92 SAFE OPERATION
j
Climbing Hills
Do not attempt to clim
b hills or steep in c lines until
you have mastered the controls and basic operating
maneuvers of this vehicle. Always go straight uphill
and, if the incline is
steep an d/ or the surface is loose,
use “4WD” with the differential locked for greater
traction, and in low range for maximum torque.
Avoid hills with sli
ppery sides that will cause you
to lose traction. Do not climb hills whe r e y ou cannot
see far enough ahead. If you cannot see what is
on the other side of
the crest of a hill, slow down
until you can get a clear view. D on’t apply power
suddenly while climbing, or the front wheels might
rise off the groun
d. If the vehicle does not have
enough power to reach the top of the hill and stalls,
allow the vehicle to roll slowly straight back down the
hill controllin
g its descent with the brakes. Leave the
gear shift lever in the “H” (High) or “L” (Low) position
until you stop at the bottom of the h ill.
WARNING
Riding sideways across a hill may cause the
vehicle to overturn, causing severe injury or
death. Do not turn sideways to the hill.
Remember
•
Some h ills are too steep. Use common sense.
•
Never drive past your
limit o f visibility. If you can’t
see what is on the other side of the crest of a hill,
slow down until you can get a clear view.
•
Don’t tu rn sideways to the hill.
•
If you get stuck on a hill, roll slowly straight back
down, using the brake, with the gear shift lever left
in the “H” (High) o
r “L” (Low) position.
NOTE
○
When the throttl
e pedal is released completely and
the engine speed drops near an idle, the vehicle
has no engine braking. This is caused by the ve-
hicle’s automa
tic transmission which releases the
engine at very low speed to prevent it from stalling.
Use the brakes to control the vehicle’s speed.