RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Two-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational towing of two-wheel drive models is not allowable. Towing the vehicle with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission damage. Re- moval of the driveshaft for towing is not recommended, since this would allow fluid to drain from the transmission.
Four-Wheel Drive Models
CAUTION!
• Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.
• The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL button is located on the lower left hand corner of the trans- fer case switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case NEUTRAL can take place with the transfer case switch in any mode position.
• Automatic transmissions must be placed in PARK position for recreational towing.
• Failure to follow these procedures can cause se- vere transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Recreational Towing Procedure
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, even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
CAUTION! It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre- ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shut the engine OFF. 3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position but do not start the engine. 4. Press the brake pedal. 5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press the transfer case NEUTRAL button for four sec- onds.
7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE. 10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement. 11. Repeat Steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in DRIVE.
12. Shut the engine OFF, and place the ignition key into the unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK.
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
15. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button, and must continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and the shift has been completed. If any of these require- ments (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met
NEUTRAL Button
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met during the four second timer, then the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button is released.
• The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION! Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans- mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in NEUTRAL and the engine running. With the transfer case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Returning to Normal Operation
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage. 1. Reconnect the negative battery cable. 2. The vehicle must be at a complete stop. 3. Place the ignition key in the OFF position (if it has been moved or the engine has been started). 4. Place the ignition key into the ON position (engine off).
5. Press the brake pedal. 6. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 7. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for one second. 8. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL button. 9. After the NEUTRAL button has been released, the transfer case will shift into the position identified by the transfer case switch. 10. Start the engine. Shift the transmission into DRIVE to verify that the transfer case has engaged. 11. Set the parking brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met
prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button, and must continue to be met until one second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met during the one second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button is released.
• 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, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION!
• Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage internal parts.
Download Manual