Note:   Please review important information regarding the safe operation of this type of vehicle.   See   General Information
Note:   Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and could damage drive components. Using 4H and 4L mode is only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these surfaces may produce some noise, such as occasional clunks, but does not damage drive components.
Note:   If 4L mode is selected when your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h), the four-wheel drive system does not perform a shift. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
4X4 Indicator Lights
4X2
2H Icon  Momentarily illuminates when 2H is selected.
4X4 AUTO
4A Icon  Continuously illuminates when 4A is selected.
4X4 HIGH
4H Icon  Continuously illuminates when 4H is selected.
4X4 LOW
4L Icon  Continuously illuminates when 4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4
Non Emission Powetrain Fault  Displays when a 4X4 system fault is present.
Note:   When a 4X4 system fault is present, the system typically remains in whichever four-wheel drive mode was selected prior to the fault condition occurring. It does not necessarily default to 4X2. When this warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
4WD Switch Selections
WARNING   WARNING:  Vehicles with a higher center of gravity (utility and four-wheel drive vehicles) handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity (passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt steering in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Your 4X4 control is in one of the following locations:
  • On the instrument panel.
  • On the drive mode selection switch.
Note:   If your vehicle has AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, the system automatically turns off the stability enhancement feature when you shift the four-wheel drive system into 4L - 4X4 LOW. You can manually turn the system off by pressing the AdvanceTrac button.   See   Using Traction Control.  This turns off the engine management feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced momentum through the obstacle. The brake traction enhancement feature is still turned on.
Note:   The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the transfer case clutch and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary.
Note:   Four-wheel drive mode availability is based on drive mode selection.  See   Drive Control
Note:   The information display may show messages during four-wheel drive operation.  See   Information Messages
2H - 4X2
Delivers power to the rear wheels only. The information display momentarily shows 2H when this mode is selected. This mode is appropriate for normal on-road driving on dry pavement and provides the best fuel economy.
Note:   This may turn on or off automatically based on drive mode selection.   See   Drive Control
4A - 4X4 AUTO
Provides electronic controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. When you select this mode, the information display shows 4A. The system continuously monitors road conditions, driver input as well as other vehicle sensors and optimizes the system's behavior based on drive mode selection.
Note:   On vehicles with a rotary drive mode switch, 4A should remain on in Mud/Rut and Sand but with aggressive tuning, which provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to front and rear wheels, the same as traditional 4H.
Note:   This may turn on or off automatically based on drive mode selection.   See   Drive Control
4H - 4X4 HIGH
Provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to the front and rear wheels. When you select this mode, the information display shows 4H. This mode is not recommended for use on dry pavement. This mode is only intended for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand.
Note:   This may turn on or off automatically based on drive mode selection. In configurations with a rotary drive mode switch, 4H functionality is within the Mud/Rut and Sand drive modes even when the indicator lamp shows 4A.   See   Drive Control
4L - 4X4 LOW
Provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep slopes, or pulling heavy objects. Using 4L - 4X4 low does not engage when your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h). This is normal and is no reason for concern.
Note:   This may turn off automatically based on drive mode selection.   See   Drive Control
Shifting Between Four-Wheel Drive System Modes
You can change between 2H to 4A or 4H at a stop or when driving. The information display may show a message indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress and the LED light for the selected mode flashes. Once the shift is complete, the information display shows the system mode selected and the LED light for the selected mode turns solid.
Note:   Momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal when a shift in progress message displays improves engagement and disengagement performance.
Note:   Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note:   Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages. This is normal.
Shifting To or From 4L - 4X4 LOW
  1. Bring the vehicle to a rolling speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
  1. Place the gearshift in neutral (N).
  1. Move the four-wheel drive switch to the desired mode.
The information display shows a message indicating a 4X4 shift is in progress. The information display then shows the selected system mode. If any of the previous shift conditions are not present, the shift does not occur and the information display shows information guiding you through the proper shifting procedures. If the above conditions are not satisfied within 30 seconds, the system reverts to the previous drive mode.
If shift delayed pull forward is displayed in the information display, a transfer case gear tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this condition, place the transmission in a forward gear, move the vehicle forward approximately 5 ft (2 m), and shift the transmission back to neutral (N) to allow the transfer case to complete the range shift.
Note:   Using 4L mode is not intended to be used on dry pavement.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles With Spare or Mismatched Tires
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size of the spare tire can affect the four-wheel drive system. If there is a significant difference between the size of the spare tire and the remaining tires, you may have limited four-wheel drive functionality.
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly, it is recommended that you do not:
  • Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with a four-wheel drive mode turned on.
  • Turn on a four-wheel drive mode unless the vehicle is stationary.
  • Use a four-wheel drive mode on dry pavement.
Use of a dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly may lead to impairment of the following:
  • Comfort and noise.
  • Winter weather driving capability.
  • Wet driving capability.
  • Four-wheel drive capability.
How Your Vehicle Differs From Other Vehicles
WARNING   WARNING:  Vehicles with a higher center of gravity (utility and four-wheel drive vehicles) handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity (passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt steering in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car.
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.
The transfer case supplies power to all four wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select different four-wheel drive modes when necessary.
Four-wheel drive, when you select a 4X4 mode, uses all four wheels to power your 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 your 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 that can become damaged, due to reduced ground clearance, when taking your vehicle off-road. You can remove this air dam by removing the eight bolts that secure it.
Basic Operating Principles
  • Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle.
  • Proceed with care when driving your vehicle on surfaces made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
  • Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components. Use 4H or 4L modes only for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your vehicle speed and avoid severe braking. When your vehicle speed decreases, ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do not turn the steering wheel sharply when returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of the road and slow down gradually before returning to the road. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects, such as freeway reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a sudden return to the road which could cause your vehicle to slide sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency where a sudden sharp turn must be made, remember to avoid over-driving your vehicle, for example, turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering can result in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal when changes in vehicle speed are required. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration and braking. This could result in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle control and personal injury. Use all of the available road surface to bring your vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of surface to another, such as, from concrete to gravel, there is a change in the way your vehicle responds to a maneuver, for example, steering, acceleration or braking.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Low gear operation maximizes the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this causes vehicle momentum to work against you and your vehicle could become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
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.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake capability could be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth and avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves by applying light pressure to the brake pedal when slowly moving.
Note:   Driving through deep water could damage the transmission. If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant should be checked and changed if necessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:   Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills as there is the possibility of losing traction, slipping sideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you want to use.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.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. 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 vehicle roll over. It is better to reverse back to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power can cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Off Road Slippery
Descend a hill in the same gear you would use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive brake application and brake overheating. Do not descend in neutral. Disengage overdrive or move the transmission selector lever to a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking as you could lose control. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING   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. Should you start to slide 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. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although a four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it does not stop any faster as braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not pump the brake pedal.   See   Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
Note:   Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow
WARNING   WARNING:  Do not spin the wheels at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

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 lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:   Do not rock your vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission could occur.
Note:   Do not rock your vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires could occur or the engine may overheat.
Parking
WARNING   WARNING:  If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING   WARNING:  Always fully apply the parking brake and make sure you shift into park (P). Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

On some four-wheel drive vehicles, when the transfer case is in the neutral (N) position, the engine and transmission disconnect from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, your vehicle is free to roll even if it is parked. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the neutral (N) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving your vehicle.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you do not make modifications such as adding or removing parts, for example, lift kits or stabilizer bars, or by using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
We recommend that you use caution when your vehicle has either a high load or device, such as ladders or luggage racks. Any modifications to your vehicle that raise the center of gravity could cause your vehicle to roll over when there is a loss of vehicle control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly could void the warranty, increase your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities and adversely affect you and your passenger's safety. We recommend you frequently inspect your vehicle's chassis components when your vehicle is subject to off-road usage.