3. The gearshift button you select willilluminate and the selected gear willappear in the instrument cluster.
4. Release the brake pedal and yourtransmission will remain in the selectedgear.
Note:If you attempt to leave your vehiclewhile it is in gear, the vehicle willautomatically shift into park (P). Safety beltand door monitors determine your intent andmake the shift for you. During this time, amessage will appear in the informationdisplay screen prompting you to make theshift.
Note:To put your vehicle in gear with thedoor open, perform steps 1-4. See theAutomatic Return to Park section in thischapter for more information on this feature.
Park (P)
With the transmission in park (P), your vehiclelocks the transmission and prevents the frontwheels from turning. Always come to acomplete stop before putting your vehicleinto and out of park (P). An audible chimesounds once you select park (P).
When the ignition is turned off, the vehiclewill automatically shift into park (P). If theignition is turned off while the vehicle ismoving, it will first shift into neutral (N) untila slow enough speed is reached. The vehiclewill then shift into park (P) automatically.
Automatic Return to Park
Note:This feature will not operate when yourvehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutraltow.
Your vehicle has a safety feature that willautomatically shift your vehicle into park (P)when any of the following conditions occur:
•You turn the ignition off
•You open the driver's door with yoursafety belt unlatched
•Your safety belt is unlatched while thedriver's door is open
If you turn the ignition off while your vehicleis moving, your vehicle will first shift intoneutral (N) until it slows down enough to shiftinto park (P) automatically.
Note:If you have waited an extended periodof time, (2-15 minutes) before starting yourvehicle, unlatching your safety belt will causethis feature to activate, even with the driver'sdoor closed.
Note:This feature may not work properly ifthe door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If yourdoor ajar indicator does not illuminate whenyou open the driver’s door or the indicatorilluminates with the driver’s door closed, seeyour authorized dealer.
Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), yourvehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission in neutral (N), you canstart your vehicle and it is free to roll. Holdthe brake pedal down while in this position.
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Transmission
Stay in Neutral mode
Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle tostay in neutral (N) when you exit the vehicle.Your vehicle must be stationary to enter thismode.
To enter Stay in Neutral mode:
1. Press the neutral (N) button on yourshifter assembly.
2. A message will appear in yourinformation display.
3. Press the neutral (N) button again toenter Stay in Neutral mode.
A message will appear in your informationdisplay screen when your vehicle hasentered Stay in Neutral mode.
Note:During this mode the N button willflash continuously and your instrumentcluster will display N as the selected gear.
Exiting Stay in Neutral mode
To disable Stay in Neutral mode selectanother gear. See the Putting the Vehiclein Gear for instructions on how to do this.
Entering a Carwash
Note:Always put your vehicle in Stay inNeutral mode when entering an automaticcar wash. Failure to do this could result invehicle damage not covered by warranty.
Drive (D)
The normal driving position for the best fueleconomy.
Sport (S)
Putting the vehicle in sport (S):
•Provides additional engine braking andextends lower gear operation to enhanceperformance for uphill climbs, hilly terrainor mountainous areas. This will increaseengine RPM during engine braking
•Provides additional lower gear operationthrough the automatic transmission shiftstrategy
•Provides gear selection more quickly andat higher engine speeds
SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission
Your SelectShift Automatic transmissiongives you the ability to change gearsmanually.
Paddle Shifters
With your vehicle in drive (D), the paddleshifters provide temporary manual control.They allow you the ability to shift gearsquickly, without taking your hands off thesteering wheel.
You can achieve extensive manual controlby pressing the sport (S) button.
•Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
•Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift.
Upshift to the recommended shift speedsaccording to the following chart:
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Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
mph (km/h)Gear Upshift
ToFrom
15 mph (24 km/h)21
25 mph (40 km/h)32
40 mph (64 km/h)43
45 mph (72 km/h)54
50 mph (80 km/h)65
The instrument cluster will display yourcurrently selected gear.
The transmission will automatically upshift ifyour engine speed is too high or downshiftif your engine speed is too low.
Note:The system will stay in manual controluntil you make another shift button selection.For example, drive (D).
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USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:When a system malfunction is present,a warning message appears in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 113). This means the systemis not functioning correctly and onlyfront-wheel drive is available. Have yourvehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:When the system overheats andswitches to front-wheel drive, a warningmessage appears in the information display.This may occur if you operate your vehiclein extreme high load conditions or withexcessive wheel spin (for example, deepsand). To resume all-wheel drive function,stop your vehicle in a safe location and turnoff the ignition. When the system cools,normal all-wheel drive function will return.The information display indicates, for aboutfive seconds, this return.
Note:When using the spare tire, a warningmessage may appear in the informationdisplay. This message turns off afterreinstalling the repaired or replaced roadtire and you switch on the ignition.
Note:Re-install the repaired tire or replacethe tire as soon as possible. Different tiresizes between the front and rear axles cancause system damage, or turn off theall-wheel drive.
This system anticipates wheel spin andtransfers power to the rear wheels beforethe spin occurs. Even when wheel spin is notoccurring, the system is continuouslyadjusting power distribution to the wheels,in an attempt to improve straight line andcornering, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every timeyou switch on the ignition.
The all-wheel drive system does not requiremaintenance.
The all-wheel drive system gives your vehiclesome limited off-road capabilities. Operatingyour vehicle in conditions other thanmoderate sand, snow, mud or rough roadscould subject it to excessive stress and heat.This could result in system damage. Yourvehicle warranty will not cover this damage.
The information display indicates the powerdistribution between the front and rearwheels. The more the area is filled the morepower is being distributed to that wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive vehicles are capable ofdriving on moderate sand, snow, mud andrough roads. All-wheel drive has operatingcharacteristics that are somewhat differentfrom two-wheel drive, both on and off thefreeway.
Note:It may be useful to switch the tractioncontrol off. This allows for more wheel spinand engine torque in certain off roadconditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
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When driving at slow speeds off road underhigh load conditions, use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation will maximizethe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Under severe operating conditions, the airconditioning may cycle on and off to preventthe engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds thatcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.Once you have reduced your vehicle speed,ease your vehicle back onto the road. Donot turn the steering wheel sharply whilereturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of theroad and slow down gradually beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather than attemptan abrupt dangerous direction change.Remember, your primary concern should beyour safety and the safety of others.
Emergency Maneuvers
If you must make a sudden emergencydirection change, avoid over-driving yourvehicle. Turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as you need to avoid theemergency. Apply smooth pressure to theaccelerator pedal or brake pedal as needed.Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration andbraking changes. Abrupt changes couldincrease the risk of vehicle roll over, loss ofvehicle control and personal injury. Use allavailable road surface to bring your vehicleto under control.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding and do not attempt any sharpsteering wheel movements.
Your vehicle responds differently to steering,accelerating and braking on different roadsurfaces when changing from one type ofsurface to another.
Sand
When driving over sand, avoid driving atexcessive speeds. This will cause yourvehicle momentum to work against you. Yourvehicle could become stuck that may requireassistance from another vehicle. Remember,if you proceed with caution you may be ableto back out the way you came.
Do not drive in deep sand for an extendedperiod. This will cause the all-wheel drivesystem to overheat. You will see a warningmessage in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 113).
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
To resume operation, switch the ignition offand allow the system to cool down for aminimum of 15 minutes. After the system hascooled down, you will see a brief messagedisplay in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 113).
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operation willmaximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Tips when driving over sand:
•Keep all four wheels on the most solidarea of the trail.
•Shift to a lower gear.
•Apply the accelerator slowly.
•Drive steadily through the terrain.
•Avoid excessive wheel spin.
•Avoid reducing the tire pressures.
Mud and Water
Mud
Avoid sudden changes in vehicle speed ordirection when you are driving in mud. Evenall-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction inmud. If your vehicle does slide, steer in thedirection of the slide until you regain controlof your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off excessmud stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
Drive slowly through high water. Traction orbrake capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the wheel rims. If the ignitionsystem gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes will not stop your vehicle asquickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressureto the brake pedal while slowly moving thevehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, have the powertransfer unit (PTU) or rear axle serviced byan authorized dealer.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, always try to drivestraight up or straight down the slopingterrain.
Note:To maintain traction and avoidpossibly rolling your vehicle, avoid turningon steep slopes or hills. When you drive ona hill, determine beforehand the route youwill use. Do not drive over a hill without firstseeing what is on the other side. Do not drivein reverse over a hill without the aid of anobserver.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
When the system is active, your vehicle willremain stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows you time to move yourfoot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes release automatically when theengine has sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the grade. This isan advantage when pulling away on a slope,for example from a car park ramp, trafficlights or when reversing uphill into a parkingspace.
The system will activate automatically on anyslope that will cause significant vehiclerollback. For vehicles with a manualtransmission, you can switch this feature offusing the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 108). The systemwill remain on or off depending on how itwas last set.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AutoHold, Hill Start Assist will not be availablewhile Auto Hold is active.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Bring your vehicle to a completestandstill. Keep the brake pedal pressedand select an uphill gear (for example,drive (D) or first (1) when facing uphill orreverse (R) when facing downhill).
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle ison a slope, the system will activateautomatically.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle will remain onthe slope without rolling away for abouttwo or three seconds. This hold time willautomatically be extended if you are inthe process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will release automatically.
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch this feature on or off if yourvehicle is equipped with a manualtransmission and an information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 108). The systemremembers the last setting when you startyour vehicle.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a manualtransmission and an information display, youcannot turn the system on or off. When youswitch the ignition on, the systemautomatically turns on.
AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When you leaveyour vehicle, always apply the parking brake.
WARNING: You must remain in yourvehicle when the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required. Failure to take caremay result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turn off ifa malfunction is apparent. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
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Brakes
Auto Hold uses your vehicle's brakes to holdyour vehicle at a stop once your vehicle hasreached a standstill condition. For example,Auto Hold can assist you while stopping attraffic lights or while in traffic jams by holdingthe brake pressure for you once you bringyour vehicle to a stop.
Switch Auto Hold off during vehicle or trailertowing.
Note:In case of a malfunction in the systemwhile Auto Hold actively holds the vehicle(for example, low power supply), a messageappears in the information display askingyou to press the brake pedal. If you see thismessage, press the brake pedalimmediately.
Note:Auto Hold only activates if the systemrecognizes it is applying enough brakepressure. On a steep hill or incline, you mayneed to make sure the brake pedal ispressed sufficiently to activate the Auto Holdsystem.
Note:In some cases, Auto Hold might handover to the parking brake. When the parkingbrake automatically applies, the red brakelamp appears. This is normal. When youpress the accelerator pedal, the drive awayrelease feature automatically releases theparking brake.
Note:Auto Hold works on all road grades.
Press the Auto Hold button to switch thesystem on and off. The Auto Hold indicatorlight illuminates in the Auto Hold buttonwhen the system is on.
Note:You can only switch Auto Hold on ifyou close the door and fasten your seatbelt.
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