Downshifting

Downshifting from a higher gear to a lower gear is recommended to retain braking when descending steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the correct time provides better acceleration when you want to resume speed. Downshift gradually. Do not skip gears to avoid overrunning engine and clutch speed.

NOTE:

The manual transmission shift system is equipped with gear blockers that prevent shifting into FIRST or SECOND gear above certain vehicle speeds.

• Skipping gears and downshifting to lower gears at higher vehicle speeds can damage the engine and clutch systems. Any attempt to downshift by depressing the clutch pedal may cause damage to the clutch system. Downshifting and releasing the clutch may damage the engine.
• When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift one gear at a time to prevent engine overspeed, which may cause engine and/or clutch damage, even with the clutch pedal depressed. If the transfer case is in low range, vehicle speeds causing engine and clutch damage are considerably lower.
• Failure to observe the maximum recommended downshift speeds may cause engine and/or clutch damage, even with the clutch pedal depressed.
• Descending a hill in a gear with the clutch pedal depressed may cause clutch damage.

Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds

NOTE:

The vehicle speeds shown in the table above apply to 2WD High and 4WD High only. Vehicle speed in 4WD Low will be significantly lower.