3
OFF-ROAD MODE
Off-Road Mode changes the antilock brake, traction control, and stabilit\
y control
calibrations for different conditions. It also alters throttle progressi\
on and transmis-sion shifts.
In Off-Road Mode:
• The locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation. The rear axle wi\
ll remain locked up to the maximum vehicle speed.
• The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is adjusted for off-\
road performance.
• Powertrain calibrations are optimized for off-road use.
OFF-ROAD MODE CONTROL
Press the Off-Road Mode control
button on the center of the transfer case knob to turn Off-Road Mode on or off.
The Off-Road Mode symbol on the instru-ment cluster will illuminate when Off-Road Mode is active.
Note: Off-Road Mode is calibrated for off-road driving conditions. It should not be used when driving on pavement.
SHIFTING INTO OR OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE
To shift into or out of 4-wheel drive, rotate the knob to the desired po\
sition (2 HI, AUTO, 4 HI, 4 LO, or Neutral). Line up the indicator mark on the knob w\
ith the indicator light to command the shift.
The indicator light flashes while the shift is in progress and remains\
illuminated when the shift is complete. If the shift cannot be completed, the transfer ca\
se returns to the last chosen setting. The current 4-wheel drive status is displayed o\
n the Driver Information Center.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner’s Manual.
Mode SummaryStandardOff-Road
2 HI/4 HI4 LO2 HI/4 HI4 LO
Throttle ProgressionNormalLow RangePerformanceLow Range
Transmission Shift ModeNormalLow RangePerformanceLow Range
Locking Rear AxleUp to 25 mphUp to 25 mphUnlimitedUnlimited
Locking Front AxleNot AvailableUp to 25 mphNot AvailableUp to 25 mph
Antilock BrakesNormalNormalOff-RoadOff-Road
Traction ControlNormalDriveline OnlyOffDriveline Only
StabiliTrakNormalOffSportOff
7
OFF-ROAD DRIVING BASICS
BEFORE YOU GO
• Keep the vehicle in good condition by completing all necessary maintenan\
ce and service work.
• Fuel the vehicle, fill fluids, and check inflation pressure in all\
tires, including the spare tire. Inflate or deflate tires, if necessary, to the appropriate pre\
ssure.
• Make sure all cargo is securely stored in the vehicle. Secure cargo in t\
he truck bed as far forward as possible.
• Always use established trails and roads. Know and comply with the local \
laws where you will be off-roading.
• Do not use the AUTO (Automatic 4WD) mode for off-roading — which se\
nds power to the front and rear wheels automatically, based on driving conditions \
— if traction
conditions are constantly changing. This may damage the transfer case cl\
utch.
DRIVING ON HILLS
Before driving on a hill, assess the steepness, traction, and obstructio\
ns. Turn on the
headlamps to make the vehicle more visible in all conditions.
When driving, use a low gear and maintain a slow speed. When possible, d\
rive straight up or down the hill. Slow down when approaching the top of the hill.
DRIVING IN MUD, SAND OR SNOW
Use a low gear when driving in mud. Keep the vehicle moving to avoid get\
ting stuck.
On loose sand, traction changes can occur and the tires may sink into th\
e sand, affecting steering, acceleration, and braking. Drive at a reduced speed \
and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
On hard-packed snow and ice, traction is reduced and vehicle speed shoul\
d be lowered accordingly.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If the standing water is not too deep, drive slowly through it. At faste\
r speeds, splashing water may cause the vehicle to stall. After driving through water, the b\
rakes will be wet and it may take longer to stop.
AFTER OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Remove any debris that has collected on the underbody or chassis. After \
operating in mud or sand, check and clean the brake linings. Also check under the veh\
icle and the wheels/tires for any damage.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner’s Manual.