Using the H-Gate
USING THE H-GATETo make a change from high to low or vice versa, the vehicle must be stationary.
^ Apply the brakes and select 'N'
^ Move the selector lever into the cross-piece of the 'H-gate' and select the new gear range, the panel illumination will flash before becoming constant and an audible warning will sound.
^ When the illumination is constant select the gear required.
CAUTION: If a gear is selected before the gear transfer is complete, a 'clunk' or grinding sound will be heard because the electric shift motor has not completed the operation. If this occurs and the panel illumination continues to flash, reselect neutral and try again when the illumination becomes constant. If the vehicle is moving when a transfer gear change is attempted, the message center will display 'SLOW DOWN'. If an attempt is made to change the gear range with the gear selector out of neutral, 'SELECT NEUTRAL' will be displayed.
High Range Gears
Use the high range for all normal road driving and off-road driving across dry, level terrain. An audible warning will sound, the selector lever illumination will flash and the transfer box warning lamp will flash while the range change is taking place. The message center will momentarily display 'HIGH' as soon as high range is selected, and then display the gear selected.
Selector lever positions:
'P' Park
In this position the wheels are locked to prevent the vehicle from moving. Select only with the vehicle stationary.
'R' Reverse
Select only when the vehicle is stationary.
'N' Neutral
Use this position when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is to idle for a short period.
'D' Drive
Select 'D' for all normal driving on good road surfaces. Fully automatic gear changing occurs on all forward gears according to vehicle speed and accelerator position.
'3'
Automatic gear changing is limited to first, second and third gears only. Use in congested traffic conditions and for town driving.
'2'
Automatic gear changing is limited to first and second gear ratios only. Use when driving up steep gradients and for negotiating very narrow, twisting roads. This position also provides moderate engine braking for descending slopes.
'1'
First gear only is engaged and should be used on very severe gradients, especially when towing or when maximum engine braking is required.
NOTE: If position '2' or '1' is selected from 'D' or '3' while the vehicle is traveling at high speed, then third gear will immediately engage. Progressive deceleration will then cause downshifts into second and then first gear when appropriately low road speeds are reached.
'Sport' Mode
In 'Sport' mode gear changing is delayed to make optimum use of the engine's power when increased acceleration is required or when negotiating long inclines or twisting roads. Press the mode switch, see 44M7025, with the gearbox in high range, to select 'Sport' mode. The message center will momentarily display 'SPORT' and then 'S' along with the selected gear. Pressing the switch a second time returns the gearbox to its normal operation within the high range.
Low Range Gears
Use low range gears in any situation where low speed maneuvering is necessary, such as reversing a trailer or negotiating a boulder strewn river bed; also use low range for extreme off-road conditions. An audible warning will sound, the selector lever illumination will flash and the transfer box warning lamp will flash while the range change is taking place. The message center will momentarily display 'LOW' when the low range is selected, and then 'L' along with the relevant gear selected.
Selector lever positions:
'P' Park
As high range.
'R' Reverse
As high range
'N' Neutral
As high range
'4'
Select '4' to optimize vehicle performance for good off-road conditions; fully automatic gear changing occurs on all forward gears according to vehicle speed and accelerator position.
'3'
Automatic gear changing is limited to first, second and third gears only and should be used for reasonable off-road conditions and ascending gradients.
'2'
Automatic gear changing is limited to first and second ratios only when maximum engine performance is required to ascend steep gradients. This position also provides moderate engine braking for descending slopes.
'1'
Select '1' on very severe gradients, particularly when towing, when maximum engine performance and engine braking is required.
'Manual' Mode
This mode enables the transmission to function as a manual gearbox in low range, providing maximum vehicle control and engine braking - ideal for use in severe off-road conditions. Press the mode switch, see 44M7025, to select 'Manual' mode; the message center momentarily displays 'LOW' and then 'LM' along with the selected gear. Pressing the switch a second time returns the gearbox to its normal function within the low range.
'Transfer Neutral'
If it is necessary for the vehicle to be towed on all four wheels, 'Transfer neutral' MUST be selected.
WARNING: Always leave the vehicle with the gear selector in 'P' (Park) position when parked, even when the starter key is not removed. Failure to do so will result in the battery discharging.