| Table 1: | Recommended Transfer Case Settings |
| Table 2: | Recommended Transfer Case Settings |
If your vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive, you can send the engine's driving power to all four wheels for extra traction. To get the most satisfaction out of Four-Wheel Drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that follows before using Four-Wheel Drive. See the appropriate text for the transfer case in your vehicle.
Notice: Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low for extended periods of time.
While driving on clean dry pavement and during tight turns, you may experience vibration in the steering system.
Front Axle
The front axle engages and disengages automatically when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to engage or disengage is normal.
Manual Transfer Case
The transfer case shift lever is on the floor to the right of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of Four-Wheel Drive.
A Four-Wheel Drive indicator light comes on when you shift into four-wheel drive and the front axle engages. See Four-Wheel-Drive Light
Some delay between shifting and when the indicator light comes on is normal.
Driving Conditions | Transfer Case Settings | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 4 | 4 | N | |
Normal | YES |
|
|
|
Severe |
| YES |
|
|
Extreme |
|
| YES |
|
Vehicle in Tow* |
|
|
| YES |
Notice: Driving on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel drive for an extended period of time can cause premature wear on the vehicle's powertrain. Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive for extended periods of time.
4 (Four-Wheel-Drive Low): This setting also engages the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need Four-Wheel-Drive Low. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills. When operating in Four-Wheel Low, the gear ratio provides additional torque when compared to Four-Wheel-Drive High. The transmission gear shift feel is exaggerated.
A parking brake symbol is located next to the N (NEUTRAL) symbol as a reminder to set the parking brake before shifting the transfer case in Neutral.
Caution: Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in Neutral. See Parking Brake.
N (NEUTRAL): Shift to this setting only when your vehicle needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle Towing or Towing Your Vehicle2 (Two-Wheel-Drive High): This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations. The front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy.
4 (Four-Wheel-Drive High): Use this setting when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages the front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow. You can shift from Two-Wheel-Drive High to Four-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-Drive High to Two-Wheel-Drive High while the vehicle is moving. In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to stop or slow the vehicle to shift into Four-Wheel-Drive High.
When Using the Manual Transfer Case
| • | Shifting should be made using quick motions. Shifting slowly may make it more difficult to shift. |
| • | You may notice that it is harder to shift when the vehicle is cold. After the vehicle warms up the shifting will return to normal. |
| • | While in Four-Wheel High or Four-Wheel-Drive Low you may experience reduced fuel economy. |
| • | Avoid driving in Four-Wheel Drive on clean, dry pavement. It may cause your tires to wear faster, and make the transfer case harder to shift and run noisier. |
| • | If the transfer case shifter is in the NEUTRAL position and you have difficulty reaching the selected transfer case mode, with the engine running, shift the transmission momentarily to drive and then back to NEUTRAL. This will realign the gear teeth in the transfer case and allow you to complete the shift. |
Shifting from Two-Wheel-Drive High to Four-Wheel-Drive High
| • | Shifts between Two-Wheel-Drive High and Four-Wheel-Drive High can be made at any vehicle speed. |
| • | Shift the transfer case lever in one continuous motion into either the Four-Wheel-Drive High or Two-Wheel-Drive High position. |
| • | In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to slow or stop the vehicle to shift into Four-wheel-Drive High until your vehicle has warmed up. |
| • | While in Four-Wheel-Drive High, your vehicle can be driven at any posted legal speed limit. |
Shifting In or Out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low
Notice: Shifting the transfer case into Four-Wheel-Drive Low while moving at speeds faster than 3 mph (5 km/h) may cause premature wear to the transfer case, and may cause the gears to grind. To avoid causing premature wear, and grinding the gears, do not shift the transfer case into Four-Wheel-Drive Low while the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low should be done, if possible, with the vehicle at a slight roll, 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
| • | Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N). |
| Caution: Shifting the transfer case to Neutral can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in Neutral. See Parking Brake. |
| • | Shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low with the vehicle at a stop may be more difficult. You may be unable to complete the shift to Four-Wheel-Drive Low, and will end up in NEUTRAL. This is normal, and is a function of the gear teeth aligning in your transfer case. When this happens, make sure the engine is on, shift your transmission momentarily to drive and back to NEUTRAL, and then complete the shift. |
| • | Shift the transfer case shift lever in one continuous motion into the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. |
| • | When Four-Wheel-Drive Low do not drive faster than 45 mph. This will reduce wear and extend the life of your transfer case. |
Shifting In or Out of NEUTRAL
- With the vehicle running and the engine at an idle set the parking brake.
- Place the transmission into NEUTRAL (N).
Shift the transfer case in one continuous motion into or out of the NEUTRAL position.
Electronic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located next to the steering column.
Use the dial to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
Driving Conditions | Transfer Case Settings | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 4 | 4 | N | |
Normal | YES |
|
|
|
Severe |
| YES |
|
|
Extreme |
|
| YES |
|
Vehicle in Tow* |
|
|
| YES |
You can choose among four driving settings:
Indicator lights in the dial show which setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light flashes while shifting the transfer case and remains illuminated when the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.
2 (Two-Wheel-Drive High): This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations. The front axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy.4 (Four-Wheel-Drive High): Use the Four-Wheel-Drive High position when extra traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages the front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.
4 (Four-Wheel-Drive Low): This setting also engages the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low while driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills. StabiliTrak® will not engage in this mode.
Caution: Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in N (Neutral). See Parking Brake .
N (NEUTRAL): Shift the vehicle's transfer case to NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See Recreational Vehicle Towing or Towing Your Vehicle for more information.If the SERVICE 4-Wheel Drive message stays on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See "Service 4-Wheel Drive message" under DIC Warnings and Messages .
Shifting Into Two-Wheel-Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel-Drive High position. This can be done at any speed, except when shifting from Four-Wheel-Drive Low. See Shifting Out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low for more information.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive Low
When Four-Wheel-Drive Low is engaged, vehicle speed should be kept below 45 mph. Extended high-speed operation in Four-Wheel-Drive Low may damage or shorten the life of the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position, the ignition must be in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. You must wait for the Four-Wheel-Drive Low indicator light to stop flashing and remain on before shifting your transmission in gear.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for the mode indicator lights to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant engagement noise and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel-Drive Low and Four-Wheel-Drive High ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel-Drive Low indicator light will flash for 30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds the transfer case will shift to Four-Wheel-Drive High mode.
Shifting Out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low
To shift from Four-Wheel-Drive Low to Four-Wheel-Drive High, or Two-Wheel-Drive High, your vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in ON/RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive High, or Two-Wheel-Drive High position. You must wait for the Four-Wheel-Drive High, or Two-Wheel-Drive High indicator light to stop flashing and remain on before shifting the transmission into gear.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for the mode indicator lights to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant engagement noise and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel-Drive Low and Four-Wheel-Drive High ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel-Drive High, or Two-Wheel-Drive High switch position when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel-Drive High, or Two-Wheel-Drive High indicator light will flash for 30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
- Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll.
- Set the parking brake and press and hold the regular brake pedal. See Parking Brake for more information.
- Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
- Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
- Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel-Drive High.
- Turn the transfer case dial clockwise to NEUTRAL till it stops and hold it for 10 seconds . Then slowly release the dial to the four low position. The NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer case shift to NEUTRAL is complete.
- If the engine is running, verify that the transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second.
- Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY, which will turn the engine off.
- Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
- Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
- Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
- Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off.
- Turn the transfer case dial to Two-Wheel-Drive High.
- Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
- Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired position.
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL the NEUTRAL light will go out.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for the mode indicator lights to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the different modes may cause the transfer case to enter the shift protection mode. This will protect the transfer case from possible damage and will only allow the transfer case to respond to one shift per 10 seconds. The transfer case may stay in this mode for up to three minutes.
Automatic Transfer Case
The transfer case knob is located next to the steering column.
For information on StabiliTrak®, see StabiliTrak® System .
Use the dial to shift into and out of Four-Wheel Drive.
You can choose among five driving settings:
Indicator lights in the dial show which setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will flash while shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.
2 (Two-Wheel-Drive High): This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations. The front axle is not engaged in Two-Wheel Drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy.AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): This setting is ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's power is sent only to the front and rear wheels automatically based on driving conditions. Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than Two-Wheel-Drive High.
4 (Four-Wheel-Drive High): Use the Four-Wheel-Drive High position when extra traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages the front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.
4 (Four-Wheel-Drive Low): This setting also engages the front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills. StabiliTrak® will not engage in this mode. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.
Caution: Shifting the transfer case to N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in P (Park). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in N (Neutral). See Parking Brake .
N (NEUTRAL): Shift the vehicle's transfer case to NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See Recreational Vehicle Towing or Towing Your Vehicle for more information.If the SERVICE 4-Wheel Drive message stays on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See "Service 4-Wheel Drive message" under DIC Warnings and Messages .
Shifting Into Four-Wheel-Drive High or AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive High or AUTO position. This can be done at any speed, except when shifting from Four-Wheel-Drive Low, and the indicator light will flash while shifting. It will remain on when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into Two-Wheel-Drive High
Turn the knob to the Two-Wheel-Drive High position. This can be done at any speed, except when shifting from Four-Wheel-Drive Low.
Shifting Into Four-Wheel-Drive Low
When Four-Wheel-Drive Low is engaged, vehicle speed should be kept below 45 mph. Extended high-speed operation in Four-Wheel-Drive Low may damage or shorten the life of the drivetrain.
To shift to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position, the ignition must be in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for shifting into Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. You must wait for the Four-Wheel-Drive Low indicator light to stop flashing and remain on before shifting your transmission in gear.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for the mode indicator lights to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant engagement noise and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel-Drive Low and Four-Wheel-Drive High ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel-Drive Low position when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel-Drive Low indicator light will flash for 30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds the transfer case will shift to Four-Wheel-Drive High mode.
Shifting Out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low
To shift from Four-Wheel-Drive Low to Four-Wheel-Drive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel-Drive High, your vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of Four-Wheel-Drive Low is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel-Drive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel-Drive High position. You must wait for the Four-Wheel-Drive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel-Drive High indicator light to stop flashing and remain on before shifting your transmission into gear.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for the mode indicator lights to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant engagement noise and bump when shifting between Four-Wheel-Drive Low and Four-Wheel-Drive High ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running.
If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel-Drive High, AUTO, or Two-Wheel-Drive High switch position when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the Four-Wheel-Drive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel-Drive High indicator light will flash for 30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting into NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:
- Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll.
- Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal. See Parking Brake for more information.
- Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
- Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
- Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel Drive High.
- Turn the transfer case dial clockwise to NEUTRAL till it stops and hold it for 10 seconds. Then slowly release the dial to the four low position. The NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer case shift to NEUTRAL is complete.
- If the engine is running, make sure that the transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second.
- Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY, which will turn the engine off.
- Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
- Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
- Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
- Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off.
- Turn the transfer case dial to Two-Wheel-Drive High, Four-Wheel-Drive High, AUTO.
- Release the parking brake prior to moving the vehicle.
- Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired position.
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL the NEUTRAL light will go out.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging the vehicle, always wait for the mode indicator lights to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear.
