Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, etc.)

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) OF 4X4 VEHICLES

HEV Vehicles

CAUTION: Recreational towing of hybrid models is not allowed. Towing the vehicle with the transmission in neutral can cause severe transmission damage. Removal of the driveshaft for towing is not recommended since this allows transmission fluid to leak out.

Non-HEV Vehicles

WARNING: You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

CAUTION: Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.

NOTE: Because of the design of the transfer cases, only use vehicles equipped with a NV 244 Generation II transfer case should be used for recreational towing.

NOTE: The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The Neutral (N) selection button is located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD control switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.

NOTE: If the vehicle is to be towed for multiple days or one day for an eight hour or above duration, disconnect and isolate the battery to prevent discharge due to the illumination of the odometer and PRNDL light. Reset the radio, clock and stations after the negative battery cable is reinstalled.

Shifting into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing:

CAUTION: It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

- Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
- Turn the engine OFF.
- Place the ignition key in the ON position.
- Press the brake pedal.
- Shift the automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or press the clutch on manual transmission.
- Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for four seconds.
- After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light comes on release Neutral (N) button.
- Start the engine.
- Shift the automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
- Release the brake pedal for five seconds and make sure that there is no vehicle movement.
- Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive (D).
- Turn the engine off and place the ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
- Shift the automatic transmission into Park (P).
- Attach the vehicle to tow vehicle with a tow bar.

NOTE: Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until the four seconds elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key on) are not met prior to pressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the four second timer, then the Neutral (N) indicator light flashes continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.

NOTE: The ignition key must be on for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not on, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

CAUTION: Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case in Neutral (N) and the engine running. With the transfer case in Neutral (N), make sure the engine is off prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P).

Shifting out of Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Turn the engine off.
- Place the ignition key in the ON position.
- Press brake pedal.
- Shift the automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or press the clutch on a manual transmission.
- Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for one second.
- After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release the Neutral (N) button.
- After the Neutral (N) button has been released the transfer case shifts to the position identified by the selector switch.
- Shift the automatic transmission into Drive (D), or release the clutch on a manual transmission.

NOTE: Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until one second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key on) are not met prior to pressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the one second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights flashes continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.

NOTE: The ignition key must be on for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not on, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

CAUTION:
- Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
- Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage internal parts.