Page 7 of 386
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys.................. 9
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................ 9
NSentry Key Ð If Equipped................ 9
mIgnition And Steering Lock.................12
NIgnition Accessory Delay Feature...........13
mIlluminated Entry........................13
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....13
mDoor Locks............................13
NManual Door Locks.....................13NPower Door Locks.....................14
NChild Protection Door Lock...............17
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................19
NTo Unlock The Doors And Liftgate..........19
NTo Lock The Doors And Liftgate............20
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................21
NGeneral Information....................22
NProgramming Additional Transmitters........22
NBattery Replacement....................24
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Page 13 of 386

NOTE:The steering wheel will lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned around 115
degrees clockwise or 65 degrees counterclockwise from
the center position.
Ignition Accessory Delay Feature
When the ignition is turned to OFF/LOCK position the
accessory features on the vehicle will continue to operate
for ten minutes or until the driver's door is opened. The
accessory features are: Power Windows, Sunroof, and
Radio. This feature can be turned off by the dealer.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY
Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks
All interior lights will illuminate in the vehicle when the
doors are unlocked using the key fob.The interior lights will remain on for 30 seconds after the
last door is closed, or until all doors are closed and either
the ignition is turned to the ON position or a key fob
LOCK button is pressed.
There is also a battery saver feature that will turn the
interior lights off after 8 minutes if the ignition is OFF
and a door is left open or the dimmer control is in the
interior lights ON position.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
All the doors can be ªmanuallyº locked from the inside
by pushing down the door lock plunger, located at the
rear of the door. Both front doors may be opened from the
inside with the door lock plunger in the down or locked
position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2
Page 114 of 386
WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Ð IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 197 of 386
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................200
NAutomatic Transmission................200
NNormal Starting......................201
NEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........202
mAutomatic Transmission..................203
NAutomatic Transmission................203
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation...............208
NNV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................208NShifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 210
NNV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............211
NShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................215
mParking Brake.........................217
mBrake System..........................218
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 218
mPower Steering........................220
mRocking The Vehicle.....................221
5
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WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the Anti-lock Brake system, you will experience
some pedal drop as the vehicle comes to a stop. This is
the result of the system reverting to the base brake
system.
Engagement of the Anti-lock Brake System may be
accompanied by a pulsing sensation. You may also hear a
clicking noise. These occurrences are normal, and indi-
cate that the system is functioning properly.
POWER STEERING
Your power steering system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for any reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted, it
will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will experience an increase in steering
effort and a noticeable amount of ªfree playº in the
steering wheel.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 284 of 386

NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............302
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............303
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............304
NDrive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........304
NBody Lubrication.....................304
NWindshield Wiper Blades................305
NWindshield Washers...................305
NExhaust System......................306
NCooling System.......................306
NEmission Related Components............311
NBrake System........................313
NAutomatic Transmission................315
NTransfer Case........................319NAxles..............................319
NSelection Of Lubricating Grease...........320
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................321
mPower Distribution Center (Fuse/Relay).......325
mFuse Block............................325
mVehicle Storage........................326
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................327
mBulb Replacement......................327
NHeadlights/Parking/Turn Signal..........327
NRear Side Marker, Tail Lights, Turn Signals And
Backup Lights Ð Replacement............329
NLicense Lights........................333
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........334
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 303 of 386

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
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Page 312 of 386

swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be given to examining hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil
wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an
indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when
systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation),
should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer's specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material andspecification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system
requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plug-
ging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the
PCV valve and passage with increasing mileage. Have
the PCV valve, hoses, and passages checked for proper
operation at the intervals specified. If the valve is
plugged or sticking, replace with a new valve ±Do not
attempt to clean the oil PCV valve!Check ventilating
hose for indication of damage or plugging with deposits.
Replace if necessary.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE