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Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
position for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. This
action could damage the power steering pump.
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the
power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
After any severe impact such as striking large potholes, sliding into curbs
on icy roads or a collision involving the front end, have the front
suspension and steering checked for possible damage.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the
ground, such as when changing a tire.
PULL
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition to the LOCK position, then
remove the key.
2. Reinsert the key and turn the ignition to the OFF position.
3. Press and hold down the brake pedal and shift into N (Neutral).
4. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
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Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift
lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this gear.
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When starting a vehicle with a manual transmission, you must:
1. Make sure the parking brake is
fully set.
2. Depress the clutch pedal fully.
3. Put the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition to position 5
(START) to start the engine, let the
engine idle for a few seconds.
5. Depress the brake pedal.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Move the gearshift lever to the
desired gear.
8. Release the brake pedal.
9. Slowly release the clutch pedal
while slowly pressing down on the
accelerator pedal.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use
the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions will greatly reduce clutch life.
1
24R3D1
24 R
L3D
1
2
34
5
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Parking your vehicle
1. Disengage the clutch, apply brake
and shift into N (Neutral).
2. Set parking brake.
3. Shift into 1 (First).
4. Turn the ignition key to position
3 (OFF).
1
24R3D1
24 R
L3D
3
2
1
5
4
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Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R
(Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
Put the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) and wait at least three seconds
before shifting into R (Reverse).
With the 5–speed transmission you
can shift into R (Reverse) only by
moving the gearshift lever from left
of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears
before you shift into R (Reverse).
This is a special lockout feature that
protects you from accidentally
shifting into R (Reverse) when you
downshift from
D(Overdrive).
With the 6–speed transmission you
can shift into R (Reverse) by
moving the gearshift to the extreme
left from N (Neutral).
13
24RD
R1
L3
4 2D
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4. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4H
(4WD High) or 2H (2WD high) and
hold the shift lever in position until
the transfer case has fully engaged
(up to 15 seconds).
5. If the transfer casedoes not
engage, repeat steps 1 through 4.
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case neutral position overrides the transmission and
puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move forward or backwards.
This position should only be used
when towing the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn
off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
Positions of the electronic shift system
To prevent damage, the electronic shift 4WD system is designed
to allow up to 45 seconds before the shift command is performed.
In the event that conflicting shift commands are selected, allow
up to 45 seconds for the shift command to be performed prior to
reporting any shift concerns to your dealer.
2WD (2WD High)– Power to rear axle only.
4x4 HIGH (4WD High)– Power delivered to front and rear axles for
increased traction.
4x4 LOW (4WD Low)– Power to front and rear axles at low speeds.
2H
4H
4LN
2H
4H
4LN
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Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle
and install the retainer through the
wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantly and the spare
tire carrier ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. The spare tire carrier has a built-in ratchet
feature that will not allow you to overtighten.
4. Check that the tire lies flat to the frame assembly. Push against the
tire to make sure it is tightly seated under the vehicle. Loosen or
retighten if necessary.
5. If removed, install the spare tire lock into the bumper drive tube with
the spare tire lock key and jack handle.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
•Automatic transmission: Place
gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Manual transmission: Place
gearshift lever in R (Reverse).
•Electronic Shift On the Fly four
wheel drive: Place transfer case
in 2WD, 4x4 HIGH or 4x4 LOW.
•Manual shift transfer case four
wheel drive: Place transfer case
in 2H, 4H or 4L.
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