Look ahead on your route noting upcoming
obstacles, surface texture or color changes
or any other factors which may indicate a
change in available traction. Adjust the
vehicle speed and route to avoid a loss in
traction. Conditions can change causing
the course to vary day to day. Mark
obstacles with GPS markers to avoid
potential vehicle damage. Where
necessary, get out of your vehicle and
check the terrain.
When driving off-road, if the front or rear
suspension is bottoming-out or excessive
contact with the skid-plates is happening,
reduce the vehicle's speed to avoid
potential damage to your vehicle.
If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure to
leave ample distance between your vehicle
and any other vehicles to allow for
adequate vision.
When driving off-road verify that your
wipers and washers are working properly
and reduce your speed for better visibility.
When driving in desert conditions, we
recommend driving with your headlamps
on to help other drivers easily see you.
When convoying with other vehicles, we
recommend that communication is used,
and the lead vehicle notify other vehicles
of upcoming obstacles.
Keep available ground clearance in mind
and pick a route that minimizes the risk of
catching the underside of the vehicle on
an obstacle.
When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in conjunction
with the throttle allows you to negotiate
the obstacle in a more controlled manner.
Driving off-road requires a high amount of
concentration. Even if your local law does
not prohibit drinking alcohol when driving
off-road we do not recommend it.
Driving Off-Road
Driving In Snow and Ice WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If
your vehicle slides when driving on snowy
or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the
direction of the slide until you regain
control. Avoid sudden applications of
power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Slowly and steadily apply
the accelerator when starting from a full
stop. Avoid sudden braking. WARNING:
Do not become
overconfident in the ability of four-wheel
drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel
drive vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive
at a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between your vehicle and other vehicles
for stopping.
In emergency stopping situations, do not
pump the brake pedal, apply the brake
firmly.
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Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Drive through the terrain without varying
vehicle speed. Apply the accelerator and
avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high ambient temperatures, use low
(L) mode, or shift to a lower gear when
possible. Select Low (L) mode or select a
lower gear to maximize the engine and
transmission cooling capability. See
Transmission (page 166).
Use the vehicle's momentum to maintain
forward motion in sand. Avoid coming to
a stop on steep sand slopes as the vehicle
may not be able to continue forward after
it has stopped.
Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud.
Even four-wheel drive vehicles can lose
traction in slick mud. If your vehicle does
slide, steer in the direction of the slide until
you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Note: The vehicle brakes are less effective
when wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Gravel is a constantly changing, low-grip
surface. Driving at slow speeds on gravel
reduces the risk of losing traction when you
stop, accelerate or turn a corner.
When approaching large rocks, position
the vehicle so that the tires pass over the
largest obstacle. Note:
Never attempt to straddle a rock that
is large enough to strike your axles or
undercarriage.
Note: Never attempt to drive over a rock
which is large enough to contact the door
sills.
If you lose traction on your wheels facing
uphill, stop and choose a more suitable
route.
Leave a generous gap between your
vehicle and other vehicles to minimize the
risk of damage from flying gravel. Avoid
dust clouds as they reduce visibility.
Before navigating on uneven ground,
secure anything inside the vehicle. If
possible, remove any roof-rack items. Use
the lowest gear possible and approach the
obstacle at a slow speed.
If your vehicle begins to slide down a slope,
steer downhill and gently apply the
throttle. If you lose traction on your uphill
wheels, stop immediately and choose a
more suitable route.
Approach logs, rocky steps or ditches
diagonally. Keep at least three wheels on
the ground at all times.
Climbing A Hill WARNING:
Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles can make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, try to drive straight
up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, first determine
the route you can use.
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When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear. This
reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause your
vehicle to roll over. It is better to reverse
back to a safe location.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other
side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
If the vehicle is unable to make it up the
hill, do not attempt to turn back down the
slope.
Apply the accelerator just enough for the
wheels to climb the hill.
Note:
Too much acceleration can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descending A Hill:
• Use the same gear you would use to
climb the hill.
• Do not descend in neutral.
• Disengage overdrive.
• Avoid sudden and excessive braking.
Note: The front wheels have to be turning
in order to steer your vehicle.
When descending a steep hill in a manual
transmission vehicle do not leave the
vehicle in gear with the clutch depressed.
This could cause damage to your driveline.
Driving Through Water WARNING: Do not attempt to
cross a deep, fast flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. As the water depth increases, you must
reduce your vehicle speed to avoid
potential vehicle damage.
The key to a safe crossing is the water
depth, current and bottom of the water's
condition. On soft bottoms, the vehicle
sinks in, effectively increasing the water
level on the vehicle. Make sure to consider
this when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of the
current before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris may
be beneath the water
’s surface.
Note: Cross flowing water at an angle
heading slightly upstream.
Note: You should tread lightly and avoid
damage to the environment.
Drive slow when crossing water. Proceed
with a constant slow speed lightly pressing
on the accelerator.
Drive through the water very slowly when
entering, then build up momentum. Keep
your vehicle moving at a steady pace.
Note: Do not try to accelerate through the
water crossing.
When driving too fast in water or through
deep water, the engine, transmission,
transfer case, axles, electrical components
or vehicle interior could ingest water. Water
can cause permanent damage that may
not be covered by your vehicle warranty.
See
Driving Through Water Limitations
(page 246).
Note: Failure to follow the recommended
speeds can result in vehicle damage.
Never stop or shut a vehicle off when
crossing deep water unless your vehicle
ingested water into the engine air intake.
If the engine stalls, do not attempt to
restart it.
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Ease off the accelerator as you reach the
other side to diminish the front wave. Apply
the accelerator slowly and as necessary
to climb out of the other side.
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling
system effectiveness by depositing debris
into the radiator.
Extra care must be taken crossing any type
of water. Do not drive into water unless
necessary. You should only drive through
areas that are designated and approved.
High currents even in shallow water can
wash the dirt out from around your tires or
push your vehicle across slippery rocks or
surfaces.
Never attempt to cross flowing water that
is deeper than your vehicles ground
clearance. Even in low currents your
vehicles body surface area can be pushed
downstream and out of control.
Do not cross any body of water that is fast
flowing and rising, wait for the flow rate to
reduce.
Determine exit points that are downstream
of your entry point to allow for drifting.
If there are other vehicles ahead, wait until
they
’ve left the water. Unsettled water can
make a safe passage more challenging.
Know your vehicle ’s abilities and be able
to recover it if something goes wrong.
Keep the doors fully closed during a water
crossing.
Vehicles used to traverse water regularly
should be periodically inspected for signs
of water ingestion in all of the vehicle's
fluids. If water is found inside your vehicle
fluids, service your vehicle or see an
authorized dealer.
After driving through water and as soon as
it is safe to do so, check the brakes, horn,
lights, and steering wheel to make sure
everything is still in working order. Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearance
in mind and pick a route that minimizes the
risk of catching the underside of the vehicle
on an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Recovery hooks are mounted to the
vehicle's structure and are used to pull out
the vehicle from a surface or location when
stuck. Recover your vehicle using various
towing apparatus attached to your
recovery hook such as winch, open hook,
or strap.
Note: Do not use recovery hooks to
recreationally tow your vehicle. See Towing
the Vehicle on Four Wheels
(page 240).
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you may rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle call
roadside assistance. See
Roadside
Assistance (page 250).
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Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,
Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attempting
to cross any obstacle. Review the obstacle
from outside the vehicle for an
understanding of the terrain condition in
front of and behind the obstacle. Approach
obstacles slowly and inch the vehicle over.
Ditches and washouts should be crossed
at a 45 degree angle when possible.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attempting
to cross any obstacle. Review the obstacle
from outside the vehicle for an
understanding of the terrain condition in
front of and behind the obstacle.
Approach obstacles slowly and inch the
vehicle over, approaching at a 15 degree
angle.
Note:
It is best to have a front tire on top of
the log when the other begins to climb over.
If a large obstacle near the log such as a
rock cannot be avoided, choose a path that
places the rock directly under the tire
rather than the undercarriage of the
vehicle. This helps prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Driving Through Water Limitations Maximum Wading
Depth
Model
17.7 in (450 mm)
Base
23.6 in (600 mm)
Badlands
When you are driving though water do not
exceed 4 mph (7 km/h). Off-Road Driving Aids
Selecting an Off-Road Drive Mode
Using the appropriate drive mode increases
your vehicle's control.
See What Is Drive
Mode Control (page 223).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 180 degree camera to enhance
your off-road experience. See 180 Degree
Camera
(page 191).
Using Four-Wheel Drive Lock
Increases four wheel drive performance by
preventing the front and rear axles from
disconnecting. You can activate and
deactivate the four wheel drive lock on the
fly. See
Using Four-Wheel Drive (page
172).
Using Rear Differential Lock
The rear differential lock provides
additional traction to your vehicle when
stuck.
You can activate and deactivate the rear
differential lock on the fly within the
operating speed range.
The rear differential locker disengages
when the vehicle speed exceeds a set
value and it re-engages when the vehicle
speed goes below a set value. See
Using
Four-Wheel Drive (page 172).
Using Trail Control
The system works in a similar manner to
cruise control in off-road conditions. Trail
Control provides you the ability to
maneuver the vehicle without using the
throttle and brake pedals.
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Trail Control allows you to set a speed
between 1 mph (1.6 km/h) to 14 mph
(23 km/h) in a forward motion and 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) to 5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse.
The system controls acceleration and
braking in difficult off-road environments,
which allows you to focus on steering. See
What Is Trail Control
(page 184).
Trail Control Performance:
• Manages wheel slip to maximize
traction.
• Removes the need for you to use both
feet when driving in off-road situations.
• Provides braking to maximize traction
in descents.
• Gives you confidence in difficult
environments.
After Driving Your Vehicle Off-
Road WARNING:
After off-road use,
before returning to the road, check the
wheels and tires for damage. Off-road
use may cause damage to your wheels
and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Driving off-road places more stress on your
vehicle than most on-road driving. After
driving off-road, check for damage to the
wheels, chassis and underbody.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by
checking tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
Inspect the tires for any cuts in the tread
or sidewall area. Also inspect the sidewall
for any bulge indicating damage to the tire.
Make sure that tires are inflated to proper
tire pressure as indicated on the tire
placard. Check the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as needed.
Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard or hide
damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, and
propeller shafts.
Make sure that the grille and radiator are
clear of any obstructions that may affect
cooling.
After extended operation in mud, sand,
water, or similar dirty conditions, inspect
the wipers and washers to make sure they
are working.
Note:
Mud caked windows are hard to see
through and can damage wiper blades or
motor.
Check wipers for debris or anything that
may scratch the windshield.
If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material.
Impacted material can cause vibrations
when driving and wheel imbalance.
Remove the material to reduce the
vibration.
Note: If you have removed the impacted
material from the wheels and your vehicle
still has a vibration check your vehicle for
damage or see an authorized dealer.
Inspect the exhaust system for damage or
looseness.
Make sure that the brakes are in proper
working order and free of any mud, stones
and debris, which can become trapped
around the brake rotor, backing plate and
caliper.
Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, or
other damage.
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If you need to have your vehicle towed,
contact a professional towing service or,
if you are a member of a roadside
assistance program, your roadside
assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment to tow your
vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. We do
not approve a slingbelt towing procedure.
Vehicle damage could occur if towed
incorrectly, or by any other means.
We produce a towing manual for all
authorized tow truck operators. Have your
tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for
your vehicle.
Towing an all-wheel or four-wheel drive
vehicle requires that all wheels be off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. This prevents
damage to the transmission, all-wheel or
four-wheel drive system and vehicle.
TOWING POINTS (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle comes equipped with fixed
front recovery hooks. These hooks should
never have a load applied to them greater
than the gross vehicle weight rating of your
vehicle.
Note: When recovering your vehicle, we
recommend using both front hooks when
possible to minimize damage to the vehicle.
Before using recovery hooks:
• Make sure all attaching points are
secure and capable of withstanding
the applied load.
• Never use chains, cables or tow straps
with metal hook ends.
• Only use recovery straps that have a
minimum breaking strength two to
three times the gross vehicle weight of
the stuck vehicle. •
Make sure the recovery strap is in good
condition and free of visible cuts, tears
or damage.
• Use a damper device such as a tarp,
heavy blanket or piece of carpet
draped over the recovery strap to help
absorb the energy in the event the
strap breaks.
• Make sure the stuck vehicle is not
loaded heavier than its gross vehicle
weight rating specified on the
certification label.
• Always align the tow vehicle and stuck
vehicle in a straight line within 10
degrees.
• Keep bystanders to the
sides of the
vehicle, at a distance of at least twice
the length of the recovery strap. This
helps avoid injury from the hazard of a
recovery hook or strap breaking, or a
vehicle lurching into their path.
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Protected Component
Fuse
Rating
Fuse
Location
Heated steering wheel.
15 A
35
Not used.
—
36
Horn.
20 A
37
Blower motor.
40 A
38
Not used.
—
39
Brake on-off switch.
10 A
40
Amplifier.
20 A
41
Driver power seat.
30 A
42
Anti-lock brake system valves.
40 A
43
Trailer tow module.
40 A
44
Passenger power seat.
30 A
45
Not used.
—
46
Heated seats.
20 A
47
Not used.
—
48
Anti-lock brake system pump.
60 A
49
Cooling fan.
60 A
50
Moonroof.
30 A
51
USB smart charger.
5 A
52
Not used.
—
53
Not used.
—
54
Not used.
—
55
A/C clutch.
10 A
56
Flood light.
5 A
57
Not used.
—
58
Body control module.
40 A
59
USB smart charger.
5 A
60
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