
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
5

reaches the appropriate temperature. Refer to the ªNoteº
under ªTorque Converter Clutchº later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets too hot, the trans-
mission may downshift out of Overdrive or engage
overdrive at higher vehicle speeds (4.7L engines only)
until the transmission cools down. After cooldown, Over-
drive will resume normal operation.
2ÐSecond
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use
it also when climbing long grades, and for engine brak-
ing when descending moderately steep grades. To pre-
vent excessive engine speed, do not exceed 45 mph (72
km/h) in this range.
1ÐFirst
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds (25 mph (40 km/h) or less) when going
downhill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
CAUTION!
Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These practices
can cause overheating and damage to the transmis-
sion.
184 STARTING AND OPERATING

Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the O/D OFF indicator light and TRANS OVER
TEMP warning light in the instrument cluster may come
on. After the transmission cools down, it will return to
normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
²The torque converter clutch will not engage until the
transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usu-
ally after 1±3 miles (1.6±4.8 km) of driving). Because
engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmis-
sion is not shifting into ªOverdriveº when cold. This is
considered a normal condition. Pressing the ªO/D
OFFº switch will show that the transmission is able to
shift into and out of ªOverdrive.º
²If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
normal condition and will not cause damage to the
transmission. The torque converter will refill within 5
seconds of shifting from P (Park) into any other gear
position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
5

induce a torque interrupt and allow full engagement of
the newly selected position. With the vehicle stationary, it
may be necessary to shift from D (Drive) to R (Reverse)
and back to D (Drive) after shifting. This will allow full
engagement of the newly selected position. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4 PART TIME to 4 FULL TIME or 4 FULL TIME to
4 PART TIME
Shifting between 4 PART TIME and 4 FULL TIME can be
made with the vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle
is in motion, shifts can be made up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
With the vehicle in motion, two momentary releases of the
accelerator pedal may be required after shifting. This will
induce a torque interrupt and allow full engagement of
the newly selected position. With the vehicle stationary, it
may be necessary to shift from D (Drive) to R (Reverse)
and back to D (Drive) after shifting. This will allow full
engagement of the newly selected position. Apply a
constant force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4 FULL TIME to 4 LO or 4 LO to 4 FULL TIME
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into N (Neutral). While the vehicle is
coasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly to the desired position. Do not pause in
transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the trans-
mission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn the
engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4LO is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
4 ALL TIME to 4 LO or 4 LO to 4 ALL TIME
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
the transmission into N (Neutral). While the vehicle iscoasting at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift the transfer
case lever firmly into the desired position. Do not pause
in transfer case N (Neutral).
NOTE:Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission may require
shutting the engine OFF to avoid gear clash while
completing the shift. If difficulty occurs, shift the trans-
mission into N (Neutral), hold foot on brake, and turn the
engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
NOTE:Shifting into or out of 4LO is possible with the
vehicle completely stopped, however difficulty may oc-
cur due to the mating clutch teeth not being properly
aligned. Several attempts may be required for clutch
teeth alignment and shift completion to occur. The pre-
ferred method is with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3 mph (3 to
5 km/h). Avoid attempting to engage or disengage 4LO
with the vehicle moving faster than 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5
km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 193
5

Wheel Nut Torque..................... 245
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 228
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 185
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 248
Towing............................226,248
Disabled Vehicle....................... 248
Recreational.......................... 231
Trailer Towing.......................... 226
Cooling System Tips.................... 229
Minimum Requirements................. 230
Tips ................................ 229
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 228
Warnings............................ 227
Transfer Case........................... 280
Maintenance.......................... 280
Transmission
Automatic........................179,277
Maintenance.......................... 277
Shifting............................. 181Warning Light........................ 131
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener............ 106
Transmitter Programming................... 22
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 215
Trip Odometer.......................... 132
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 132
Turn Signals.........................79,129
Underhood Fuses........................ 288
Universal Transmitter..................... 106
Upholstery Care........................ 284
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................. 274
Vanity Mirrors........................... 62
Variance, Compass....................... 105
Vehicle Identification Number................ 7
Vehicle Loading......................... 208
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 8
INDEX 343
10