Always maintain steering wheel control,
especially in rough terrain. Since sudden
changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip
the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the area.
To maintain steering and braking control of
your vehicle, you must have all four wheels
on the ground and they must be rolling, not
sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road with Truck and Utility
Vehicles
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through
a transfer case. On four-wheel drive vehicles,
the transfer case allows you to utilize
different four-wheel drive modes when
necessary.
Four-wheel drive, when you select a
4X4-capable drive mode uses all four wheels
to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive when
the vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and is not a cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may have a front air dam.
Due to low ground clearance, you can
damage it when taking your vehicle off-road.
You can take the air dam off by removing
the bolts that secure it. Basic Operating Principles
•
Do not use slippery, deep conditions, or
slow climb, on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Doing so produces excessive noise,
increases tire wear and may damage
drive components. The four-wheel drive
system in these modes is only intended
for consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made 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 your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply when
returning your vehicle to the road.
236
Navigator (TB9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
