• You can start out, from a stop, in first or
second gear (or third gear, in 4LO range).
Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in
second gear. Starting out in second or third
gear can be helpful in snowy or icy condi-
tions.
• If a requested downshift would cause the
engine to over-speed, that shift will not
occur.
• The system will ignore attempts to upshift
at too low of a vehicle speed.
• Holding the gear selector in the (-) position
will downshift the transmission to the low-
est gear possible at the current speed.
• Transmission shifting will be more notice-
able when AutoStick is enabled.
• The system may revert to automatic shift
mode if a fault or overheat condition is
detected.
NOTE:
When Hill Descent Control is enabled,
AutoStick is not active.To disengage AutoStick mode, return the gear
selector to the DRIVE position. You can shift
in or out of the AutoStick position at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine
braking on a slippery surface. The drive
wheels could lose their grip and the ve-
hicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE
OPERATION
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position
completely can cause transfer case dam-
age or loss of power and vehicle control.
You could have a collision. Do not drive the
vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
Four-Position Transfer Case
The transfer case provides four mode posi-
tions:
• 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
• 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High Range)
• N (Neutral)
• 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low Range)
Four-Wheel Drive Gear Selector
STARTING AND OPERATING
150
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
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).
This transfer case is designed to be driven in
the two-wheel drive position (2WD) or four-
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal
street and highway conditions on dry hard
surfaced roads. Driving the vehicle in 2WD
will have greater fuel economy benefits as the
front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD
AUTO mode can be used. In this mode, the
front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's power
is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive
will be automatically engaged when the ve-
hicle senses a loss of traction. Because the
front axle is engaged, this mode will result in
lower fuel economy than the 2WD mode.
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 fornormal 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.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference
will adversely affect shifting and cause dam-
age to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.Shifting Procedures
2H To 4H Auto Or 4H Auto To 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H Auto can be
made with the vehicle stopped or in motion.
The preferred shifting speed would be 0 to
45 mph (72 km/h). With the vehicle in mo-
tion, the transfer case will engage/disengage
faster if you momentarily release the accel-
erator pedal after completing the shift. Do
not accelerate while shifting the transfer
case. Apply a constant force when shifting
the transfer case lever.
2H/4H Auto To 4H Part Time Or 4H Part Time
To 2H/4H Auto
Shifting between 2H/4H AUTO to 4H PART
TIME can be made with the vehicle stopped
or in motion. The preferred shifting speed
would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will
engage/disengage faster if you momentarily
release the accelerator pedal after complet-
ing the shift. Do not accelerate while shifting
the transfer case. Apply a constant force
when shifting the transfer case lever.
STARTING AND OPERATING
154
NOTE:
• Do not attempt to make a shift while only
the front or rear wheels are spinning. The
front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting
while only the front or rear wheels are
spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.
• Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may
be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low
or uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle
loading, or cold temperatures.
• Shifting effort will increase with speed, this
is normal.
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transfer
case fluid warms up. This is normal.
4H Part Time/4H Auto To 4L Or 4L To 4H Part
Time/4H Auto
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h), shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL (N). While the vehicle is coasting at
2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Donot pause with the transfer case in N (Neu-
tral). Once the shift is completed, place the
transmission into DRIVE.
NOTE:
Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped; however, diffi-
culty may occur due to the mating teeth not
being properly aligned. Several attempts may
be required for clutch teeth alignment and
shift completion to occur. The preferred
method is with the vehicle rolling at 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to
engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle mov-
ing faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
WARNING!
Failure to engage a transfer case position
completely can cause transfer case dam-
age or loss of power and vehicle control.
You could have a collision. Do not drive the
vehicle unless the transfer case is fully
engaged.
Trac-Lok Rear Axle — If Equipped
The Trac-Lok rear axle provides a constant
driving force to both rear wheels and reduces
wheel spin caused by the loss of traction at
one driving wheel. If traction differs between
the two rear wheels, the differential auto-
matically proportions the usable torque by
providing more torque to the wheel that has
traction.
Trac-Lok is especially helpful during slippery
driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a
slippery surface, a slight application of the
accelerator will supply maximum traction.
WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip
differential, never run the engine with one
rear wheel off the ground. The vehicle may
drive through the rear wheel remaining on
the ground and cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.
155
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
3. At the next vehicle stop (after turning off
the STOP/START system), the engine will
not be stopped.
4. The STOP/START system will reset itself
back to an ON condition every time the
ignition is turned off and back on.
To Manually Turn On The Stop/Start
System
Push the STOP/START OFF switch (located
on the switch bank). The light on the switch
will turn off.
For complete details on the Stop/Start Sys-
tem refer to the “Stop/Start System” in the
“Starting And Operating” section located in
your Owner’s Manual for further information.
System Malfunction
If there is a malfunction in the STOP/START
system, the system will not shut down the
engine. A “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM”
message will appear in the instrument cluster
display. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Dis-
play“ in “Getting to Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
If the “SERVICE STOP/START SYSTEM”
message appears in the instrument cluster
display, have the system checked by an au-
thorized dealer.
SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over
accelerator operations at speeds greater than
20 mph (32 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the
right side of the steering wheel.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — On/Off
3 — SET (+)/Accel
4 — RES/Resume
5 — SET (-)/Decel
STARTING AND OPERATING
160