
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size
may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
Four Wheel Drive (4x4)
The four wheel drive (4WD) is fully automatic in normal
driving mode.
NOTE:It is not possible to carry out the change of mode
when the vehicle exceeds the speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).
Enabling Four Wheel Drive (4x4)
The buttons for the activation of four wheel drive are
located on the device Selec-Terrain and allow you to select
the following:
• 4WD LOCK
• 4WD LOW — (Trailhawk models only) Active Drive Control — If Equipped
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is locked to ensure imme-
diate availability of torque to the rear drive axles. This
feature is selectable in AUTO mode and automatic in the
other driving mode. 4WD LOCK can be enabled by the
following ways:
•
When the 4WD LOCK button is pushed.
• When the Selec-Terrain switch is rotated from AUTO to
any other off-road modes.
Selec-Terrain Switch
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Mode Selection Guide
Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the desired mode.•AUTO: This four-wheel drive operation is a continuous
operation, is fully automatic and can be used on and off
road. This mode balances traction to ensure maneuver-
ability and acceleration improvement compared to a
vehicle with two wheel drive. This mode also reduces
fuel consumption, since it allows the disconnect of the
drive shaft where conditions permit.
• SNOW: This mode allows you to have greater stability
under conditions of bad weather. It’s used on and off
road and on surfaces with poor traction, such as roads
covered with snow. When in SNOW mode (depending
on certain operating conditions), the transmission will
Selec-Terrain Switch
Selec-Terrain Switch (Trailhawk)
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

use second gear (rather than first gear) during launches,
to minimize wheel slippage, except for in 4–Low (Trail-
hawk models only).
• SAND: For off-road driving or use on surfaces with poor
traction, such as sandy bottoms. The transmission is set
to provide maximum traction. This mode allows more
wheel spin and higher shift points to help motor
through loose areas.
• MUD: For off-road driving or use on surfaces with poor
traction, such as roads covered by mud or wet grass.
• ROCK (Trailhawk only): This mode is only available in
4WD LOW range. The device sets the vehicle to maxi-
mize traction and allow the highest steering capacity for
off-road surfaces. This mode gives you the maximum
performance off-road. Use for low speed obstacles such
as large rocks, deep ruts, etc.
NOTE:
• Rock mode is only available on the vehicles equipped
with the Trailhawk package.
• Activate the Hill Descent Control or Selec Speed Control
for steep downhill control. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control System” in “Safety” for further information.ADDING FUEL
The Capless Fuel System uses a flapper placed at the filler
pipe of the fuel tank; it opens and closes automatically
upon insertion/extraction of the fuel nozzle.
The Capless Fuel System is designed so that it prevents the
filling of an incorrect type of fuel.
Opening The Door
For filling proceed as follows:
• Open the door, by pushing and releasing on the inden-
tation point indicated by the arrow.
Fuel Filler Door
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STARTING AND OPERATING 291

WARNING!(Continued)
•The use of objects/plugs do not comply with the
vehicle and may cause pressure increases inside the
tank, creating dangerous conditions.
• Do not approach the neck of the tank with open
flames or lit cigarettes its an extreme fire hazard.
Also, avoid close contact with the filler pipe with
your face, do not inhale harmful vapors.
• Do not use your mobile phone in the vicinity of the
pump fuel nozzle, it can be a possible risk of fire.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the Month, Day and
Hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems (GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put
in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE: Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or dealer-installed options must
be considered as part of the total load on your vehicle.
Refer to the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo for
your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended:
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load
shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
• When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or damage
to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, chassis structure, or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross
the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. Always block or chockthe trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
TOWING CONDITIONWHEELS OFF THE
GROUND FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
(FWD) FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD)
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow REARNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
FRONT OKNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST METHOD OK
NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable
state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.
• You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is
disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadvertent
Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake
feature is enabled or disabled via the customer program-
mable features in the Uconnect Settings.
Recreational Towing
Models With Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly (front wheels off the ground) or vehicle trailer (all
four wheels off the ground). If using a tow dolly, follow this
procedure:
• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
• Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
• Apply the Electric Park Brake (EPB). Place the transmis-
sion in PARK. Turn the engine OFF.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 305

•Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
• Turn the ignition to the RUN mode, but do not start the
engine.
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Release the Electric Park Brake (EPB).
• Turn the ignition OFF, and release the brake pedal.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drive-
train will result. If this vehicle requires towing,
make sure the drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Models With Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground, or
using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four
wheels are OFF the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the
ground can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing
is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
DRIVING TIPS
On-Road Driving Tips
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design character-
istics give them a higher center of gravity than conven-
tional passenger cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-
road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover.
Off-Road Driving Tips
When To Use 4WD LOW Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascend-
ing or descending steep hills, and to increase low-speed
pulling power (refer to “All Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel
Drive Operation” in this section for further details). This
range should be limited to extreme situations such as deep
snow, mud, or sand where additional low speed pulling
power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph
(40 km/h) should be avoided when in 4WD LOW range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water,
there are a number of precautions that must be considered
before entering the water:
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle. If you must drive through
water, try to determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to 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 (22 cm). The flowing
water can erode the streambed causing your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are down-
stream of your entry point to allow for drifting.
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