, or in stop-
and-go traffic) during hot weather. In these
conditions, torque converter slip can im-
pose a significant additional heat load on
the cooling system. Downshifting the trans-
mission to the lowest possible gear (when
climbing a grade), or shifting to NEUTRAL
(when stopped in heavy traffic) can help to
reduce this excess heat generation.
During cold temperatures, transmission opera-
tion may be modified depending on engine andtransmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. This feature improves warm up time of
the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of both the torque
converter clutch and the top overdrive gear are
inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm
(refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter
Clutch” in this section). During extremely cold
temperatures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), opera-
tion may briefly be limited to first and direct
gears only. Normal operation will resume once
the transmission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electroni-
cally for abnormal conditions. If a condition is
detected that could result in transmission dam-
age, Transmission Limp Home Mode is acti-
vated. In this mode, the transmission remains in
direct gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home
Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging
the transmission.
234
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
•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
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 entering.
Proceed with caution and maintain a steady
controlled speed less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in
deep water to minimize wave effects.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 inches (23 cm). The flowing water
can erode the streambed, causing your vehicle
to sink into deeper water. Determine exit
point(s) that are downstream of your entry point
to allow for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
20 inches (51 cm), and reduce speed appropri-
ately to minimize wave effects. Maximum speed
in 20 inches (51 cm) of water is less than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine oil, trans-
mission oil, axle, transfer case) to assure the
fluids have not been contaminated. Contami-
nated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance) should
be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And SandIn heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for
additional control at slower speeds, shift the
transmission to a low gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-
Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for further information. Do not shift to a
lower gear than necessary to maintain forward
motion. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads,
because engine braking may cause skidding and
loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:
Before attempting to climb a hill, determine
the conditions at the crest and/or on the
other side.
Before climbing a steep hill,
shift the trans-
mission to a lower gear and shift the transfer
case to 4WD LOW. Use first gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
246
Power Steering Fluid CheckChecking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The fluid
should only be checked if a leak is suspected,
abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the sys-
tem is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level sur-
face and with the engine off to prevent injury
from moving parts and to ensure accurate fluid
level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manu-
facturer’s recommended power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper
indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied and place the shift
lever in the PARK position.
The foot operated parking brake is located
below the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the park brake, firmly push the
park brake pedal fully. To release the parking
brake, press the park brake pedal a second
time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switch in the ON position, the “Brake
Warning Light” in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed
is detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
Parking Brake
250
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
11
aReturn for Contact (Pin) 10 Yellow/
Brown
12 Reserve for Future Allocation –
13
aReturn for Contact (Pin) 9 Red/
Brown
NOTE:
The allocation pin 12 has been changed
from “Coding for coupled Trailer” to
“Reserve for Future Allocation.”
aThe three return circuits shall not be
connected electrically in the trailer.
bThe rear position registration plate illumi-
nation device shall be connected such
that no light of the device has a common
connection with both pins 5 and 7.
Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area away
from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include an adaptive
drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting when
towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur
while in DRIVE, select TOW mode, or use the
AutoStick® shift control to select a lower gear.
NOTE:
Using TOW mode or selecting a lower gear
while operating the vehicle under heavy load-
ing conditions, will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will
also provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation, then change
the transmission fluid and filter(s) as specified for
"police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. Refer
to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experi-
ence 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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and increase en-
gine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
285