When To Use 4L (Low) Range; Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation; Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand - Jeep Wrangler 2015 Operating Information Manual

When To Use 4L (Low) Range

When off-road driving, shift into 4L (Low) for
additional traction and control on slippery or
difficult terrain, ascending or descending steep
hills, and to increase low speed pulling power.
This range should be limited to extreme situa-
tions such as deep snow, mud, steep inclines,
or sand where additional low speed pulling
power is needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of
25 mph (40 km/h) should be avoided when in 4L
(Low) range.
CAUTION!
Do not use 4L (Low) range when operating
the vehicle on dry pavement. Driveline hard-
ware damage can result.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the
simultaneous use of the brake and throttle
(two-footed driving). When climbing rocks, logs,
or other stepped objects, using light brake pres-
sure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from
230
jerking or lurching. This technique is also used
when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on
a steep incline.

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand

Snow
In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, shift the transmission
into a low gear and the transfer case into 4L
(Low) if necessary. Do not shift to a lower gear
than necessary to maintain headway. Over-
revving the engine can spin the wheels and
traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop,
try turning your steering wheel no more than a
1/4 turn quickly back and forth, while still apply-
ing throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh
"bite" and help maintain your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at
high engine RPM or vehicle speeds, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding
and loss of control.
Mud
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
around the tires and is very difficult to get
through. You should use second gear (manual
transmission), or DRIVE (automatic transmis-
sion), with the transfer case in the 4L (Low)
position to maintain your momentum. If you
start to slow to a stop, try turning your steering
wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and
forth for additional traction. Mud holes pose an
increased threat of vehicle damage and getting
stuck. They are normally full of debris from
previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good prac-
tice before entering any mud hole, get out and
determine how deep it is, if there are any hidden
obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely recov-
ered if stuck.
Sand
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with
full tire pressure. When crossing soft, sandy
spots in a trail, maintain your vehicle's momen-
tum and do not stop. The key to driving in soft
sand is using the appropriate tire pressure,
accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneuvers
and maintaining the vehicle's momentum. If you
are going to be driving on large soft sandy areas