Operation Manual

All-wheel driving operation
5-88 Features and controls
5
traction when driving on slippery, wet or
snow-covered roads and when moving out of
mud.
These vehicles, however, are not designed
for off-road use, and are unsuitable for
driving on bumpy ground that may cause
excessive strain. Electronically controlled
4WD system vehicles should be driven only
under the same conditions as are suitable for
ordinary front-wheel drive vehicles.
When turning a sharp corner in “4WD
LOCK” position at low speed, a slight differ-
ence in steering may be experienced similar
to feeling as if the brakes were applied. This
is called tight corner braking and results from
each of the four tires being at a different dis-
tance from the corner. The phenomenon is
typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this
occurs, either straighten out the steering
wheel, or change to “2WD” or “4WD
AUTO” mode.
Set the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO”
or “4WD LOCK” in accordance with the road
conditions, and then gradually depress the
accelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Set the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK”
and then gradually depress the accelerator
pedal for a smooth start.
Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal as
constant as possible, and drive at low speed.
Turning sharp corners
On snowy or icy roads
NOTE
 The use of snow tires is recommended.
 Maintain a safe distance between vehicles,
avoid sudden braking, and use engine brak-
ing (downshifting).
CAUTION
 Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration,
and sharp turning. Skidding occurs and con-
trol of the vehicle could be lost.
Moving out of mud
CAUTION
 If any of the following conditions occur, fol-
low these procedures:
• The engine coolant temperature display
appears on the information screen in the
multi-information display or the engine
power drops suddenly.
Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 8-4.
• The “ ” warning display or the “ ”
warning display appear on the information
screen in the multi-information display.
Refer to “Warning display” on page 5-66.
WARNING
 When attempting to rock your vehicle out
of a stuck position, be sure that the area
around the vehicle is clear of people and
physical objects. The rocking motion may
cause the vehicle to suddenly launch for-
ward/backward, causing injury or dam-
age to nearby people or objects.
NOTE
 Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration
and sharp turning; such operations could
result in the vehicle becoming stuck.
 If the vehicle becomes stuck in muddy roads,
it can often be moved with a rocking motion.
Move the selector lever alternately between
“D” (DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE) posi-
tions, while pressing lightly on the accelera-
tor pedal.
CAUTION