Off-Road Driving Tips; When To Use 4 Lo (Low) Range; In Snow, Mud And Sand; Hill Climbing - Jeep 2004 Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual

200 STARTING AND OPERATING
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or
abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

When To Use 4 LO (Low) Range

When off-road driving, shift to 4 LO for additional
traction in moving forward or descending a hill, for
low-speed pulling power or to improve handling and
control on slippery or difficult terrain. Also use 4 LO
range on the road in rain, ice, snow, mud or sand to get
heavy loads rolling, or whenever "High" range four-
wheel drive traction is insufficient.

In Snow, Mud and Sand

In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4 LO if necessary. Don't
shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction
will be lost.
Do not downshift on icy or slippery roads, because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.

Hill Climbing

Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the transfer case to 4 LO. Use first
gear and 4 LO for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and
shift to R (Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing
the compression braking of the engine and transmission