Driving on Grades

Notice: Do not tow on steep continuous grades exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than normal engine and transmission temperatures may result and damage the vehicle. Frequent stops are very important to allow the engine and transmission to cool.

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 have to be used so much that they would get hot and no longer work well.

On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of the engine and the transmission overheating. If the engine does overheat, see Engine Overheating.

    See also:

    Braking
    See Brake System Warning Light . Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average reaction ...

    RELEASE PARK BRAKE
    This message is displayed if the electric parking brake is on while the vehicle is in motion. Release it before you attempt to drive. See Parking Brake for more information. ...

    Transmission Messages
    SERVICE TRANSMISSION This message displays if there is a problem with the transmission. See your dealer. SHIFT TO PARK This message displays when the transmission needs to be shifted to P (Park). ...