
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes of thesteering wheel.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
Either know the terrain or examine mapsof the area before driving. Map out yourroute before driving in the area. Tomaintain steering and braking control ofyour vehicle, have all four wheels on theground and they need to be rolling, notsliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck andUtility Vehicles
Note:Your vehicle may have a front airdam. 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.
We design four-wheel drive vehicles fordriving on sand, snow, mud and roughterrain and they have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, bothon and off the road.
The transfer case supplies power to all fourwheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, thetransfer case allows you to select different4WD modes when necessary. Becomethoroughly familiar with this informationbefore you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels topower your vehicle. This increases traction,enabling you to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice, proceed with care.
•Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear andcould damage drive components. Use4H or 4L modes for consistentlyslippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.When your vehicle speed decreases, easeyour vehicle back onto the road. Do notsharply turn the steering wheel whenreturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder ofthe road and gradually slow down beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you toosharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the road whichcould cause your vehicle to slide sidewaysout of control or roll over. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others should beyour primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere you must make a sudden sharp turn,remember to avoid over-driving yourvehicle and turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as required to avoid theemergency. Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smoothpressure to the accelerator pedal or brakepedal when you require changes in vehicle
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•Shifting the transmission to neutral andback to drive.
•Shifting the transmission to reverseand back to drive.
•Driving the vehicle around a tight turnat a slow speed.
Driving in Special Conditions withFour-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable fordriving on sand, snow, mud and roughroads and have operating characteristicsthat are somewhat different fromconventional vehicles, both on and off thefreeway.
When driving at slow speeds off road underhigh load conditions, use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation maximizesthe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Basic Operating Principles
When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,snow or ice, proceed with care.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Shift to a lower gear and drive steadilythrough the terrain. Apply the acceleratorslowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This can causethe system to overheat.
To resume operation, switch the ignitionoff and allow the system to cool down fora minimum of 15 minutes.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operationmaximizes the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, thiscauses vehicle momentum to work againstyou and your vehicle could become stuckto the point that you could requireassistance from another vehicle.Remember, you may be able to back outthe way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you 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.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Water may limit traction or brakecapability.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle could stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wetbrakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying improvesby applying light pressure to the brakepedal when slowly moving.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If you submergethe front or rear axle in water, have the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantchecked, and change if necessary.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If the stability control or traction controlsystem detects a fault, the following mayoccur:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If the stability control or traction controlsystem activates, the following may occur:
•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 andyour foot is not on the brake pedal, thepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system helps to prevent your vehicleskidding or laterally sliding by individuallyapplying the brakes to one or more wheelsand, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers bydetecting your vehicle's roll motion, andindividually applying the brakes to one ormore wheels.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle's abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 178).
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Using the Terrain ManagementSystem
The terrain management system optimizesdrivability and comfort by maximizingtraction when operating on different typesof terrain.
Press the TM button on the center consoleto choose between the following modes:
Note:Changing terrain modes couldautomatically change your 4X4 setting foroptimal performance.
Normal - For on-roadconditions. Select this modebefore driving on surfaces whichare similar to a hard road surface or oncethe need for a special mode has passed.
Note:This is the default when you switchon your vehicle and whenever you select 4x2via the four-wheel drive control.
Grass/Gravel/Snow - Foroff-road conditions. Select thismode where loose or slipperymaterial such as packed snow, ice, grass,or a thin layer of gravel or sand covers afirm surface. If your vehicle cannot gaintraction in deep snow, switching off thetraction control system could help.
Note:Make sure you switch traction controlback on when you regain traction.
Mud/Ruts - For off-roadconditions. Select this mode formuddy, rutted, soft or uneventerrain.
Sand - For off-road conditions.Select this mode in soft dry sandor deep gravel. If crossing wetsand that could be sufficiently deepenough for the wheels to sink into thesurface, select Mud/Ruts mode.
Note:The Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand andMud/Ruts modes are for off-road use only.
Note:The curve control portion of theAdvanceTrac® system is unavailable whenyou select Sand or Mud/Ruts. If the systembecomes inoperable, selecting some modesmay not be possible and a messagedisplays. If it becomes inoperable due to asystem fault, all of the mode indicators onthe control turn off and one of the followingmessages appears in the informationdisplay:
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMFAULT
Switching the engine on and off may clearthe fault. If that does not work, have thesystem serviced by an authorized dealer.
MODE CHANGE NOT ACCEPTED,RETRY
This mode change cannot be made at thetime of your request. Try the mode changeagain.
Off-road Screen
You can continuously monitor thereal-time status of your vehicle's off-roadsystems using the information display.
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When you press the accelerator pedal, youoverride the set speed and gap distance.
Use the accelerator pedalnormally to intentionally exceedthe set speed limit.
When you override the system, the greenindicator light illuminates and the vehicleimage does not appear in the informationdisplay.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or alower speed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
Press and release to increase theset speed in small increments.
Press and release to decreasethe set speed in smallincrements.
Press and hold either button to change theset speed in large increments. Release thebutton when the set speed equals thespeed you prefer.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the speed you prefer. Presseither button.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release the button ortap the brake pedal.
The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release the button.
Your vehicle speed returns to thepreviously set speed and gap setting. Theset speed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehiclespeeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). Theinformation display indicates low enginespeed, an audible alarm sounds and theautomatic braking releases if the vehicledrops below this speed.
Automatic cancellation can also occurwhen:
•The tires lose traction.
•You apply the parking brake.
Note:If the engine speed drops too low, anaudible warning sounds and a messageappears in the information display.Automatic braking releases.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes foran extended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system normallyfunctions again when the brakes havecooled.
Select a lower gear during prolongeddownhill driving on steep slopes, such asmountainous areas, when the system isactive. In such situations, the system needsadditional engine braking to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent the brakes from overheating.
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Switching Adaptive Cruise ControlOff
Press and release the buttonwhen the system is in standbymode, or switch the ignition off.
Note:You erase the set speed and gapsetting when you switch the system off.
Detection Issues
WARNING: On rare occasions,detection issues can occur due to theroad infrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In thesecases, the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening,if required.
WARNING: If the systemmalfunctions, have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.It may not detect vehicles at all or detecta vehicle later than expected in somesituations. The lead vehicle graphic doesnot illuminate if the system does notdetect a vehicle in front of you.
Detection issues can occur:
When driving on a different linethan the vehicle in front.A
With vehicles that edge into yourlane. The system can only detectthese vehicles once they movefully into your lane.
B
There may be issues with thedetection of vehicles in frontwhen driving into and coming outof a bend or curve in the road.
C
In these cases, the system may brake lateor unexpectedly. You should stay alert andtake action when necessary.
If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs, theradar-sensing zone may change. This couldcause missed or false vehicle detection.
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Possible Causes and Actions for This Message Displaying:
ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc-tion.
The surface of the radar is dirty orobstructed.
Wait a short time. It may take severalminutes for the radar to detect that it is freefrom obstruction.
The surface of the radar is clean but themessage remains in the display.
Do not use the system in these conditionsbecause it may not detect any vehiclesahead.
Heavy rain or snow is interfering with theradar signals.
Do not use the system in these conditionsbecause it may not detect any vehiclesahead.
Water, snow or ice on the surface of theroad may interfere with the radar signals.
Wait a short time or switch to normal cruisecontrol.You are in a desert or remote area with noother vehicles and no roadside objects.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage warning with noactual block. A false blocked condition either self clears, or clears after you restart yourvehicle.
Switching to Normal CruiseControl
WARNING: Normal cruise controlwill not brake when your vehicle isapproaching slower vehicles. Always beaware of which mode you have selectedand apply the brakes when necessary.
The cruise control indicator lightreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator light if youselect normal cruise control. The gapsetting does not display, and the systemdoes not respond to lead vehicles.Automatic braking remains active tomaintain set speed.
You can change from adaptive cruisecontrol to normal cruise control throughthe information display. See GeneralInformation (page 96).
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
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System Warnings
Note:The system does not issue warningsbelow approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).
The warning system has two stages. First,the system issues a temporary warningthat you need to take a rest. This messageonly appears for a short time. If the systemdetects further reduction in drivingalertness, it may issue another warningthat remains in the information display fora longer time. You can press OK on thesteering wheel control to clear the warning.
System Display
When active, the system runsautomatically in the background and onlyissues a warning if required. You can viewthe status at any time using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 96).
The alertness level is shown by six stepsin a colored bar.
The current assessment of your alertnessis within a typical range.
The current assessment of your alertnessindicates that you should rest as soon assafely possible.
The status bar travels from left to right asthe calculated alertness level decreases.As the meter approaches the rest icon, thecolor turns from green to yellow to red.
The yellow position indicates the firstwarning is active and the red positionindicates the second warning is active.
Note:If you have recently received awarning, you should consider resting, evenif the current assessment is within thetypical range.
Note:If the camera sensor cannot track theroad lane markings, or if your vehicle speeddrops below approximately 40 mph(64 km/h), the alertness level changes togrey for a short time and the informationdisplay informs you that the system isunavailable.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Always drive with duecare and attention when using andoperating the controls and features onyour vehicle.
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