136 STARTING AND OPERATING
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine,
transmission, Power Transfer Unit, and Rear
Drive Module) to ensure they have not been
contaminated. Contaminated fluids and
lubricants (milky, foamy in appearance) should
be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving 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 4WD
system to the appropriate terrain mode, using
4WD LOW if necessary Ú page 99. 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.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads
because engine braking may cause skidding
and loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:
Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the
transmission to a lower gear and shift the 4WD
System to 4WD LOW. Use FIRST gear and 4WD
LOW for very steep hills.
NOTE:
Brakes should be applied at increased slippage,
but before coming to a stop to avoid digging into
the loose surface and rendering the operator of
the vehicle stuck/immobile.
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.
Once stopped, shift to REVERSE. Back slowly
down the hill allowing the compression braking
of the engine to help regulate your speed. If the
brakes are required to control vehicle speed,
apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding
the tires.
NOTE:
Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill
- drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the
crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and
maintain headway by turning the front wheels
slowly left and right. This may provide a fresh
“bite” into the surface and may provide traction
to complete the climb.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or
cannot make it to the top of a steep hill or
grade, never attempt to turn around. To do so
may result in tipping and rolling the vehicle.
Always back straight down a hill in REVERSE
gear carefully. Never back down a hill in NEU-
TRAL using only the brake.
21_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 136
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