Page 430 of 690

Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it diffi-
cult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.WARNING!
•
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
(Continued)
428 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 431 of 690

WARNING!(Continued)
•Your vehicle could move and injure you and others
if it is not completely in PARK. Check by trying to
move the shift lever out of PARK with the brake
pedal released. Make sure the transmission is in
PARK before leaving the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob. When
the ignition is in the full OFF (key removal) posi-
tion, the transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob and lock your vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 429
Page 432 of 690

WARNING!(Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or
in a location accessible to children), and do not
leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have engaged the transmission into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever
all the way forward until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position.
430 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 433 of 690

•With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
NOTE: Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum driving characteris-
tics under all normal operating conditions.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431
Page 440 of 690

WARNING!
You or others could be seriously or fatally injured if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the power
transfer unit in the NEUTRAL (N) position without
first fully engaging the parking brake. The NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear
drive shafts from the powertrain and will allow the
vehicle to move regardless of the transmission posi-
tion. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
4WD LOW
This range is for low speed four-wheel drive. It provides
an additional gear reduction which allows for increased
torque to be delivered to both the front and rear wheels
while providing maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).NOTE:
Refer to “Selec-Terrain® – If Equipped” for fur-
ther information on the various positions and their
intended usages.
Shifting Procedures
Shifting Into 4WD LOW
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. The “4WD LOW” indicator
light in the instrument cluster will begin to flash and
remain on solid when the shift is complete.
438 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 442 of 690

•Shifting into or out of 4WD LOW is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, difficulty may
occur due to the mating clutch teeth not being prop-
erly 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 4WD system will not allow
the shift.
NEUTRAL Shift Procedure
WARNING!
You or others could be seriously or fatally injured if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the power
transfer unit in the NEUTRAL (N) position without
first fully engaging the parking brake. The NEU-
TRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
drive shafts from the powertrain and will allow the
vehicle to move regardless of the transmission posi-
tion. The parking brake should always be applied
when the driver is not in the vehicle.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.
2. Turn OFF the ignition.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed power transfer unit NEUTRAL (N) button
(located above the selector switch) for four seconds.
440 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 443 of 690
The light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol will blink,
indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blink-
ing (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is
complete.7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
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. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
12. Apply the parking brake.
Repeat these Steps to shift out of NEUTRAL.
Neutral Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 441
Page 446 of 690

Selec-Terrain™ offers the following modes:
•Auto — Fully automatic full time four-wheel drive
operation can be used on and off road. Balances
traction with seamless steering feel to provide im-
proved handling and acceleration over two-wheel
drive vehicles. •
Snow — Tuning set for additional stability in inclem-
ent weather. Use on and off road on loose traction
surfaces such as snow. When in SNOW mode (depend-
ing on certain operating conditions), the transmission
may use second gear (rather than first gear) during
launches, to minimize wheel slippage.
• Sport — This mode alters the transmission’s automatic
shift schedule for sportier driving. Upshift speeds are
increased to make full use of available engine power.
NOTE: SPORT mode is not available when 4WD LOW is
selected.
• Sand/Mud — Off road calibration for use on low
traction surfaces such as mud, sand, or wet grass.
Driveline is maximized for traction. Some binding may
be felt on less forgiving surfaces. The electronic brake
controls are set to limit traction control management of
throttle and wheel spin.
Selec-Terrain™ Switch
444 STARTING AND OPERATING