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2-17 Starting Your ªVORTECº 4300 V6 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn't start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more
seconds, unless it starts sooner.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), wait 15 seconds and start over.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather, 0F (-18C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle. If you have the
2200 L4 (VIN Code 5) engine and are using ethanol
(E
-85) fuel with 70% or more ethanol in very cold
weather, the use of the engine coolant heater is
important. For more information, see ªFuel E
-85º
in the Index.
Page 81 of 381

2-18 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment, behind the underhood fuse block.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever on the
steering column.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of
PARK (P). This means that if your key is in OFF, but
not locked, there will be a small current drain on your
battery which could discharge your battery over a period
of time. If you need to leave your key in the ignition in
OFF for an extended period, it is recommended that you
disconnect the battery cable from the battery to prevent
discharging your battery.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
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2-49
NOTICE:
Don't hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating. If you do, it won't be able to
back away from the heating element when it's
ready. That can make it overload, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the sun visor.
You can also swing the visor from side to side.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Pull the sun visor down and lift the cover to expose the
vanity mirror.
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror
(If Equipped)
Pull the sun visor down and lift the mirror cover to turn
on the lamps.
Accessory Power Outlets
(If Equipped)
If you have accessory power outlets, you can plug in
auxiliary electrical equipment. The accessory power
outlets are located near the center of the vehicle on the
lower part of the instrument panel. Just remove the
plug from the outlet and follow the proper installation
instructions that are included with any electrical
equipment you install.
These circuits are protected by a fuse and have
maximum current levels.
NOTICE:
When using the accessory power outlets,
maximum electrical load must not exceed
20 amps. Always turn off any electrical
equipment when not in use. Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended periods will drain
your battery.
Page 353 of 381
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
7-41
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
Inspect spark plugwires.
An Emission Control Service.
Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.
If you haven't used your vehicle under severe service conditions listed
previously and, therefore, haven't changed your automatic transmission fluid,
change both the fluid and filter. Manual transmission fluid doesn't
require change.
4.3L V6 Engine Only: Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control Service.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service,
whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE