WARNING!Do not downshift for additional en-
gine braking on a slippery surface.
The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a
collision or personal injury.ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
(AWD) (for versions/
markets, where provided)
This vehicle is equipped with an
active on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) system which makes available
optimum traction for a wide variety of
road surface and driving conditions.
The system minimizes wheel slip by
automatically redirecting torque to
the front and rear wheels as necessary.To maximize fuel economy, your AWD
vehicle automatically defaults to rear-
wheel drive (RWD) when road and
environmental conditions are such
that wheel slip is unlikely to occur.
When specific road and environmental
conditions require increased levels of
road traction, the vehicle automati-
cally shifts into AWD mode. AutomaticAWD operation could be activated by
outside temperature, wheel slip, or
other predetermined conditions (there
may be a slight delay for AWD engage-
ment after a wheel slip condition
occurs). AWD can also be manually
selected by moving the shift lever into
the AutoStick® mode (+/-) (for
versions/markets, where provided) or
activating the windshield wipers for an
extended period of time. Drive mode,
RWD or AWD, is displayed momen-
tarily in the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC) in the gage area
of the vehicle display when the trans-
mission is first shifted into gear, and if
the drive mode changes during vehicle
operation.
NOTE: If the “SERVICE AWD
SYSTEM” warning message ap-
pears after engine start up, or dur-
ing driving, it means that the AWD
system is not functioning properly
and that service is required. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size
and type tires. Unequal tire sizes
must not be used. Unequal tire size
may cause failure of the front dif-
ferential and/or the transfer case.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered,
wet, or other slippery surfaces may
cause the driving wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenom-
enon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.WARNING!Rapid acceleration on slippery sur-
faces is dangerous. Unequal traction
can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor
traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose
sand, etc.).
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