Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, etc.)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing - 2WD Models
Recreational Towing (All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the driveshaft is removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground while the driveshaft is connected can result in severe transmission damage.
NOTE: This vehicle may be towed on a flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four wheels areOFF the ground.
Towing - 4WD Models
The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL, and the automatic transmission must be in PARK, for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL selection button is located at the top of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case NEUTRAL can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.
CAUTION:
- The automatic transmission must be in the PARK position for recreational towing. Failure to follow these procedures can cause severe transmission and/or transfer case damage.
- Internal damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.
- Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under "Shifting into NEUTRAL" to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL. Otherwise, internal damage will result.
- Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
WARNING: You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft from the powertrain and it will allow the vehicle to move, even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.
Shifting into NEUTRAL
Perform the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Shut OFF the engine.
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
- Use the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object to depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for four seconds. After the shift is complete, and the NEUTRAL light turns on, release the NEUTRAL button.
- Start the engine.
- Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
- Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
- Repeat Steps 8 and 9 with the transmission in DRIVE.
- Shut OFF the engine.
- Turn the ignition switch to the unlocked OFF position.
- Shift the transmission into PARK.
- Attach the vehicle to a tow vehicle with a tow bar.
- Disconnect the battery negative cable.
NOTE:
- Steps 1 through 5 are requirements for shifting the transfer case. If these requirements are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button or while the shift attempt is in process, then the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button is released.
- The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
- Flashing NEUTRAL 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 with the transfer case in NEUTRAL and the engine RUNNING. With the transfer case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
Perform the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Reconnect the battery negative cable.
- Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position (if it has been moved or the engine has been started).
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the engine.
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
- Use the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object to depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button. Release the NEUTRAL button after the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off (approximately one second). After the NEUTRAL button is released, the transfer case will shift to the position identified by the selector switch.
- Start the engine.
- Shift the transmission into DRIVE to verify that the transfer case has engaged.
- Set the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission into PARK.
NOTE:
- Steps 1 through 6 are requirements for shifting the transfer case. If these requirements are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button or while the shift attempt is in process, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL button is released.
- The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch in not in the ON position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
- Flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.