FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
This vehicle has two full time, on-demand, four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems avail-
able, Freedom Drive I™ and Freedom-Drive II™. They provide for all-weather,
all-terrain capability for added driving security in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Freedom-Drive I™ Four Wheel Drive System
• The vehicle will constantly monitor wheel slippage and transfer power to the axlethat can use it the most.
• For additional traction in sand, deep snow or loose traction surfaces, the “4WD Lock” sends equal amounts of the torque to the front and rear axles at low speeds.
• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and passenger seats, up once and release. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the cluster.
Freedom-Drive I™ Components
1 — Rear Differential
2 — Electronically Controlled Coupling
3 — Driveshaft
4 — Power Transfer Unit
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
76
• This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on theT-handle one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then turn off.
Trail Rated® Freedom-Drive II™ Four Wheel Drive System (IF EQUIPPED) This system offers all the benefits of Freedom Drive I™ plus the
rugged capability of true Trail-Rated off road performance with
three additional features:
Off-Road Mode
Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear shift lever is in the Low
position activates the Off-Road mode.
This feature allows power to be sent to all four wheels when additional traction is
required while also delivering enhanced off-road capability for water fording, moving
on steep grades and rock crawling.
Brake Lock Differential
This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel loses traction by
directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel with more grip on the same axle
providing more traction in off-road situations.
Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while descending hills
during off-road driving situations and is available in both low and reverse gears.
This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without
the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on
a hill.
4WD T-Handle
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
77
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and yourlocation, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the
engine running, 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), we recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during
acceleration, 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. The light also
flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
80
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
NOTE:
AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES
BEFORE THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunc-
tion indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-
tion telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
NOTE:
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 is 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be
increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
81
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermar-
ket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds 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 temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately.
We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
- Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is
applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock
brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected.
If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to
a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on
until the cause is corrected.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
82
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake
Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch
from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake
is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree
of brake application.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays
on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system.
We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
83
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this
light turns on.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we
recommend you contact the nearest authorized dealer and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a problem with the system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the
ignition 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;
however, see an authorized dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the
engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require
towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
4WD!- 4WD System Fault Indicator Light
When lit solid:There is a 4WD system fault. The 4WD performance will be at a
reduced level. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily disabled due to overload condition.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, you will
experience reduced vehicle performance until the automatic transmission cools
down. If the overheating continues, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with
the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you
may continue to drive normally.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
84
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
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.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a
“clicking” sound is heard.
If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas
cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single chime
sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by
taking the appropriate action:
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL, but do notincrease engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
85