WARNING!
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never
exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission
into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF.
When the ignition is in the OFF mode,
the transmission is locked in PARK, se-
curing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
• When exiting the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
WARNING!
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the transmission
gear selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition
in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park
Interlock which requires the transmission to
be in PARK before the ignition can be turned
to the OFF mode. This helps the driver avoid
inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This sys-
tem also locks the transmission in PARK
whenever the ignition is in the OFF mode.NOTE:
The transmission is NOT locked in PARK
when the ignition is in the ACC mode (even
though the engine will be off). Ensure that
the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
isOFF(not in ACC mode) before exiting the
vehicle.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Trans-
mission Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that
holds the transmission gear selector in PARK
unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the engine must
be running and the brake pedal must be
pressed. The brake pedal must also be
pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds.
Eight–Speed Automatic Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel efficient
8 speed transmission. The gear selector is
located in the center console.
STARTING AND OPERATING
148
For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2H
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — This range is
for normal street and highway driving on dry,
hard surfaced roads.
4H
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range
maximizes torque to the front driveshaft,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. This range provides addi-
tional traction for loose, slippery road sur-
faces only.
NEUTRAL (N)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
WARNING!
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
matic transmission is in PARK. The park-
ing brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional trac-
tion and maximum pulling power for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
The transfer case is intended to be driven in
the 2H position for normal street and highway
conditions, such as hard-surfaced roads.In the event that additional traction is re-
quired, the transfer case 4H and 4L positions
can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together, forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slip-
pery road surfaces only and not intended for
normal driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L
positions on hard-surfaced roads will cause
increased tire wear and damage to the drive-
line components. Refer to “Shifting Proce-
dures” in this section for further information
on shifting into 4H or 4L.
The instrument cluster alerts the driver that
the vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the
front and rear driveshafts are locked together.
The light will illuminate when the transfer
case is shifted into the 4H position.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the en-
gine speed will be approximately three times
(four times for Rubicon models) that of the
2H or 4H positions at a given road speed.
Take care not to overspeed the engine.
151
Five-Position Transfer Case
The transfer case provides five mode posi-
tions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
•
4H Auto (Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range)
• 4H PT (Four-Wheel Drive Part Time High
Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)For additional information on the appropriate
use of each transfer case mode position, see
the information below:
2H
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — This range is
for normal street and highway driving on dry,
hard surfaced roads.
4H AUTO
Four-Wheel Drive Auto High Range — This
range sends power to the front wheels. The
four-wheel drive system will be automatically
engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of
traction. Additional traction for varying road
conditions.
4H P-T
Four-Wheel Drive Part Time High Range —
This range maximizes torque to the front
driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This range pro-
vides additional traction for loose, slippery
road surfaces only.NEUTRAL (N)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
matic transmission is in PARK. The park-
ing brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
Neutral — This range disengages both the
front and rear driveshafts from the pow-
ertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi-
mizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
153
Push the SWAY BAR switch to activate the
system. Push the switch again to deactivate
the system. The “Sway Bar Indicator Light”
(located in the instrument cluster) will illumi-
nate when the bar is disconnected. The
“Sway Bar Indicator Light” will flash during
activation transition, or when activation con-
ditions are not met. The stabilizer/sway bar
should remain in on-road mode during nor-
mal driving conditions.
WARNING!
Ensure the stabilizer/sway bar is recon-
nected before driving on hard surfaced
roads or at speeds above 18 mph
(29 km/h); a disconnected stabilizer/sway
bar may contribute to the loss of vehicle
control, which could result in serious in-
jury. Under certain circumstances, the
front stabilizer/sway bar enhances vehicle
stability and assists with vehicle control.
The system monitors vehicle speed and
will attempt to reconnect the stabilizer/
sway bar at speeds over 18 mph
(29 km/h). This is indicated by a flashing
or solid “Sway Bar Indicator Light.” Once
WARNING!
vehicle speed is reduced below 14 mph
(22 km/h), the system will once again
attempt to return to off-road mode.
To disconnect the stabilizer/sway bar, shift to
either 4H or 4L and push the SWAY BAR
switch to obtain the off-road position. Refer
to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation” in this sec-
tion for further information. The “Sway Bar
Indicator Light” will flash until the stabilizer/
sway bar has been fully disconnected.
NOTE:
The stabilizer/sway bar may be torque locked
due to left and right suspension height differ-
ences. This condition is due to driving sur-
face differences or vehicle loading. In order
for the stabilizer/sway bar to disconnect/
reconnect, the right and left halves of the bar
must be aligned. This alignment may require
that the vehicle be driven onto level ground or
rocked from side to side.
To return to on-road mode, push the SWAY
BAR switch again.
WARNING!
If the stabilizer/sway bar will not return to
on-road mode, the “Sway Bar Indicator
Light” will flash in the instrument cluster
and vehicle stability may be reduced. Do
not attempt to drive the vehicle over
18 mph (29 km/h). Driving faster than
18 mph (29 km/h) with a disconnected
stabilizer/sway bar may contribute to the
loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury.
STOP/START SYSTEM —
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION (IF
EQUIPPED)
The Stop/Start function is developed to re-
duce fuel consumption. The system will stop
the engine automatically during a vehicle
stop if the required conditions are met. Re-
leasing the brake pedal or pressing the accel-
erator pedal will automatically re-start the
engine.
157
ESS vehicles have been upgraded with a
heavy duty starter, enhanced battery, and
other upgraded engine parts, to handle the
additional engine starts.
NOTE:
It is recommended that the Start/Stop Sys-
tem be disabled during off-road use.
Automatic Mode
The Stop/Start feature is enabled
after every normal customer en-
gine start. At that time, the sys-
tem will go into STOP/START
READY and if all other conditions are met,
can go into a STOP/START AUTOSTOP AC-
TIVE “Autostop” mode.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:
• The system must be in STOP/START
READY state. A STOP/START READY mes-
sage will be displayed in the instrument
cluster display within the Stop/Start sec-tion. Refer to “Instrument Cluster” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” in
your Owner’s Manual for further informa-
tion.
• The vehicle must be completely stopped.
• The shifter must be in a forward gear and
the brake pedal depressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer
will move to the zero position and the Stop/
Start telltale will illuminate indicating you
are in Autostop. Customer settings will be
maintained upon return to an engine running
condition.
Refer to the “Stop/Start System” in the
“Starting And Operating” section located in
your Owner’s Manual for further information.
Possible Reasons The Engine Does Not
Autostop
Prior to engine shut down, the system will
check many safety and comfort conditions to
see if they are fulfilled. Detailed information
about the operation of the Stop/Start system
may be viewed in the instrument clusterdisplay Stop/Start Screen. In the following
situations, the engine will not stop:
• Driver’s seat belt is not buckled.
• Driver’s door is not closed.
• Battery temperature is too warm or cold.
• Battery charge is low.
• The vehicle is on a steep grade.
• Cabin heating or cooling is in process and
an acceptable cabin temperature has not
been achieved.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode at a high
blower speed.
• HVAC set to MAX A/C.
• Engine has not reached normal operating
temperature.
• Engine temperature too high.
• The transmission is not in a forward gear.
• Hood is open.
• Transfer case is in 4LO or Neutral.
• Brake pedal is not pressed with sufficient
pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING
158
Other Factors Which Can Inhibit Autostop In-
clude:
• Accelerator pedal input.
• Vehicle speed threshold not achieved from
previous auto-stop.
• Steering angle beyond threshold. (ESS
Models Only)
• ACC is on and speed is set.
• Vehicle is at high altitude.
• System fault present.
It may be possible for the vehicle to be driven
several times without the STOP/START sys-
tem going into a STOP/START READY state
under more extreme conditions of the items
listed above.
To Start The Engine While In Autostop
Mode
While in a forward gear, the engine will start
when the brake pedal is released or the
throttle pedal is depressed. The transmission
will automatically re-engage upon engine re-
start.Conditions That Will Cause The Engine To Start
Automatically While In Autostop Mode:
• The transmission selector is moved out of
DRIVE.
• To maintain cabin temperature comfort.
• Actual cabin temperature is significantly
different than temperature set on Auto
HVAC.
• HVAC is set to full defrost mode.
• HVAC system temperature or fan speed is
manually adjusted.
• Battery voltage drops too low.
• Low brake vacuum (e.g. after several brake
pedal applications).
• STOP/START OFF switch is pushed.
• A STOP/START system error occurs.
• STOP/START AUTO STOP ACTIVE time ex-
ceeds 5 minutes.
• 4WD system is put into 4LO or Neutral
mode.
• Steering wheel is turned beyond threshold.
(ESS Models Only)
To Manually Turn Off The Stop/Start
System
1. Push the STOP/START OFF switch (lo-
cated on the switch bank). The light on
the switch will illuminate.
2. The “STOP/START OFF” message will ap-
pear in instrument cluster display within
the Stop/Start section. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster” in “Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s
Manual for further information.
STOP/START Off Switch
159
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET(+)button once will result
in a 1 km/h increase in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
increase of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to increase until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
To Decrease Speed
When the Speed Control is set, you can de-
crease speed by pushing the SET(-)button.
The driver’s preferred units can be selected
through the instrument panel settings. Refer
to ”Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting
To Know Your Instrument Panel” in your Own-
er’s Manual for more information. The speed
increment shown is dependent on the chosen
speed unit of U.S. (mph) or Metric (km/h):
U.S. Speed (mph)
• Pushing the SET(-)button once will result
in a 1 mph decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in a
decrease of 1 mph.• If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
Metric Speed (km/h)
• Pushing the SET(-)button once will result
in a 1 km/h decrease in set speed. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in a
decrease of 1 km/h.
• If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to decrease until the
button is released, then the new set speed
will be established.
To Accelerate For Passing
Press the accelerator as you would normally.
When the pedal is released, the vehicle will
return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
NOTE:
The Speed Control system maintains speed
up and down hills. A slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal.On steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Speed Control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed.
Your vehicle could go too fast for the con-
ditions, and you could lose control and
have an accident. Do not use Speed Con-
trol in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the
RES button and release. Resume can be used
at any speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the
CANC (cancel) button, or normal brake pres-
sure while slowing the vehicle will deactivate
the speed control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
STARTING AND OPERATING
162
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive
Models
NOTE:
The transfer case must be shifted into NEU-
TRAL (N), transmission must be in PARK, for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle.
Towing with only one set of wheels on
the ground (front or rear) will cause
severe transmission and/or transfer case
damage. Tow with all four wheels either
ON the ground, or OFF the ground (using
a vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in the forward direction. Towing
this vehicle backwards can cause severe
damage to the transfer case.
• Automatic transmissions must be
placed in PARK for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the
procedure outlined under “Shifting Into
NEUTRAL (N)” to be certain that the
transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N).
Otherwise, internal damage will result.
CAUTION!
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the
above requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case dam-
age. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on
tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper
face bar will be damaged.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if
you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position
without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain, and will
allow the vehicle to roll, even if the auto-
matic transmission is in PARK. The park-
WARNING!
ing brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be
certain that the transfer case is fully in
NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing
to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on
level ground.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Turn the engine OFF.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEU-
TRAL (N).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds
and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
STARTING AND OPERATING
172