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.
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE (EIGHT SPEED TRANSMISSION) — IF EQUIPPED
This is an electronic shift transfer case and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the instrument panel.
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 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.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle page 250.
4
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 two-wheel drive will have greater fuel economy benefits as the front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive.
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
four-wheel drive control switch.
For specific shifting instructions page 171.
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.
The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located in the center of the four-wheel drive 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
page 250.
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 page 171.
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.
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 two-wheel drive 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 circumference 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.
Shifting Procedure
the requirements for the selected position have been met.
2WD To 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the four-wheel drive control switch to shift the transfer case. Shifts between two-wheel drive 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.
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 4
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:
ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE (SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION) — IF EQUIPPED
The electronic shift transfer case is operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case Switch), which is located on the instrument panel.
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 maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range provides additional traction for loose, slippery road surfaces only.
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the 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).
Neutral — This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind another vehicle
page 250.
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be driven in the two-wheel drive position (two-wheel drive) for normal street and highway conditions on dry, hard surfaced roads.
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 rotating the four-wheel drive Control Switch to the desired position.
For specific shifting instructions page 174.
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.
The transfer case NEUTRAL button is located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing only
page 250.
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:
will continue to flash.
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 control switch back to the current position, wait five seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift requirements
page 174.
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.
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause damage to driveline components.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD Low, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the two-wheel drive 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 circumference 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.
2WD To 4WD HIGH
Push the desired position on the four-wheel drive control switch to shift the transfer case. Shifts between two-wheel drive 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.
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 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:
attempting the shift, then the desired posi- tion indicator light will flash continuously while the original position indicator light is on, until all requirements have been met.
MANUALLY SHIFTED TRANSFER CASE — IF EQUIPPED
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, 4
slippery 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 page 250.
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 circumference 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.
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.
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.
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 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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