The system requires that the engine be running for all
changes. When lowering the vehicle all of the doors,
including the liftgate, must be closed. If a door is opened
at any time while the vehicle is lowering the change will
not be completed until the open door(s) is closed.
The Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system uses a lifting
and lowering pattern which keeps the headlights from
incorrectly shining into oncoming traffic. When raising
the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle will move up first and
then the front. When lowering the vehicle, the front will
move down first and then the rear.
After the engine is turned off, it may be noticed that the
air suspension system operates briefly, this is normal. The
system is correcting the position of the vehicle to ensure
a proper appearance.
To assist with changing a spare tire, the Quadra-Lift™ air
suspension system has a feature which allows the auto-
matic leveling to be disabled. Refer to “Uconnect® Set-
tings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
NOTE:If equipped with a touch screen radio all
enabling/disabling of air suspension features must be
done through the radio. Refer to “Uconnect® Access
Settings” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
WARNING!
The air suspension system uses a high pressure
volume of air to operate the system. To avoid per-
sonal injury or damage to the system, see your
authorized dealer for service.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 453
Air Suspension Modes
The Air Suspension system has multiple modes to protect
the system in unique situations:
Tire/Jack Mode
To assist with changing a spare tire, the air suspension
system has a feature which allows the automatic leveling
to be disabled. Refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Transport Mode
To assist with flat bed towing, the air suspension system
has a feature which will put the vehicle into Entry/Exit
height and disable the automatic load leveling system.
Refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
Wheel Alignment Mode
Before performing a wheel alignment this mode must be
enabled. Refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
NOTE:This mode is intended to be enabled with engine
running.
If equipped with a touch screen radio all enabling/
disabling of air suspension features must be done
through the radio. Refer to “Uconnect® Settings” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation.
454 STARTING AND OPERATING
Driver Information Display (DID) Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, a message will
appear in the DID display. Refer to “Driver Information
Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
Operation
The indicator lamps 3 through 6 will illuminate to show
the current position of the vehicle. Flashing indicator
lamps will show a position which the system is working
to achieve. When raising, if multiple indicator lamps are
flashing on the “Up” button, the highest flashing indica-
tor lamp is the position the system is working to achieve.
When lowering, if multiple indicators are flashing on the
#Up#button the lowest solid indicator lamp is the posi-
tion the system is working to achieve.
Pressing the “UP” button once will move the suspension
one position higher from the current position, assuming
all conditions are met (i.e. engine running, speed below
threshold, etc). The “UP” button can be pressed multiple
times, each press will raise the requested level by one
position up to a maximum position of OR2 or the highest
position allowed based on current conditions (i.e. vehicle
speed, etc).
Pressing the “DOWN” button once will move the sus-
pension one position lower from the current level, as-
suming all conditions are met (i.e. engine running, doors
closed, speed below threshold, etc). The “DOWN” button
can be pressed multiple times. Each press will lower the
requested level by one position down to a minimum of
Park Mode or the lowest position allowed based on
current conditions (i.e. vehicle speed, etc.)
Automatic height changes will occur based on vehicle
speed and the current vehicle height. The indicator lamps
and DID messages will operate the same for automatic
changes and user requested changes.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 455
•Off-Road 2 (OR2) – Indicator lamps 4, 5, and 6 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR2.
•Off-Road 1 (OR1) – Indicator lamps 4 and 5 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in OR1.
•Normal Ride Height (NRH) – Indicator lamp 4 will be
illuminated when the vehicle is in this position.
•Entry/Exit Mode – Indicator lamp 3 will be illumi-
nated when the vehicle is in Entry/Exit Mode. If
Entry/Exit Mode is requested while vehicle speed is
between 15 mph (24 km/h) and 25 mph (40 km/h),
indicator lamp 4 will remain on solid and indicator
lamp 3 will flash as the system waits for the vehicle to
reduce speed. If vehicle speed is reduced to, and kept
below, 15 mph (24 km/h) indicator lamp 4 will turn off
and indicator lamp 3 will flash until Entry/Exit Mode
is achieved at which point indicator lamp 3 will go
solid. If during the height change to Entry/Exit Mode,
the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (24 km/h), the
height change will be paused until the vehicle speed
either goes below 15 mph (24 km/h) and the height
change continues to Entry/Exit Mode, or exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h) and the vehicle height will return to
NRH. Entry/Exit Mode may be selected while the
vehicle is not moving provided that the engine is still
running and all doors remain closed.
•Transport Mode - No indicator lamps will be illumi-
nated. Customer driving will disable Transport Mode.
•Tire/Jack Mode - indicator lamps 3 and 6 will be
illuminated. Customer driving will disable Tire/Jack
Mode.
•Wheel Alignment Mode - indicator lamps 3 and 4 will
be illuminated. Customer driving will disable Wheel
Alignment Mode.
456 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 appropriately 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, transmission oil, axle,
transfer case) to assure the fluids have not been contami-
nated. Contaminated fluid (milky, foamy in appearance)
should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to pre-
vent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
In 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
Operating” 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 463
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause 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 transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose forward motionwhile
climbing a steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop
and immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine,
and shift into REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill,
allowing the compression braking of the engine to help
regulate your speed. If the brakes are required to control
vehicle speed, apply them lightly and avoid locking or
skidding the tires.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls, you lose forward motion, or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or grade,
never attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle. Always back care-
fully straight down a hill in REVERSE gear. Never
back down a hill in NEUTRAL using only the brake.
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill always
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a
hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain forward motion
by turning the front wheels slowly. This may provide a
fresh “bite” into the surface and will usually provide
traction to complete the climb.
464 STARTING AND OPERATING
Traction Downhill
When descending mountains or hills, use Hill Descent or
Selec-Speed Control to avoid repeated heavy braking.
If not equipped with Hill Descent or Selec-Speed Control
use the following procedure:
Shift the transmission into a low gear, and the transfer
case into 4WD LOW range. Let the vehicle go slowly
down the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as
required.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 465
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, 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 collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving 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.
POWER STEERING
3.6L Engine
Your 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 sys-
tem will vary its assist to provide light efforts while parking
and good feel while driving. If the electro-hydraulic power
steering system experiences a fault that prevents it from
providing power steering assist, then the system will pro-
vide mechanical steering capability.
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may cause the electri-
cally 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.
466 STARTING AND OPERATING