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STARTING AND OPERATING 247
Snow – In heavy snow or for additional control
and traction at slower speeds, shift the trans-
mission to a low gear and shift the transfer case
to 4WD LOW if necessary. 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. If you start to slow to a stop,
try turning your steering wheel no more than a
quarter turn quickly back and forth, while still
applying throttle. This will allow the tires to get a
fresh "bite" and help maintain your momentum.
Mud – Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
around the tires and is very difficult to get
through. You should use 4WD LOW with a gear
low enough to maintain your momentum
without shifting. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a
quarter turn quickly back and forth for addi-
tional traction. Mud holes pose an increased
threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck.
They are normally full of debris from previous
vehicles getting stuck.
As a good practice before entering any mud
hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if
there are any hidden obstacles and if the
vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck.
Sand – Soft sand is very difficult to travel
through with full tire pressure. When crossing
soft sandy spots in a trail, maintain your
vehicle's momentum and do not stop. The key to
driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire
pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt
maneuvers and maintaining the vehicle's
momentum. If you are going to be driving on
large soft sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire
pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to
allow for a greater tire surface area. Reduced
tire pressure will drastically improve your trac-
tion and handling, while driving on the soft sand,
but you must return the tires to normal air pres-
sure before driving on pavement or other hard
surfaces. Be sure you have a way to air the tires
back up prior to reducing the pressure.
CROSSING OBSTACLES
(R
OCKS AND OTHER HIGH POINTS)
While driving off road, you will encounter many
types of terrain. These varying types of terrain bring
different types of obstacles. Before proceeding
review the path ahead to determine the correct
approach and your ability to safely recover the
vehicle if something goes wrong. Keeping a firm
grip on the steering wheel, bring the vehicle to a
complete stop and then inch the vehicle forward
until it makes contact with the object. Apply the
throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure
and ease the vehicle up and over the object.
Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the
obstacle or determine the correct path.
Determining the correct path can be extremely
difficult when you are confronting many obstacles.
In these cases have someone guide you over,
through, or around the obstacle. Have the person
stand a safe distance in front of you where they
can see the obstacle, watch your tires and
undercarriage, and guide you through.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPMs or vehicle speeds because engine
braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire
unseating and total loss of air pressure. To
reduce the risk of tire unseating, while at a
reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and
avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering
system loading which could cause you to lose
control of your vehicle.
5
20_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 247
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