Note:The AdvanceTrac® with RSC® stabilityenhancement system can be switched offby deselecting the feature in the clustermenu. See Using Traction Control (page231). This disables the engine managementfeature, allowing the vehicle to maintain fullpower and enhanced momentum throughthe obstacle.
Note:The AdvanceTrac system can takecontrol of the transfer case clutch anddisable it during driving maneuvers whennecessary.
Your vehicle engages 4X4 modes based onthe currently selected Drive Mode. SeeDrive Mode Control (page 284).
Note:The information display could showmessages during 4WD operation. SeeInformation Messages (page 125).
2H - 4X2
2H turns on when you select NORMAL orCONSERVE. Power is delivered to the rearwheels only. This mode is appropriate fornormal on-road driving on dry pavement andprovides the best fuel economy.
4A - 4X4 Auto
4A turns on when you select EXCITE,NORMAL 4x4 AUTO or SLIPPERY. Itprovides electronically controlled four-wheeldrive with power delivered to all four wheels,as required, for increased traction. 4A iscalibrated in conjunction with Drive Mode.4A in EXCITE is less aggressively tuned andis appropriate for dry road surfaces. 4A inNORMAL 4x4 AUTO is appropriate for allon-road driving conditions, such as dry roadsurfaces, wet pavement, light snow or gravel.4A in SLIPPERY is more aggressively tunedand is appropriate for slippery surfaces, suchas light snow or gravel.
4H - 4X4 High
4H turns on when you select DEEPCONDITIONS. It provides electronicallylocked four-wheel drive power to both thefront and rear wheels for use in off-road orwinter conditions such as deep snow, sandor mud. This mode is not for use on drypavement.
4L - 4X4 Low
4L turns on when you select SLOW CLIMB.It provides electronically locked four-wheeldrive power to both the front and rear wheelsfor use on low traction surfaces, but does sowith additional gearing for increased torquemultiplication. Intended only for off-roadapplications such as deep sand, steepgrades or pulling heavy objects. 4L does notengage when your vehicle is moving above3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should beno reason for concern.
Shifting Between 4WD System Modes
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal when a shift in progress messagedisplays improves engagement anddisengagement performance.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping.
Note:You may hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages; this is normal.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle may behigher to allow it to travel over rough terrainwithout getting hung up or damagingunderbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differently thanan ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times,especially in rough terrain. Since suddenchanges in terrain can result in abruptsteering wheel motion, make sure you gripthe steering wheel from the outside. Do notgrip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in the area.To maintain steering and braking control ofyour vehicle, you must have all four wheelson the ground and they must be rolling, notsliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and UtilityVehicles
Note:On some models, the initial shift fromtwo-wheel drive to four-wheel drive whenthe vehicle is moving can cause somemomentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.This is the front drivetrain coming up tospeed and the automatic locking hubsengaging and is not cause for concern.
Note:Your vehicle may have a front air dam.Due to low ground clearance, you candamage it when taking your vehicle off-road.You can take the air dam off by removingthe bolts that secure it.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are speciallyequipped for driving on sand, snow, mud andrough terrain and have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhat differentfrom conventional vehicles, both on and offthe road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels througha transfer case. On four-wheel drive vehicles,the transfer case allows you to utilizedifferent 4X4 modes when necessary.Information on transfer case operation andshifting procedures can be found in this
chapter and the Driving Aids chapter.Information on transfer case maintenancecan be found in the Maintenance chapter.You should become thoroughly familiar withthis information before you operate yourvehicle.
Four-wheel drive, when you select a4X4-capable drive mode, it uses all fourwheels to power the vehicle. This increasestraction, enabling you to drive over terrainand road conditions that a conventionaltwo-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
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If your vehicle goes from one type of surfaceto another (i.e. from concrete to gravel) theremay be a change in the way your vehicleresponds to a maneuver (i.e. steering,acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly andavoid excessive wheel slip.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, thiscauses vehicle momentum to work againstyou and your vehicle could become stuck tothe point that assistance may be requiredfrom another vehicle. Remember, you maybe able to back out the way you came if youproceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the vehicle.
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability may belimited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by applying light pressure to thebrake pedal when moving slowly.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even 4X4 vehicles can lose traction inslick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoidspinning your wheels. If the vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axleare submerged in water, their fluids shouldbe checked and changed, if necessary.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,the axle lubricant should be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excessmud stuck on tires and rotating driveshaftscauses an imbalance that could damagedrive components.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over. Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you will use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should always try todrive straight up or straight down.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start ina lower gear rather than downshifting to alower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn aroundbecause this could cause vehicle roll over.It is better to reverse back to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power causes thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting inloss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating. Donot descend in neutral. Disengage overdriveor move the transmission selector lever to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you could losecontrol. The front wheels have to be turningin order to steer your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply thebrakes steadily. Do not pump the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tire chainsor cables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear endof your vehicle slides while cornering, steerin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide when driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itdoes not stop any faster as braking occursat all four wheels. Do not becomeoverconfident in any road condition.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Do not pump the brake pedal. See Hints onDriving With Anti-Lock Brakes (page 226).
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and tractioncontrol light illuminates steadily if thesystem detects a failure. Make sure youdid not manually disable the tractioncontrol system using the informationdisplay controls or the switch. If the stabilitycontrol and traction control light is still
illuminating steadily, have the systemserviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle withthe traction control disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch traction control on and offthrough the information display controls. SeeGeneral Information (page 120).
When you switch the system off, a messageand an illuminated icon appear on theinstrument cluster.
Switch traction control on again to return thesystem to normal operations.
Note:Your vehicle may have MyKeyrestrictions regarding this feature. SeePrinciple of Operation (page 67).
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and flashes:
•When a driving condition activates eitherof the systems.
•If a problem occurs in either of thesystems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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Traction ControlE138639 E130458
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip theroad; this could reduce the operator’sability to control the vehicle potentiallyresulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control system activates,SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe and yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
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Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides by applyingbrakes to one or more of the wheelsindividually and, if necessary, reducingengine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which itchanges by applying the brakes to one ormore wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 231).Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
Stability Control and Traction Controlwith Roll Stability Control™ (RSC™)
The system automatically activates when youstart your engine. When the transmission isin reverse (R), they are disabled. You canswitch off the traction control portion of thesystem independently. See Using TractionControl (page 231).
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Stability ControlE72903A
AA
B
BB
B
Stability Control and Traction Control with RSC Features
Traction control systemElectronic stability controlRoll stability controlStability control OFF lightButton functions
EnabledEnabledEnabledIlluminated during bulbcheckDefault at start-up
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Stability Control