Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Selectable Driving Modes
The dial switch located on the ATCM (also known as the 4-wheel drive mode select switch) allows the driver to select between 9 modes; deep snow / sand, economy, mud / ruts, normal, rock crawl, slippery, sport, trail or tow-haul. These driving modes alter throttle response, transmission shift patterns, EPAS feel and stability control intervention thresholds. Rotating the switch sends a voltage signal to the ATCM, the module then sends a message to the GWM over the HS-CAN1, and the GWM relays this message to the ABS module over the FD-CAN.
Some drive modes reduce traction and stability control performance and the stability-traction control warning indicator illuminates in the instrument cluster.
- Deep Snow / Sand
: for off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode optimizes accelerator pedal response, traction and stability controls to help maintain forward momentum.
- Eco
: offers the best possible fuel economy with trade-offs in vehicle performance and comfort.
- Normal
: delivers a balanced combination of comfort, control and handling.
- Slippery
: for less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. Used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
- Sport
: for sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, allowing the vehicle to accelerate faster.
- Tow-Haul
: improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load.
- Mud / Ruts
: this mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.
- Rock Crawl
: for off-road driving and optimum rock-climbing. Rock crawl mode engages the electronic locking differential and optimizes the throttle and transmission response to provide additional control of the vehicle.
- Trail
: for off-road driving on muddy, rutted, soft or uneven terrain. This mode lowers throttle response to increase wheel spin to keep the tires clear and to prevent getting stuck.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.