STARTING AND OPERATING 137 The Transfer Case Position Indicator Light in the instrument cluster will alert the driver that the vehicle is in four-wheel drive and that the front and rear driveshafts are locked together. This light will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted into either the 4H or 4L position. There is no light for the 2H or N (Neutral) positions on some models. WARNING! With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3mph (3 to 5km/h), shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. While the vehicle is coasting at 2 to 3mph (3 to 5km/h), shift the transfer case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in transfer case Neutral.
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 parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position disengages both the front and rear drive shafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle. 4 NOTE: Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may require shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while completing the shift.
If difficulty occurs, shift the transmission into Neutral, hold your foot on the brake, and turn the engine OFF. Complete the range shift to the desired position. When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine speed is approximately three times that of the two-wheel drive or 4H positions at a given road speed. Take care not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25mph (40km/h). 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 can cause damage to the drivetrain.
Shifting Procedure — Manually Shifted Transfer Case Shifting into or out of 4L is possible with the vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may occur due to the mating teeth not being properly aligned. Several attempts may be required for teeth alignment and shift comple tion to occur. The preferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3mph (3 to 5km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4L with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3mph (3 to 5km/h). Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion, shifts can be made up to 55mph (88km/h).
With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case lever. 2H TO 4H NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the front or rear wheels are spinning, as this can cause damage to driveline components. 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. 2H OR 4H TO 4L Do not attempt to shift into or out of 4L while the transmission is in gear. NOTE:
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be expe rienced due to uneven tire wear, low or uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle loading, or cold temperatures. NOTE: When shifting into or out of 4L some gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not detri mental to the vehicle or occupants.