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126
STARTING AND OPERATING
N (Neutral)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the park-
ing brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position dis-
engages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain, and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if
the automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual
transmission is in gear). The parking brake should
always be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle.
N (Neutral) — This range disengages both the front and
rear driveshafts from the powertrain. To be used for flat
towing behind another vehicle.
See Recreational Towing for further information
page 158.
4L
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).
The transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2H
position for normal street and highway conditions, such
as hard-surfaced roads.
In the event that additional traction is required, the
transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be used to lock
the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. The 4H
and 4L positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only and not intended for normal driving. Driv-
ing in the 4H and 4L positions on hard-surfaced roads
will cause increased tire wear and damage to the drive-
line components. For further information on shifting
into 4H or 4L
page 126.
The instrument cluster alerts the driver that the vehicle
is in four-wheel drive, and the front and rear driveshafts
are locked together. The light will illuminate when the
transfer case is shifted into the 4H position.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed
will be approximately three times (four times for Rubi-
con models) that of the 2H or 4H positions at a given
road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine.
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
cause damage to the transfer case.
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 Procedures
2H TO 4H OR 4H TO 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. The preferred shifting
speed would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accel-
erator pedal after completing the shift. Do not acceler-
ate while shifting the transfer case. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
NOTE:
•
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front
or rear wheels are spinning. The front and rear
driveshaft speeds must be equal for the shift to take
place. Shifting while only the front or rear wheels
are spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.
•
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be experi-
enced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire
pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold
temperatures.
•
Shifting effort will increase with speed, this is
normal.
During cold weather, you may experience increased
effort in shifting until the transfer case fluid warms up.
This is normal.
4H TO 4L OR 4L TO 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h),
shift an automatic transmission into NEUTRAL (N), or
press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission. While
the vehicle is coasting at 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h), shift
the transfer case lever firmly to the desired position. Do
not pause with the transfer case in N (Neutral). Once
the shift is completed, place the automatic transmis-
sion into DRIVE or release the clutch pedal on a manual
transmission.
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