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off until the engine warms up. However, the fan will
engage immediately if the defrost mode is selected or if
you select a fixed blower speed.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the A/C,
panel, and blower controls. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Recirculate without A/C
should not be used for long periods as fogging may
occur. Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by using the defrost mode.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch up to the DEL (Delay) position or
the ON position will activate the wiper. Push the lever
forward to initiate the wash function in any of the threepositions. The wash pump will continue to operate as
long as the button is pressed. Upon release, the wipers
will cycle three times before returning to the set position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the ªParkº
position.
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If the liftgate flipper glass is open, connection to the rear
window wiper is interrupted preventing activation of the
rear wiper blade. When the liftgate flipper glass is closed,
the rear wiper switch or the ignition switch needs to be
turned OFF and ON to restart the rear wiper.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
Rear Window Defroster
In the lower left of the climate control panel is a
push button for rear window defrosting. An am-
ber indicator in the push button will light when the
defroster is turned on. Push again to turn off the defroster
prior to an automatic time-out.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
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The defroster will automatically turn off after about ten
minutes. For about five more minutes of operation, push
the button again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use
the defroster only when the engine is operating. The push
button also activates the heated exterior mirrors, if so
equipped.CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Also, keep all
objects a safe distance from the window to prevent
damaging the heating elements.
172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................176
NNormal Starting......................176
NExtreme Cold Weather (Below ±20ÉF (±29ÉC) . . 177
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................177
NAfter Starting........................178
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........178
mAutomatic Transmission..................179
NBrake Transmission Shift Interlock System
(BTSI).............................180NElectronically Controlled Five Speed Automatic
Transmission (4.7L Engine Only)..........180
NProtect Mode - Electronically Controlled
Transmission (4.7L Engine Only)..........180
NGear Ranges.........................181
NOver Temperature Mode................185
NTorque Converter Clutch................185
NRocking The Vehicle...................186
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation...............186
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the N (Neutral) or P (Park)
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
176 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
Extreme Cold Weather (below ±20ÉF (±29ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.NOTE:To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15±
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold
Weatherº procedures should be repeated.
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After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with
grounded, three wire extension cord.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) are
expected to last for several days.The engine block heater cord is located:
²6-cylinder engine Ð bundled and fastened to the
injector rail between injectors 1 and 2.
²V-8 engine Ð coiled and strapped to the transmission
filler tube.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
178 STARTING AND OPERATING
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The pointer on the selector indicates the transmission
gear range (selector is illuminated for night driving).
Start the engine with the selector lever in N (Neutral) or
P (Park) position.NOTE:When the ignition is in the ON position, the
brake pedal must be pressed to move the gearshift lever
out of P (Park).
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of ªPº or
ªNº if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 179
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