4-Wheel Drive Information
Welcome to Isuzu 4-wheel drive ownership. Your Isuzu 4×4 is ready and willing to take you wherever your sense of adventure leads.
Whether you’ve experienced the rugged capability of an Isuzu 4-wheel drive vehicle or are still testing yours out, become familiar with the information found in your owner’s manual and the booklet Driving Your 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle. We have outlined some general dos and don’ts in this section, but those materials — provided in the glove compartment of your new Isuzu 4×4 — will give you a more comprehensive understanding of your Isuzu 4-wheel drive’s unique operation characteristics and handling.
General Safety Tip Warnings
Avoid unnecessary sharp turns and other abrupt maneuvers that could lead to loss of control, rollover and, ultimately, injury to driver and passengers.
Use only the same type and size of tires and wheels, as well as tire inflation pressure, that came with your vehicle from the factory. Modifications may affect the handling of your vehicle, possibly making it easier to lose control, roll over and cause injury.
Be sure that all vehicle occupants wear their seat belts at all times to lessen the risk of injury or ejection from the vehicle. Infants and small children should be provided with the appropriate safety restraints required by law.
Never allow unrestrained passengers to sit in the cargo area when the vehicle is in operation.
Safe 4×4 Driving on the Road
To avoid damage to the axles and drivelines, do not operate your vehicle in the 4-wheel drive mode on dry, hard-surfaced roads (i.e., highways, interstates and city streets). However, vehicles equipped with Torque-On-Demand® (TOD) may be operated on dry, hard-surfaced roads in the TOD mode.
Always approach curves at normal driving speed. Do not attempt to go as fast through turns as you might in a passenger car.
Drive slower under strong crosswind conditions. Strong crosswinds can alter the normal steering of your vehicle and could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Exercise caution when driving on slippery pavement (caused by sand, gravel, water, snow or ice) in order to maintain vehicle control.
WARNING: If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down but do not suddenly apply the brakes. Gradually bring the vehicle back onto the pavement after you have reduced speed, being careful not to turn the steering wheel too sharply.
Driving on Hills
- Try to drive on established roads or tracks.
- Whenever possible, drive straight up or down a hill.
- If obstacles prevent straight uphill or downhill driving, drive diagonally only if absolutely necessary to avoid sliding, loss of control, possible rollover and serious injury.
- Never drive across the side of a hill or turn on steep slopes, in order to avoid loss of traction and possible rollover.
- Never drive over the crest of a hill without first checking the other side.
- Begin climbing hills in low gear so the engine will be less strained, thus reducing the chances of stalling.
- Use only as much power as necessary to climb the hill (the tires may slip, spin or lose traction if there is too much power).
- Come down a hill in the same low gear used when going up.
- Do not descend the hill in neutral or with the clutch pressed.
- Do not use the brakes excessively when driving downhill, to avoid overheating them.
See your owners manual for details.