Look ahead on your route noting upcomingobstacles, surface texture or color changesor any other factors which may indicate achange in available traction. Adjust thevehicle speed and route to avoid a loss intraction. Conditions can change causingthe course to vary day to day. Markobstacles with GPS markers to avoidpotential vehicle damage. Wherenecessary, get out of your vehicle andcheck the terrain.
When driving off-road, if the front or rearsuspension is bottoming-out or excessivecontact with the skid-plates is happening,reduce the vehicle's speed to avoidpotential damage to your vehicle.
If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure toleave ample distance between your vehicleand any other vehicles to allow foradequate vision.
When driving off-road verify that yourwipers and washers are working properlyand reduce your speed for better visibility.
When driving in desert conditions, werecommend driving with your headlampson to help other drivers easily see you.
When convoying with other vehicles, werecommend that communication is used,and the lead vehicle notify other vehiclesof upcoming obstacles.
Keep available ground clearance in mindand pick a route that minimizes the risk ofcatching the underside of the vehicle onan obstacle.
When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure in conjunctionwith the throttle allows you to negotiatethe obstacle in a more controlled manner.
Driving off-road requires a high amount ofconcentration. Even if your local law doesnot prohibit drinking alcohol when drivingoff-road we do not recommend it.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Driving In Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle. Ifyour vehicle slides when driving on snowyor icy roads, turn the steering wheel in thedirection of the slide until you regaincontrol. Avoid sudden applications ofpower and quick changes of direction onsnow and ice. Slowly and steadily applythe accelerator when starting from a fullstop. Avoid sudden braking.
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehiclesfor stopping.
In emergency stopping situations, do notpump the brake pedal, apply the brakefirmly.
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Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Drive through the terrain without varyingvehicle speed. Apply the accelerator andavoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high ambient temperatures, use low(L) mode, or shift to a lower gear whenpossible. Select Low (L) mode or select alower gear to maximize the engine andtransmission cooling capability. SeeTransmission (page 182).
Use the vehicle's momentum to maintainforward motion in sand. Avoid coming toa stop on steep sand slopes as the vehiclemay not be able to continue forward afterit stops.
Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud.
Even four-wheel drive vehicles can losetraction in slick mud. If your vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Note:The vehicle brakes are less effectivewhen wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Gravel is a constantly changing, low-gripsurface. Driving at slow speeds on gravelreduces the risk of losing traction when youstop, accelerate or turn a corner.
When approaching large rocks, positionthe vehicle so that the tires pass over thelargest obstacle.
Note:Never attempt to straddle a rock thatis large enough to strike your axles orundercarriage.
Note:Never attempt to drive over a rockwhich is large enough to contact the doorsills.
If you lose traction on your wheels facinguphill, stop and choose a more suitableroute.
Leave a generous gap between yourvehicle and other vehicles to minimize therisk of damage from flying gravel. Avoiddust clouds as they reduce visibility.
Before navigating on uneven ground,secure anything inside the vehicle. Ifpossible, remove any roof-rack items. Usethe lowest gear possible and approach theobstacle at a slow speed.
If your vehicle begins to slide down a slope,steer downhill and gently apply thethrottle. If you lose traction on your uphillwheels, stop immediately and choose amore suitable route.
Approach logs, rocky steps or ditchesdiagonally. Keep at least three wheels onthe ground at all times.
Climbing A Hill
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles can make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, try to drive straightup or straight down.
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, first determinethe route you can use.
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Ease off the accelerator as you reach theother side to diminish the front wave. Applythe accelerator slowly and as necessaryto climb out of the other side.
Muddy waters can reduce the coolingsystem effectiveness by depositing debrisinto the radiator.
Take extra care when crossing any type ofwater. Do not drive into water unlessnecessary. Only drive through designatedand approved areas.
High currents even in shallow water canwash the dirt out from around your tires orpush your vehicle across slippery rocks orsurfaces.
Never attempt to cross flowing water thatis deeper than your vehicle's groundclearance. Even low currents can push yourvehicle's body surface area downstreamand out of control.
Do not cross any body of water that is fastflowing and rising. Wait for the flow rateto reduce.
Determine exit points that are downstreamof your entry point to allow for drifting.
If there are other vehicles ahead, wait untilthey have left the water. Unsettled watercan make a safe passage morechallenging.
Know your vehicle’s abilities and be ableto recover it if something goes wrong.
Keep the doors fully closed during a watercrossing.
Periodically inspect vehicles used totraverse water regularly for signs of wateringestion in all of the vehicle's fluids. If youfind water inside your vehicle fluids, serviceyour vehicle or see an authorized dealer.
After driving through water and as soon asit is safe to do so, check the brakes, horn,lights, and steering wheel to make sureeverything is still in working order.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearancein mind and pick a route that minimizes therisk of catching the underside of the vehicleon an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
The vehicle has recovery hooks on theframe which you can use to pull out thevehicle from a surface of location whenstuck.
Note:Do not use recovery hooks torecreationally tow your vehicle. See Towingthe Vehicle on Four Wheels (page 258).
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Pressthe accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute or damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine may overheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle, callroadside assistance. See RoadsideAssistance (page 269).
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Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle. Review the obstaclefrom outside the vehicle for anunderstanding of the terrain condition infront of and behind the obstacle. Approachobstacles slowly and inch the vehicle over.Cross ditches and washouts at a 45 degreeangle when possible.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle. Review the obstaclefrom outside the vehicle for anunderstanding of the terrain condition infront of and behind the obstacle.
Approach obstacles slowly and inch thevehicle over, approaching at a 15 degreeangle.
Note:It is best to have a front tire on top ofthe log when the others begin to climb over.
If you cannot avoid a large obstacle nearthe log such as a rock, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This helps prevent damage to thevehicle.
DRIVING THROUGH WATERLIMITATIONS
Maximum WadingDepthModel
17.7 in (450 mm)Base, Big Bend,Outer Banks,Heritage
23.6 in (600 mm)Badlands, HeritageLimited
When you are driving though water do notexceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS
Selecting an Off-Road Drive Mode
Using the appropriate drive mode increasesyour vehicle's control. See What IsG.O.A.T. Mode Control (page 241).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 180 degree camera to enhanceyour off-road experience. See 180 DegreeCamera (page 208).
Using Four-Wheel Drive Lock
Increases four wheel drive performance bypreventing the front and rear axles fromdisconnecting. You can activate anddeactivate the four wheel drive lock on thefly. See Using Four-Wheel Drive (page189).
Using Rear Differential Lock
The rear differential lock feature providesadditional traction when the terrain issteep, is loose, or your vehicle is stuck.
You can activate and deactivate the reardifferential lock on the fly within theoperating speed range.
The rear differential locker disengageswhen the vehicle speed exceeds a setvalue and it re-engages when the vehiclespeed goes below a set value. See UsingFour-Wheel Drive (page 189).
Using Trail Control
The system works in a similar manner tocruise control in off-road conditions. TrailControl provides you the ability tomaneuver the vehicle without using thethrottle and brake pedals.
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POST-CRASH ALERT SYSTEM
The system flashes the direction indicatorsand sounds the horn (intermittently) in theevent of a serious impact that deploys anairbag (front, side, side curtain or SafetyCanopy) or the seatbelt pretensioners.
The horn and indicators turn off when:
•You press the hazard control button.
•You press the panic button on theremote entry transmitter (if equipped).
•Your vehicle runs out of power.
•Sounding of the horn is only enabledin specific markets.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. We donot approve a slingbelt towing procedure.Vehicle damage could occur if towedincorrectly, or by any other means.
We produce a towing manual for allauthorized tow truck operators. Have yourtow truck operator refer to this manual forproper hook-up and towing procedures foryour vehicle.
Towing an all-wheel or four-wheel drivevehicle requires that all wheels be off theground, such as using a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment. This preventsdamage to the transmission, all-wheel orfour-wheel drive system and vehicle.
TOWING POINTS - 1.5L
ECOBOOST™
Accessing the Towing Point (If
Equipped)
1.Using a suitable tool, such as ascrewdriver, pull from the top edge ofthe towing eye cover.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Use only approved wheel and tire sizes.Using other sizes could damage yourvehicle. If you change the diameter of thetires from what is fitted at the factory, thespeedometer may not display the correctspeed. If you intend to change the size ofthe wheels from what was fitted by themanufacturer, you can check the suitabilitywith your dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found later in this chapter. See TireCare (page 313).
You can find the recommended tireinflation pressures on the Tire Label, whichis on the B-pillar or the edge of the driverdoor. You can also find this information onthe Safety Compliance Certification Label,affixed to either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
We strongly recommend maintaining thesetire pressures at all times. Failure to followthe tire pressure recommendations cancause uneven treadwear patterns, reducedfuel economy, and adversely affect theway your vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at leastonce per month.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, set thepressure to the highest value given for yourvehicle and tire size combination.
Notice to Utility Vehicle and TruckOwners
WARNING: Utility vehicles have asignificantly higher rollover rate thanother types of vehicles.
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, anunbelted person is significantly morelikely to die than a person wearing aseatbelt.
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Utility vehicles and trucks handledifferently than passenger cars in thevarious driving conditions that areencountered on streets, highways andoff-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are notdesigned for cornering at speeds as highas passenger cars any more than low-slungsports cars are designed to performsatisfactorily under off-road conditions.
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Study your owner's manual and anysupplements for specific information aboutequipment features, instructions for safedriving and additional precautions toreduce the risk of an accident or seriousinjury.
Four-Wheel Drive System (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
A vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive,when selected, has the ability to use allfour wheels to power itself. This increasestraction which can enable you to safelydrive over terrain and road conditions thata conventional two-wheel drive vehiclecannot.
On some four-wheel drive vehicles, theinitial shift from two-wheel to four-wheeldrive when the vehicle is moving can causea momentary clunk and ratcheting sound.These sounds are normal and are notcause for concern.
In four-wheel drive vehicles, the size of thespare tire relative to the remaining tires canhave an effect on the four-wheel drivesystem. If there is a significant differencebetween the size of a spare and theremaining tires, four-wheel drivefunctionality could be limited or disabled.
Note:The spare tire is only intended to beused in emergency situations. Replace theroad wheel as soon as possible as extendeduse of a spare wheel can result in vehiclewear. Ensure all four tires are matching inmanufacturer, size, and wear.
How Your Vehicle Differs fromOther Vehicles
Sport utility vehicles and trucks can differfrom some other vehicles in a fewnoticeable ways. Your vehicle can be:
•Higher - to allow higher load carryingcapacity and to allow it to travel overrough terrain without getting stuck ordamaging underbody components.
•Shorter - to give it the capability toapproach inclines and drive over thecrest of a hill without getting stuck ordamaging underbody components. Ashorter wheelbase can make yourvehicle quicker to respond to steeringinputs than a vehicle with a longerwheelbase.
•Narrower - to provide greatermaneuverability in tight spaces,particularly in off-road use.
As a result of the above dimensionaldifferences, sport utility vehicles and trucksoften have a higher center of gravity and agreater difference in center of gravitybetween the loaded and unloadedcondition. These differences that makeyour vehicle so versatile, also make ithandle differently than an ordinarypassenger car.
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Speed ratingLetterrating
168 mph (270 km/h)W
186 mph (299 km/h)Y
Note:For tires with a maximum
speed capability over 149 mph
(240 km/h), tire manufacturers
sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed
capability over 186 mph (299
km/h), tire manufacturers always
use the letters ZR.
H.U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber (TIN): This begins withthe letters DOT and indicates thatthe tire meets all federalstandards. The next two numbersor letters are the plant codedesignating where it wasmanufactured, the next two arethe tire size code and the last fournumbers represent the week andyear the tire was built. Forexample, the numbers 317 meanthe 31st week of 1997. After 2000,the numbers go to four digits. Forexample, 2501 means the 25thweek of 2001. The numbers inbetween are identification codesused for traceability. Thisinformation is used to contactcustomers if a tire defect requiresa recall.
I.M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT: All Terrain, or
AS: All Season.
J.Tire Ply Composition andMaterial Used: Indicates thenumber of plies or the number oflayers of rubber-coated fabric inthe tire tread and sidewall. Tiremanufacturers also must indicatethe ply materials in the tire and thesidewall, which include steel,nylon, polyester, and others.
K.Maximum Load: Indicates themaximum load in kilograms andpounds that can be carried by thetire. See the Safety ComplianceCertification Label (affixed toeither the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver's seatingposition), for the correct tirepressure for your vehicle.
L.Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades:
*Treadwear The treadwear gradeis a comparative rating based onthe wear rate of the tire whentested under controlled conditionson a specified government testcourse. For example, a tire graded150 would wear one and one-halftimes as well on the governmentcourse as a tire graded 100.
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