FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a manu- ally shifted transfer case or an electronically shifted transfer case. Refer to the operating instructions for your transfer case, located in this section for further information.
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by the
This electronically shifted transfer case provides four mode positions:
For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position, see the information below:
4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is
2WD 5
located on the instrument panel.
Four-Position Transfer Case
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.
4WD HIGH
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range provides torque to the front driveshaft (engages four-wheel drive) which allows front and rear wheels to spin at the same speed. This provides additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque (increased torque over 4WD HIGH) to the front driveshaft; allowing front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this section for further information.
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) for normal street and highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions can be used to maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by pushing the desired position on the 4WD control switch.
Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this section for specific shifting instructions.
(Continued)
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
NOTE:
The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located in the center of the 4WD Control Switch and is pushed by using a ballpoint pen or similar object. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is
to be used for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recre-
3. When the shift is complete, the indicator light for the selected position will stop flashing and remain ON.
If One Or More Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Not Met:
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD and 4LOW) are located in the instrument cluster and indicate the current and desired transfer case selection. When you select a different transfer case position, the indicator lights will do the following:
If All Of The Following Shift Conditions Are Met:
NOTE:
Before retrying a selection, make certain that all the neces- sary requirements for selecting a new transfer case position have been met. To retry the selection, push the current posi- tion, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift requirements, refer to the "Shifting Procedure" for your transfer case, located in this section.
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 functioning properly and that service is required.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning. This could cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or 4WD HIGH positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over- speed 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 drive- train.
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.
NOTE:
2WD To 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the 4WD control switch to shift the transfercase. Shifts between 2WD and 4WD HIGH 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 turning the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the ignition switch must be in the ON position with the engine either running or off. This shift cannot be completed if the ignition switch is in the ACC position.
NOTE:
The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or rear wheels are spin- ning (no traction). In this situation, the selected position indi- cator light will flash and the original position indicator light will remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spin- ning the wheels to complete the shift.
2WD Or 4WD HIGH To 4WD LOW NOTE:
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some gear noise may 5
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. You can use either of the following procedures:
Preferred Procedure
NOTE:
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.
4H
Four-Wheel Drive Lock High Range — This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
NEUTRAL (N)
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing
behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H position for normal street and highway conditions such as dry, hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, the 4H and 4L posi- tions 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 simply moving the gear selector to the desired positions once the appropriate speed and gear requirements are met, refer to “Shifting Procedure
– Manually Shifted Transfer Case” in this section for further information.
The 4H and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on dry, hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru- ment cluster will alert the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. This light will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into either the 4H or 4L position. There is no light for the 2H or NEUTRAL positions on some models.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
NOTE:
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures, exces- sive vehicle loading, or cold temperatures.
5
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and can cause damage to the drivetrain.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause damage to driveline components.
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.
Rear-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal street and highway driving on dry hard surfaced roads.
Four-Wheel Drive High Range — This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Neutral — This range disengages the front and rear drivesh- afts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for further information.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
2H To 4H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h). With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing
the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
2H Or 4H To 4L NOTE:
When shifting into or out of 4L some gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in transfer case NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
shift completion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instru- ment cluster is used to alert the driver that the front axle is
fully engaged and all four wheels are driving. 5
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