AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure the gearshift is
latched in park (P) (if equipped).
Turn the ignition to the off position and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle. Understanding the Shift Positions
of a 6–
Speed Automatic
Transmission (If Equipped) Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in park (P) or neutral (N).
Park (P) (If Equipped)
If your transmission has a park position,
this position locks the transmission and
prevents the rear wheels from turning.
Reverse (R)
With the gearshift lever in reverse (R), your
vehicle moves backward. Always come to
a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R). Neutral (N)
With the gearshift lever in neutral (N), you
can start your vehicle and it is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy. The overdrive
function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through six.
M (Manual)
With the gearshift lever in manual (M), the
driver can change gears up or down as
desired. By moving the gearshift lever from
drive position drive (D) to manual (M) you
now have control of selecting the gear you
desire using buttons on the shift lever. See
Understanding your SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission later in this
section.
To return to normal drive (D) position,
move the shift lever back from manual (M)
to drive (D).
The transmission operates in gears one
through six.
Second (2)
Transmission operates in second (2) gear
only. Use second (2) gear to start-up on
slippery roads.
First (1)
• Transmission operates in first (1) gear
only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift
lever.
• Does not downshift into first (1) gear
at high speeds; allows for first (1) gear
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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Forced downshifts
•
Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haul
feature on or off.
• Press the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an
appropriate gear.
Tow/Haul Mode To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the gearshift lever
once. The TOW HAUL indicator
light illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The tow/haul feature:
• Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency
of transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assists you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided will vary
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow/haul feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using
tow/haul.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever twice. The
TOW HAUL light deactivates. Tow/haul
also deactivates when you power down
your vehicle. WARNING
Do not use the tow/haul feature
when driving in icy or slippery
conditions as the increased engine
braking can cause the rear wheels to slide
and your vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control. Understanding your SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift
Automatic transmission gearshift lever.
SelectShift Automatic transmission gives
you the ability to change gears up or down
(without a clutch) as desired. Use the buttons on the shifter to lock or
unlock gears and manually select gears.
Press the + button to upshift or the –
button to downshift.
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Brake-Shift Interlock (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are
working.
When doing this procedure, you will
be taking your vehicle out of park
which means your vehicle can roll
freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always fully set the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheel chocks if appropriate. If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized
dealer. Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift
interlock feature that prevents the
gearshift lever from moving from park (P)
when the ignition is in the 3 (on) position
and the brake pedal is not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out
of park (P) position with the ignition in the
4 (on) position and the brake pedal
pressed, a malfunction may have occurred.
It is possible that a fuse has blown or your
vehicle
’s brake lamps are not operating
properly. See
Fuse Specification Chart
(page 162).
If the fuse is not blown and the brake
lamps are working properly, the following
procedure allows you to move the gearshift
lever from park (P):
1. Apply the parking brake. Switch the ignition key to 1 (off), then remove the
key.
2. Move the steering column to the full down and full rearward position
(toward the driver ’s seat).
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot. 4. Place fingers into hole where you
removed the gearshift lever boot and
pull top half of shroud up and forward
to separate it from the lower half of the
shroud. There is a hinge at the forward
edge of the top shroud. Roll the top
half of the shroud upward on the hinge
point to clear the hazard flasher button,
then pull straight rearward toward the
driver ’s seat to remove.
5. Remove the top half of the shroud.
6. Remove the three fasteners under the column that secure the lower shroud
half to the column. 7.
Pull the lock lever into the full unlocked
position and remove the lower shroud
cover by pulling the lever handle
through the slot in the cover.
8. Apply the brake. Gently lift the override
disk and move the gearshift lever into
neutral (N).
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
Exceeding these ratings by
overloading can cause component
failure resulting in property damage,
personal injury or death. Fluid Temperature
If the operating temperature exceeds
250°F (121°C), the rate of axle lubrication
oxidation increases and shortens the life
of the lubricant and seals, requiring axle
lubrication changes to become more
frequent to preserve the axle. Do not
consistently run extreme pressure (EP)
lubricants above
250°F (121°C).
Axle Conversions WARNING
When operating a loaded vehicle, the
driver must keep all adjustable axles
on the ground at all times, supporting
their share of the vehicle ’s load. Failure to
do so can overload other axles, tires,
wheels, springs, steering components,
brakes and frames, resulting in early
component failure, loss of vehicle control,
possible property damage and personal
injury. We do not recommend, or approve,
performing axle conversions. However, we
understand that, on occasion, others install
aftermarket add-on axles on the truck
chassis that allow operator control for
weight transfer from other axles (such as
air lift axles). LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL WARNING
If both wheels are not raised off the
ground, the one wheel that is not
raised may pull the vehicle off its
support, possibly resulting in personal
injury. This axle provides added traction on
slippery surfaces, particularly when one
wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under
normal conditions, the limited-slip axle
functions like a standard rear axle. The axle
may exhibit a slight noise or vibration
during tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the
axle is working.
Both wheels must be raised off the ground
should it be necessary to operate one
wheel with your vehicle stationary.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL
Driver-Controlled Locking
Differential
Note:
Never use the differential lock at
vehicle speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h).
Some drive axles have a driver-controlled
differential lock. The differential lock can
lock or unlock the differential when your
vehicle is moving or stopped. When extra
traction is required, the differential lock
provides full power to both wheels.
When you lock the differential, your
vehicle ’s turning radius increases
(under-steer).
Take care to avoid sudden accelerations
when both drive wheels are on a slippery
surface.
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WARNING
Sudden accelerations on slippery
surfaces could cause the wheels to
spin, the vehicle to turn sideways on
a crowned road surface or in a turn,
possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control
and personal injury. Activating the Locking Differential
You can lock and unlock the differential
when your vehicle is moving at a constant
speed of less than 25 mph (40 km/h) and
while the wheels are not slipping. Do not
lock the differential when your vehicle is
traveling down steep grades and when
traction is minimal.
The differential lock and differential lock
light automatically disengage at speeds
above 25 mph (40 km/h). The differential
lock remains off until either you restart your
vehicle or you turn the differential lock
switch off then back on.
Servicing a Vehicle with a Locking
Differential
Turn the engine off and raise all drive
wheels of the locker differential axle in
order to prevent your vehicle from moving
when servicing the wheels, tires or brakes.
Axles equipped with a driver-controlled
differential deliver power to both wheels
even when only one wheel is on the ground. WARNING
Failure to raise all drive wheels with
this type of differential could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly,
resulting in property damage, personal
injury or death. 2-SPEED REAR AXLE
(If Equipped)
WARNING
Never shift a two-speed axle when
descending a steep grade as this
may cause loss of vehicle control and
result in personal injury. Note:
Do not shift between ranges when
the speed control is on.
A two-speed rear axle allows the driver to
select a low range for greater pulling power
and a high range for greater road speed
and fuel economy. You can also use these
ranges to provide extra steps between
transmission shifts when driving on steep
grades or fuel economy may be factors.
Axle Shifting Note:
Do not shift the axle to LOW when
your vehicle is moving. Use LOW when you
drive a fully loaded vehicle on a severe grade
or in congested traffic. Use HIGH for all
normal driving conditions with a lightly
loaded or partially loaded vehicle.
Note: The axle is set to HIGH by default.
To shift the axle between HIGH and LOW
with the vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in position N, then press and
hold the button for two seconds.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. This results in
abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear and increased
stopping distance. Continuous application of the brakes
causes the brakes to overheat,
resulting in temporary loss of braking.
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
All standard equipment brakes are
self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment,
when required, occurs whenever you apply
and release the brakes during forward or
reverse operation.
Know the required stopping distances for
all driving conditions you may encounter.
For longer brake lining life, take full
advantage of engine braking power when
coming to a stop. See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 58).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
If brakes do not grip well:
• Check brake adjustment.
• Check brake linings for excessive wear.
• Check system air pressure on vehicle
equipped with air brakes. •
Let the brakes cool if you have been
using them excessively, as in mountain
driving or after several fast, high-speed
stops.
• If you have been driving through deep
water, gently apply the brakes several
times while your vehicle is moving
slowly.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates
when you release the parking brake, have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If you connect a PLC trailer with
the ignition on, the trailer ABS
light also illuminates. If the light
fails to illuminate, if it remains on after you
start the vehicle or continues to flash, have
the system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal may pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake
pedal. You may also hear a noise from the
system. This is normal.
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The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
•
You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
Hydraulic Brakes WARNINGS
Do not use the gearshift selector in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully AND make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N). Use of wheel chocks is also
recommended in hilly or off-road usage.
Unexpected and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these precautions
are not taken. If the parking brake is fully released
but the parking brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may
not be working properly. See your dealer
or a qualified service technician. Apply the parking brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake,
pull the handle up until it snaps into the
locked position.
When the parking brake is out of
adjustment, seek service immediately.
The parking brake warning lamp
in the instrument cluster
illuminates, and remains
illuminated (when you switch on the
ignition), until you release the parking
brake. Push the palm release lever (A) on the
parking brake handle (B) and push down
as far as possible to release the brake.
Driving with the parking brake on causes
the brakes to wear out quickly and reduces
fuel economy.
We recommend you not use the parking
brake to stop a moving vehicle. However,
if the normal brakes fail, you can use the
parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency. Since the parking brake only
applies retardation to the rear wheels, the
vehicle's stopping distance increases
greatly and the handling of your vehicle is
adversely affected.
Applying the Parking Brake
Note:
If the light blinks and a warning tone
sounds when you pull the control knob, the
parking brake is not functioning properly.
Seek immediate service from your dealer.
Pull the yellow, dash-mounted parking
brake knob. The parking brake light
illuminates indicating that the parking
brake has been successfully set.
Releasing the Parking Brake WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while
moving the gearshift lever from
position to position. If the brake
pedal is not held down, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly resulting in property
damage, personal injury or death. 121
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Note:
Read and understand the following
steps and perform them whenever you
prepare to drive the vehicle.
Note: The parking brake does not disengage
unless sufficient system air pressure is
available.
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal
while the engine is running.
2. Select the appropriate drive gear.
3. Push and hold the yellow dash-mounted parking brake knob until
the parking brake light turns off, then
release.
Parking Brake Light Illumination due
to Low Air Pressure
If the air pressure becomes too low at any
time during vehicle operation, the parking
brake may apply and the parking brake
light turns on.
If the parking brake applies due to low air
pressure, immediate service is required to
the parking brake system.
Parking Brake Warning System
If the parking brake light blinks and a tone
sounds when pulling the yellow control
knob out, this indicates the parking brake
is not functioning properly. Seek service for
the parking brake immediately.
With the ignition key not in the run position:
• A tone sounds if the parking brake
remains released (or in an unknown
state). The tone stops after
approximately 8 minutes or until the
parking brake is applied. Seek service
for the parking brake immediately. Diesel engines: Parking brake light
operation (the light only works when the
ignition key is in the run position):
• On:
Parking brake applied.
• Off:
Parking brake released and no
faults or malfunctions detected.
• Blink and tone:
Parking brake
released (or in an unknown state) and
faults or malfunctions detected.
Releasing Spring Manually WARNINGS
Do not attempt to disassemble the
parking brake chamber under any
circumstances. The high spring load
may cause serious injury. Block the wheels to help prevent the
vehicle from moving.
Unexpected and possibly sudden
vehicle movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
If you release hydraulic pressure from the
spring brake chamber the power spring
applies the brake and, unless hydraulic
pressure can be re-established, you must
release the spring brake as follows in order
to move your vehicle.
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