If the Vehicle Is Stuck

Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.

If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's traction system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method.

WARNING
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured.

The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 55 km/h (35 mph).

For information about using tire chains on the vehicle, see Tire Chains on page 10‑57.

Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out

Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stability system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.

Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle on page 10‑82.

    See also:

    Vehicle Reminder Messages
    CHECK TRAILER WIRING On vehicles with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system, this message may display and a chime may sound when one of the following conditions exists: • A trailer wi ...

    Drunk Driving
    Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy. WARNING Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affecte ...

    Cleaning the Display
    Notice: Using abrasive cleaners when cleaning glass surfaces could scratch the glass. Use only a soft cloth and do not spray cleaner directly on the system as it could affect the mechanical parts. ...