Driving on Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is not shifted down, the brakes might get hot and no longer work well.

Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.

The Tow/Haul Mode may be used if the transmission shifts too often.

See Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑42.

When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning comes on, see Engine Overheating on page 10‑23.

    See also:

    Brake Fluid
    The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑6 for the location of the reservoir. There are only two reasons why the brake ...

    Environmental Concerns
    ○ Always use established trails, roads, and areas that have been set aside for public off-road recreational driving and obey all posted regulations. ○ Do not damage shrubs, flowers, tre ...

    Older Children
    Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle safety belts. The manufacturer's instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that ...