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transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The NV 144 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Control
Switch, which is located on the instrument panel.
The NV 144 transfer case provides 2 mode positions:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and 4-Wheel-Drive LOCK.
The NV 144 transfer case is designed to be driven in for
AWD for normal street and highway conditions (all road
surfaces roads).When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4LOCK position can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the 4LOCK position
- see Shifting Procedure section for specific shifting
instructions. The 4LOCK position is designed for loose,
slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4LOCK posi-
tion on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire
wear and damage to the driveline components.Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster, and indicate the current and desired
transfer case selection. If there are no indicator lights on
or flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
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or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the(Service 4WD(light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 144 transfer
case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore
the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for the
shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.Proper operation of four-wheel-drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel-drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
AW D
Normal All-Wheel-Drive High Range - Employs inter-
axle differential. Allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. All road surfaces.
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vehicle in the 4LOCK position on dry hard surfaced
roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4LOCK and
4LO positions can be used to lock the front and rear
driveshafts together through the transfer case inter-axle
differential and force the front and rear wheels to rotate
at the same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the
4WD Control Switch to these positions. The 4LOCK and
4LO positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4LOCK and 4LO positions
on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear
and damage to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4HI,4LOCK).
The ªSVC 4WDº warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
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WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the(Service 4WD(light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the AWD or 4LOCK
positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over-
speed the engine and do not exceed 40 km/h (25 mph).
Proper operation of four-wheel-drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
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PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the gear-shift lever is in PARK position. When parking on
a hill you should apply the Parking Brake before placing
the gear shift lever in PARK; otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the selector out of PARK.
NOTE:The instrument cluster brake warning light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
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The system's pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The Anti-Lock Brake system includes an amber (ABS)
warning light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-
Lock Brake system is not functioning. The system reverts
to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning the ignition Off
and On again may reset the Anti-Lock Brake system if the
fault detected was only momentary.WARNING!
Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated elec-
tronic equipment. It may be susceptible to interfer-
ence caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference can
cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capability.
Installation of such equipment should be done by
qualified professionals.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
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WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never allow any lit smoking materials near the
vehicles while removing the cap or filling the
tank.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system, and could result
in loss of warranty coverage.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
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²When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully loaded
vehicle when the humidity is low and the temperature
is high, use a premium unleaded fuel to help prevent
spark knock. If spark knock persists, lighten the load,
or engine piston damage may result.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Many of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
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