WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake and shift the transmissioninto park (P) for automatic transmissionor first gear for manual transmission.
Trail control lets you focus on steeringduring low-speed and off-road use bycontrolling your vehicle's acceleration andbraking.
You can use trail control under thefollowing speeds:
•20 mph (31 km/h) in two-wheel orfour-wheel drive high range.
•10 mph (15 km/h) in four-wheel drivelow range.
•5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse (R).
You may hear a noise from the anti-lockbrake system pump motor when you usethe system. This is normal.
SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL
ON AND OFF
Press the button.
The system switches off if you press thebutton again or exceed 42 mph (68 km/h).
SETTING THE TRAIL CONTROL
SPEED
Note:The buttons are on the steeringwheel.
Drive to the speed you prefer.
Press the button to increase thecurrent set speed.
Press the button to decrease thecurrent set speed.
Note:The indicator changes color.
You can adjust the set speed in small orlarge increments. Press the toggle buttonupward or downward once to adjust theset speed in small increments. Press andhold the toggle button upward ordownward to adjust the set speed in largeincrements.
You can also adjust the set speed bybraking.
Note:Pressing the brake pedal does notswitch off the system.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED
Press the button.
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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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•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Before going off-roading, consult with yourlocal governmental agencies to determinedesignated off-road trails and recreationareas. Also, be sure to understand anyoff-road vehicle registration requirementsfor the area in which you plan on driving.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, abasic vehicle inspection should be done tomake sure that the vehicle is in top workingcondition.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•Grip the steering wheel with thumbson the outside of the rim. This reducesthe risk of injury due to abrupt steeringwheel motions that occur whennegotiating rough terrain. Do not gripthe steering wheel with thumbs insidethe rim.
•Look ahead on your route notingupcoming obstacles, surface textureor color changes or any other factorswhich may indicate a change inavailable traction, and adjust thevehicle speed and route accordingly.
•Always keep available groundclearance in mind and pick a route thatminimizes the risk of catching theunderside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
•When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure inconjunction with the throttle helpsprevent the vehicle from jerking andallows you to negotiate the obstaclein a more controlled manner. Using 4Lalso helps with this.
Crossing Obstacles
•Review the path ahead beforeattempting to cross any obstacle. It isbest if the obstacle is reviewed fromoutside the vehicle so that there is agood understanding of terrain conditionboth in front of and behind theobstacle.
•If a large obstacle such as a rockcannot be avoided, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This helps prevent damage toyour vehicle.
Hill Climbing
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
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•Always attempt to climb a steep hillalong the fall line of the slope and notdiagonally.
•If the vehicle is unable to make it upthe hill, DO NOT attempt to turn backdown the slope. Place the vehicle inlow range and slowly back down inreverse.
•When descending a steep slope, selectlow gear and activate hill descentcontrol. Use the throttle and brakepedals to control your descent speedas described earlier in this section usinghill descent control. Hill descent controlis functional in reverse (R) and shouldbe used in this situation.
After Off-Road Driving
It is important to complete a full vehicleinspection after off-road driving. Someitems to check include:
•Check the wheels and undercarriagefor a buildup of mud or debris, whichcan cause vehicle vibration.
•Make sure that the grille and radiatorare clear of any obstructions that mayaffect cooling.
•Make sure that the brakes are in properworking order and free of any mud,stones and debris, which can becometrapped around the brake rotor,backing plate and caliper.
•Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
•Inspect for torn or punctured boots onball joints, half shafts, steering gears.
•Inspect exhaust system for damage orlooseness.
•Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If anyare loose or damaged, tighten orreplace and make sure that you use theproper torque specification.
•Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks,or other damage.
•Clear any debris from the exhaustcomponents. For example, grass or hay.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
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)
A vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive(when selected) has the ability to use allfour wheels to power itself. This increasestraction which could enable you to safelydrive over terrain and road conditions thata conventional two-wheel drive vehiclecannot.
On some four-wheel drive models, theinitial shift from two-wheel drive tofour-wheel drive while the vehicle ismoving can cause a momentary clunk andratcheting sound. These sounds are normalas the front drivetrain comes up to speedand are not cause for concern.
Note:In four-wheel drive vehicles, the sizeof the spare tire relative to the remainingtires can have an effect on the 4x4 system'sability to engage and disengage.
Operating 4WD Vehicles with aSpare tire or Mismatched Tires
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size ofthe spare tire can affect the 4X4 system.If there is a significant difference betweenthe size of the spare tire and the remainingtires, the four-wheel drive functionality willbe limited.
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, werecommend that you do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with 4WDmode turned on.
•Turn on a 4WD mode unless thevehicle is stationary.
•Use 4WD mode on dry pavement.
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Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.They do not apply to deep tread,winter-type snow tires,space-saver or temporary usespare tires, light truck or LT typetires, tires with nominal rimdiameters of 10 to 12 inches orlimited production tires as definedin Title 49 Code of FederalRegulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department ofTransportation Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires us to giveyou the following informationabout tire grades exactly as thegovernment has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on thewear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150would wear one and one-half (1½) times as well on thegovernment course as a tiregraded 100. The relativeperformance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of theiruse, however, and could departsignificantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING: The tractiongrade assigned to this tire isbased on straight-ahead brakingtraction tests, and does notinclude acceleration, cornering,hydroplaning or peak tractioncharacteristics.
The traction grades, from highestto lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Thegrades represent the tire’s abilityto stop on wet pavement asmeasured under controlledconditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C could have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING: Thetemperature grade for this tire isestablished for a tire that isproperly inflated and notoverloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessiveloading, either separately or incombination, can cause heatbuildup and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest), B and C,representing the tire’s resistanceto the generation of heat and itsability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditionson a specified indoor laboratory
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the last four numbers representthe week and year the tire wasbuilt. For example, the numbers317 mean the 31st week of 1997.After 2000 the numbers go to fourdigits. For example, 2501 meansthe 25th week of 2001. Thenumbers in between areidentification codes used fortraceability. This information isused to contact customers if a tiredefect requires a 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 (affixed to either the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or TireLabel located on the B-pillar orthe edge of the driver's door.
L.Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades:
*Treadwear: The treadweargrade is a comparative ratingbased on the wear rate of the tirewhen tested under controlledconditions on a specifiedgovernment test course. Forexample, a tire graded 150 wouldwear 1½ times as well on thegovernment course as a tiregraded 100.
*Traction: The traction grades,from highest to lowest are AA, A,B, and C. The grades represent thetire's ability to stop on wetpavement as measured undercontrolled conditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C could have poor tractionperformance.
*Temperature: The temperaturegrades are A (the highest), B andC, representing the tire'sresistance to the generation ofheat and its ability to dissipateheat when tested under controlledconditions on a specified indoorlaboratory test wheel.
M.Maximum InflationPressure: Indicates the tiremanufacturers' maximumpermissible pressure or thepressure at which the maximumload can be carried by the tire. Thispressure is normally higher thanthe vehicle manufacturer'srecommended cold inflationpressure which can be found onthe Safety Compliance
Certification Label (affixed toeither the door hinge pillar,
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The tires on your vehicle have all-weathertreads to provide traction in rain and snow.However, in some climates, you may needto use snow tires and snow chains. If youneed to use snow chains, we recommendyou use steel wheels of the same size andspecifications, as snow chains may chipaluminum wheels.
Note:Only use snow chains on applicabletire sizes.
Only fit snow chains to the followingspecified tires:
•255/70 R16 111T.
•255/65 R17 110T.
•265/65 R17 112T.
•265/60 R18 110T.
•LT265/65 R17 109T.
•LT265/70 R17 112T.
Only use S-Class snow chains,0.6 in(15 mm) chain links.
Only use manual tensioning chains. Do notuse self-tensioning chains.
Only use snow chains in pairs on the rearaxle.
Note:The anti-lock brake system continuesto operate normally.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle.
•Install chains securely, verifying thatthe chains do not touch any wiring,brake lines, or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chainsrub or bang against your vehicle, stopand retighten the chains. If this doesnot work, remove the chains to preventdamage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when you nolonger need them. Do not use tirechains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snowchains, please contact your authorizeddealer.
Vehicles with Stability Control
When stability control is on, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics. To reduce this, switchtraction control off. See Using TractionControl (page 178).
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
WARNING: The tire pressuremonitoring system is not a substitute formanually checking tire pressures. Youshould periodically check tire pressuresusing a pressure gauge. Failure tocorrectly maintain tire pressures couldincrease the risk of tire failure, loss ofcontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Note: You should only use tire sealants inroadside emergencies as they may causedamage to the tire pressure monitoringsystem sensor.
Note: If the tire pressure monitoring systemsensor becomes damaged, it may notfunction.
Each tire, including the spare (ifprovided), should be checkedmonthly when cold and inflatedto the inflation pressure recommended bythe vehicle manufacturer on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label. (Ifyour vehicle has tires of a different sizethan the size indicated on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label, youshould determine the proper tire inflationpressure for those tires).
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