FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
Four-wheel drive trucks are equipped with either a manually 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 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the instru- ment panel.
Four-Position Transfer Case
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:
Two-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 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.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maxi- mizes 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.
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.
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WARNING! |
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You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) posi- tion disengages both the front and rear drive shaft from the powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the trans- mission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
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WARNING! |
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The transmission may not engage PARK if the vehicle is moving. Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to PARK, and verify that the transmission gear position indicator solidly indicates PARK (P) without blinking. Ensure that the vehicle is completely stopped, and the PARK position is properly indicated, before exiting the vehicle.
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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 posi- tions 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.
The 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW posi- tions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
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 “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Oper- ating” for further information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW) 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:
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, push the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift requirements, refer to the “Shifting Proce- dure” 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 illumi- nates during driving, it means that the four-wheel drive system is not functioning prop- erly and that service is required.
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WARNING! |
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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 or death. |
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 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 circum- ference on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the drivetrain.
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.
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/disen- gage 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.
The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts between 2WD/4WD HIGH if the front and/or rear wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation, the selected position indicator light will flash and the original position indicator light will remain on. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete the shift.
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 occu- pants.
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:
The transfer case provides four mode positions:
For additional information on the appropriate use of each transfer case mode position, see the information below:
Two-Wheel Drive High Range — This range is for normal street and highway driving on dry, hard surfaced roads.
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, slip- pery road surfaces only.
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 informa- tion.
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 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 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 instrument 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).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type and circum- ference on each wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and can cause damage to the drivetrain.
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.
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold temperatures.
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WARNING! |
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You or others could be injured or killed 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 drive shafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle. |
Two-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.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages 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.
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).
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CAUTION! |
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Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating the vehicle on dry pavement. Driveline hardware damage can result. |
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.
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.
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.
The “Transfer Case Position Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster is used to alert the driver that the front axle is fully engaged and all four wheels are driving.
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