FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
Transfer Case Operating Information/Precautions
The electronic-shift transfer case is operated by the transfer case switch, which is located on the instrument panel.
Transfer Case Switch
The transfer case provides four mode positions: • Two-wheel drive high range (2WD) • Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK) • Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW) • Neutral (N) The transfer case is designed to be driven in the two- wheel drive position (2WD) for normal street and high- way conditions on dry hard-surfaced roads. When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by turning the transfer case switch to the desired position - Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for further information. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are designed for loose or slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW posi- tions on dry hard-surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
NOTE: The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected by pressing the recessed button located on the lower left-hand corner of the transfer case switch. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and 4LOW) are located on the instrument cluster. If there is no indicator light on or flashing, the transfer case is in two-wheel drive (2WD). If the indicator light is on, the desired position (4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW) has been obtained.
If one or more shift requirements are not met:
1. An indicator light will flash. 2. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn the transfer case switch back to the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require- ments, refer to the Shifting Procedure for further information. The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electronic shift four-wheel drive system. If this light remains on after engine start-up or illuminates during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive system is not function- ing properly and that service is required.
WARNING! Always engage the parking brake when powering down the vehicle if the “SVC 4WD Warning Light” is illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. The transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer case. When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or 4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the transfer case. Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING! You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move regardless of the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position, refer to the following infor- mation:
2WD
Rear-Wheel Drive High — This range is used for normal street and highway driving on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel Drive Lock — This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional traction for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low — This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
N
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain, and is used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Shifting Procedure NOTE: If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case will not shift, the indicator light for the previous position will remain ON, and the newly-selected position indica- tor light will continue to flash until all the requirements for the selected position have been met. To retry a shift: return the transfer case switch back to the original position, make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait five seconds, and try the shift again.
2WD-to-4WD LOCK or 4WD LOCK-to-2WD
Turn the transfer case switch to the desired position. Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with the vehicle stopped, or in motion. With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turn- ing the transfer case switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition key must be in the ON position with the engine either running or OFF. This shift cannot be completed if the key is in the ACC position.
NOTE: On vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake Systems, the four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts between 2WD/ 4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation, the selected position indicator light will flash and the original posi- tion indicator light will remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to 10 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have stopped spinning.
4WD LOCK-to-4WD LOW or 4WD LOW-to-4WD LOCK NOTE: When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, some gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental to the vehicle or occupants. Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), or completely stopped. USE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). 2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 3. While still rolling, turn the transfer case switch to the desired position. 4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop. 2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 3. Turn the transfer case switch to the desired position. 4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:
• If Steps 1 or 2 of the Preferred or Alternate Procedure
are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift, or if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is in process, then the indicator light will flash and the current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry the selection, turn the transfer case switch back to the current position, wait five seconds, and retry shift.
• The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON, then the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
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