
“4H” <-> “4L”
Selector
positionIndicator lamp
4H
and
and
and
Drive
mode
switching
in
progress
4L
— Blink
— Illuminate
— Remain off
The 2WD/4WD operation indicator
lamp will blink during shifting process
from “4H” to “4L” or vice versa, as the
transfer passes through the neutral
position. Be sure to operate the drivemode-selector until the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp illuminates
again.
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator and the low range lamp are
not blinking during shifting process
between “4H” <–> “4L”. Otherwise, the
vehicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the
“P” (PARK) position.
If, after a “4H” <–> “4L” selection has
been made, the 2WD/4WD operation
indicator continues blinking and the
desired range is not actually selected,
return the drive mode selector to its
previous position. Place the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position,
drive the vehicle forward, and release
the accelerator pedal. Next, hold down
the clutch pedal (with manual
transmission) or place the selector lever
in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position (with
automatic transmission) and make the
range selection again.
If the low range lamp blinks when you
attempt to make a “4H” <–> “4L”
selection, a “4H” <–> “4L” selection
cannot be made. Stop the vehicle and
release the accelerator pedal. Next,
hold down the clutch pedal (with
manual transmission) or place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)position (with automatic transmission)
and make the range selection again.
The active stability control function is
suspended while “4L” is selected
indicator lamp is illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does
not indicate a problem. When “2H” or
“4H” is selected, this lamp goes out
and function again. Refer to “ASTC
indicator lamp, ASTC OFF indicator
lamp”.
209)
WARNING
206)The “4L” range gives maximum
torque for low-speed driving on steep
slopes, as well as sandy, muddy, and other
difficult surfaces. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, do not exceed
speeds of approximately 70 km/h in “4L”
range.
207)Do not drive your vehicle in the “4H”
or “4L” on dry paved roads and highways.
Doing so may result in excessive tyre wear,
increased fuel consumption, and possible
noise generation. It may also increase the
differential oil temperature, which may
damage the drive system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
resulting in oil leakage, component seizure,
or other serious problems. On dry paved
roads and highways, drive the vehicle in
“2H” only.
208)Do not operate the drive
mode-selector while the rear wheels of the
vehicle are slipping on snow or ice.
161

Drive mode-selector operation
The drive mode is shown on the drive
mode selector knob.
Turn the drive mode-selector
Turn the drive mode-selector while
holding it down
The drive mode-selector should be
positioned in accordance with the
following operating conditions:
To shift
fromTo Procedure
2H 4HThe drive
mode-selector can be
operated while the
vehicle is either moving
or stationary. When the
vehicle is not in motion,
shift the selector lever
to the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position before
operating the drive
mode-selector.
When the vehicle is
moving, and only while
it can be steered
straight ahead, shift the
selector lever to the “D”
(DRIVE) position, and
release the accelerator
pedal before operating
the drive mode-selector 4H2H or
4HLc
4HLc 4H
4HLc 4LLcStop the vehicle, shift
the selector lever to the
“N” (NEUTRAL)
position, and operate
the drive
mode-selector. If
operation is made with
the selector lever
placed in any other
position than “N”
(NEUTRAL) position, a
gear noise may be
generated, with a
possible failure to shift
into a proper gear. 4LLc 4HLc
Setting of the drive mode-selector
between 2H, 4H and 4HLc should only
be done at speeds below 100 km/h.
During driving, never attempt to shift
from 4HLc to 4LLc.
When shifting between 2H, 4H and
4HLc in cold weather while the vehicle
is in motion, the transfer gear may
make some noise. In cold weather, try
to shift the gear while the vehicle is
stopped.
When shifting between 4LLc and 4HLc,
the transfer gear may make some
noise.
When the drive mode-selector is set
between 2H, 4H and 4HLc while the
vehicle is stopped, the 2WD/4WD
operation indicator lamp blinks while
the selection is in process. Drive slowly
and normally after confirming that the
lamp is illuminated. (Refer to
“2WD/4WD operation indicator lamp
and low-range indicator lamp”).
When the switch is set between 2H, 4H
and 4HLc while the cruise control is
activated, the transfer gear may make
some noise. When the drive
mode-selector is set between 4HLc
and 4LLc in cold weather, its selection
may not complete. Return the drive
mode-selector to its previous position.
After the engine is warmed up, make
the range selection again.
212)
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163

Switching between 4HL and 4LLc
Drive mode
selector positionIndicator lamp
4HLc
Drive mode
switching in
progress
and
4LLcand
Blink
Illuminate
Remain off
When the drive mode-selector is set
between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, the
front wheel and/or centre differential
lock lamps blink while the selection is in
process. Take the following precautionswhen the indicator lamp is blinking.
Keep the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position while making
range selections. If you attempt to drive
forward with the steering wheel turned,
gear rattling or shock may occur and
the desired range may not actually be
selected.
When the drive mode-selector is set
between “2H”, “4H” and “4HLc”, while
the vehicle is stopped, the front wheel
and/or centre differential lock lamps
blink while the selection is in process.
Drive slowly and normally after
confirming that the lamp is switched.
If the front wheel and/or centre
differential lock lamps blinking after a
“2H” <-> “4H” <-> “4HLc” selection
has been made with the vehicle
moving, hold the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position and slowly
depress the accelerator pedal several
times.
The front and the rear wheel lamps will
blink during shifting process from
“4HLc” to “4LLc” or vice versa, as the
transfer passes through the neutral
position. Be sure to operate the drive
mode-selector until the front and the
rear wheel lamps illuminate again.
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make
sure that the front and the rear wheel
lamps and the low range lamp are not
blinking during shifting processbetween “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”.
Otherwise, the vehicle could
unexpectedly move even if the
automatic transmission is in the “P”
(PARK) position
If, after a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc” selection
has been made, front and the rear
wheel lamps continue blinking and the
desired range is not actually selected,
return the drive modeselector to its
previous position. Place the steering
wheel in the straight ahead position,
drive the vehicle forward, and release
the accelerator pedal. Next, hold down
the clutch pedal (with manual
transmission) or place the selector lever
in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position (with
automatic transmission) and make the
range selection again.
If the low range lamp blinks when you
attempt to make a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”
selection, a “4HLc” <-> “4LLc”
selection cannot be made. Stop the
vehicle and release the accelerator
pedal. Next, hold down the clutch pedal
(with manual transmission) or place the
selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL)
position (with automatic transmission)
and make the range selection again.
The active stability control function is
suspended while “4LLc” is selected
indicator lamp is illuminated while
these functions are suspended. It does
not indicate a problem. When “2H” or
“4H” or “4HLc” is selected, this lamp
goes out and function again. Refer to
“ASTC indicator lamp, ASTC OFF
indicator lamp”.
213)
165

WARNING
210)The “4LLc” range gives maximum
torque for low-speed driving on steep
slopes, as well as sandy, muddy, and other
difficult surfaces. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, do not exceed
speeds of approximately 70 km/h in “4LLc”
range.
211)Do not drive your vehicle in the
“4HLc” or “4LLc” position on dry paved
roads and highways. Doing so may result
in excessive tyre wear, increased fuel
consumption, and possible noise
generation. It may also increase the
differential oil temperature, which may
damage the drive system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
resulting in oil leakage, component seizure,
or other serious problems. On dry paved
roads and highways, drive the vehicle in
“2H” or “4H” only.212)Do not operate the drive
mode-selector while the rear wheels of the
vehicle are slipping on snow or ice.
213)If a problem is detected in the transfer
system, a safety device will activate. The
front and rear wheel lamps will go out, the
centre differential lock lamp will blink rapidly
(twice per second), and transfer shifting will
become impossible. Park your vehicle in a
safe place, turn off the engine for a few
moments. Restart the engine. The lamp
should resume normal operation. If the
lamps continue to blink, have the vehicle
checked by a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible.
REAR DIFFERENTIAL
LOCK
(where provided)
If one wheel starts to spin freely and the
vehicle becomes stuck and cannot be
freed even using 4-wheel drive, the rear
differential lock switch (A) can be used
to activate the rear differential lock for
extra traction.
Operating the rear differential lock
1. Move the drive mode-selector to
“4L” or “4H” position (Easy select
4WD), “4LLc” or “4HLc” position (Super
select 4WD II).
2. To activate the rear differential lock,
press the rear differential lock switch (1).
3. To deactivate the rear differential
lock, press the rear differential lock
switch (2).
253AHZ101128
254AHA106069
166
STARTING AND DRIVING

differential lock is disengaged, these
lamps go out and function again. Refer
to “ABS warning lamp”, “ASTC
indicator lamp, ASTC OFF indicator
lamp”.
If the indicator lamp continues blinking
after the switch has been pressed to
deactivate the rear differential lock, hold
the steering wheel in the straight ahead
position then slowly depress and
release the accelerator pedal several
times.
If the indicator lamp continues blinking
after the switch has been pressed to
activate the rear differential lock, bear in
mind the following instructions:
If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h or
higher, decelerate to a speed of
2.5 km/h or lower. The indicator lamp
will illuminate steadily and the rear
differential lock will be activated.
If the vehicle speed is 12 km/h or lower,
turn the steering wheel from side to
side until the indicator lamp illuminates
steadily. If the vehicle is stuck in soft
ground, make sure the area around the
vehicle is clear then repeatedly attempt
to drive forward and backward. The
indicator lamp will illuminate steadily
and the rear differential lock will be
activated.
111)
Examples of effective use of the
rear differential lock
112)
When one of the wheels has fallen
in a ditch
When driving on rocky roads
When the vehicle is unable to move
because one of the wheels is
suspended in the air.When getting out of snow
When the vehicle is unable to get going
because one of the wheels is on the
snow and the other on a paved road.
257AHA105206
258AHA105219
259AHA105222
168
STARTING AND DRIVING

Driving on sandy or muddy roads
Set the drive mode-selector to “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy select 4WD), “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
and then gradually depress the
accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator
pedal as constant as possible, and
drive at low speed.
115) 116)
218)
Avoid sudden braking, acceleration,
and turning; such operations could
result in the vehicle becoming stuck.
If the vehicle becomes stuck in sandy
or muddy roads, it can often be moved
a rocking motion. Move the selector
lever rhythmically between the “D”
(DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE) position
(with manual transmission, between 1st
and Reverse), while applying slight
pressure to the accelerator pedal.
It is recommended to start the vehicle
with parking brake partially, but not
completely, applied by slightly pulling
the parking brake lever. After the vehicle
has become free, do not forget to
release the parking brake.
If it is necessary to drive in extremely
muddy conditions, the use of tyre
chains is recommended. Because the
extent of muddy conditions is difficult to
judge and the vehicle could become
bogged down very deeply, operationshould be at a low speed. If possible,
get out of the vehicle and check the
conditions ahead before proceeding.
Driving over roads in coastal areas or
roads on which anti-skid preparations
have been spread can cause rust on
the vehicle; wash the vehicle thoroughly
as soon as possible after such use.
Climbing sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II) to
maximize the engine torque.
219) 220)
Choose as smooth a slope as possible
with few stones or other obstacles.
Before attempting to drive up the slope,
walk up it to confirm that the vehicle
can handle the grade.Descending sharp grades
Set the drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II), use the
engine brake (downshifting) and
descend slowly.
221)
When descending a sharp grade, if the
brakes are applied suddenly because of
an obstacle encountered, control of the
vehicle could be lost. Before
descending the slope, walk down it and
confirm the path.
Before descending a grade, it is
necessary to choose the appropriate
gear. Avoid changing gears or
depressing the clutch while descending
the grade.
Fiat. is not responsible to the operator
for any damage or injury caused or
liability incurred by the improper and
negligent operation of a vehicle. All
techniques of vehicle operation
described herein depend on the skill
and experience of the operator and
other participating parties and any
deviation from the recommended
operation instructions above is at their
own risk.
171

Turning sharp corners
When turning a sharp corner in “4H” or
“4L” position (Easy select 4WD), “4HLc”
or “4LLc” position (Super select 4WD II)
at low speed, a slight difference in
steering may be experienced similar to
as if the brakes were applied. This is
called tight corner braking and results
from each of the 4 tyres being at a
different distance from the corner.
Crossing a stream
4-wheel drive vehicles are not
necessarily waterproof. If the electrical
circuits become wet, further operation
of the vehicle will be impossible;
therefore, avoid crossing streams
unless absolutely necessary. If crossing
a stream is unavoidable, use the
following procedure:
Check depths of a stream and
geographical features before
attempting to cross a stream and
ford the stream where the water is
as shallow as practicable.Set the
drive mode-selector to “4L”
position (Easy select 4WD), “4LLc”
position (Super select 4WD II).Drive
slowly at a speed of approximately
5 km/h to avoid splashing too
much water.
117) 118)
Inspection and maintenance
following rough road operation
After operating the vehicle in rough road
conditions, be sure to perform the
following inspection and maintenance
procedures:
Check that the vehicle has not been
damaged by rocks, gravel, etc.
Carefully wash the vehicle with water.
Drive the vehicle slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal in order to
dry out the brakes. If the brakes still do
not function properly, we recommend
you to have the brakes checked as
soon as possible.
Remove the insects, dried grass, etc.
clogging the radiator core.
After crossing a stream, be sure to have
the following items inspected at a Fiat
Dealership and take the necessary
measures:
Check the brake system and, if
necessary, have it serviced.
Check the engine, transmission,
transfer, and differential oil or grease
level and turbidity. If the oil or grease is
milky, it indicates water contamination.
Replace it with new oil or grease.
Grease the propeller shaft.
Check the inside of the vehicle. If
water is found, dry the carpet etc.
Inspect the headlamps. If the
headlamp bulb is flooded with water,
have the headlamp drained off.
IMPORTANT
113)Selecting “4H” or “4L” position (Easy
select 4WD), “4HLc” or “4LLc” position
(Super select 4WD II) to drive on dry paved
road will increase the fuel consumption with
possible noise generation and early tyre
wear. It may also increase the differential oil
temperature, resulting in possible damage
to the driving system. Further, the drive
train will be subjected to excessive loading,
possibly leading to oil leakage, component
seizure, or other serious faults.
114)Avoid sudden braking, sudden
acceleration, and sharp turning; such
operations could cause skidding and
spinouts.
115)Do not force the vehicle or drive
recklessly on sandy surfaces. In
comparison with normal road surfaces, the
engine and other drive-system components
are put under excessive strain when driving
on such a surface, and this could lead to
accidents.
116)If any of following conditions occur
while the vehicle is being driven,
immediately park your vehicle in a safe
place and follow these procedures: the
needle in the temperature gauge
approaches the overheating zone. Refer to
“Engine overheating”; automatic
transmission fluid temperature warning
lamp comes on. Refer to “When the A/T
(automatic transmission) fluid temperature
warning lamp comes on”.
172
STARTING AND DRIVING

117)Never cross a stream where the water
is deep. Do not change gears while
crossing the stream. Frequent crossing of
streams can adversely affect the life span
of the vehicle; we recommend you to take
the necessary measures to prepare,
inspect, and repair the vehicle.
118)After crossing a stream, apply the
brakes to be sure they are functioning
properly. If the brakes are wet and not
functioning properly, dry them out by
driving slowly while lightly depressing the
brake pedal. Inspect each part of the
vehicle carefully.
WARNING
218)When attempting to rock your vehicle
out of a stuck position, be sure that the
area around the vehicle is clear of people
and physical objects. The rocking motion
may cause the vehicle to suddenly launch
forward or backward, causing injury or
damage to nearby people or objects.
219)Go straight up. Do not try to traverse
across a steep slope.
220)If you begin to lose traction, ease off
the accelerator pedal and gently turn the
steering wheel alternatively left and right to
regain adequate traction again.
221)Avoid snaking down a sharp grade.
Descend the grade as straight as possible.
CAUTIONS ON
HANDLING OF
4 WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLES
Tyres and wheels
Since the driving torque can be applied
to the 4 wheels, the performance of the
vehicle when operating in 4-wheel drive
is greatly affected by the condition of
the tyres.
Pay close attention to the tyres.
Install specified tyres on all wheels.
Refer to “Tyres and wheels”.
Be sure to the appropriate tyre
inflation pressure according to no cargo
or cargo. Refer to “Tyre inflation
pressures”.
Be sure to fit all 4 tyres and wheels of
the same size and type. When
replacement of any of the tyres or
wheels is necessary, replace all of them.
All tyres should be rotated whenever
the wear difference between the front
and rear tyres is recognizable.
Good vehicle performance cannot be
expected if there is a difference in wear
between tyres. Refer to “Tyre rotation”.
Check the tyre inflation pressure
regularly.
119)
Towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by a Fiat Dealership
or a commercial tow truck service. In
the following cases, transport the
vehicle using a tow truck.
The engine runs but the vehicle does
not move or abnormal noise is
produced.
Inspection of the vehicle’s underside
reveals that oil or some other fluid is
leaking.
Only when you cannot receive a towing
service from a Fiat Dealership or
commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the
instructions given in “Towing”.
173