To Accelerate for Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:When driving uphill, at elevations above 2,000
ft. (610 meters), or when the vehicle is heavily loaded
(especially when towing) the vehicle may slow below the
SET speed. (If the vehicle speed drops below 30 mph (48
km/h), the Speed Control will automatically disengage).
If this happens, you can push down on the accelerator
pedal to maintain the desired speed.
WARNING!
Leaving the Speed Control on when not in use is
dangerous. You could accidentally set the system or
cause it to go faster than you want. You could lose
control and have an accident. Always turn the system
off when you are not using it.
CIGAR LIGHTER AND ASHTRAYS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The vehicle may be equipped with a cigar lighter recep-
tacle, element, and ashtray (Smoker's Package Only). The
cigar lighter will be located in the lower instrument panel
(near the heater controls), and the removable ashtray will
be located in the center console.
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
15. Coolant Temperature Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. The red
zone to the far right indicates possible overheat-
ing. Seek authorized service immediately if the
gauge operates in the red zone. In U.S. vehicles,
temperature is indicated in degrees fahrenheit; in
Canadian vehicles in degrees centigrade.
16. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to
8 seconds when the ignition is first turned
on. If the light does not come on for 6 to 8
seconds, stays on or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized
dealer.
17. Check Gauges Warning Light
This light monitors the engine coolant tem-
perature, engine oil pressure, and voltage
gauges. If it detects an extreme condition a
chime will sound and the light will come on. If the
light comes on, check the operation of these gauges for
a malfunction condition.18. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic
System called OBD II that monitors engine,
and automatic transmission control systems.
The light will illuminate when the ignition is in the
ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have
the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor quality fuel, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving styles. In most
situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the ªMalfunction Indicator
Lightº may flash to alert serious conditions that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
mTrailer Towing........................202
NWarranty Requirements.................203
mSnow Plow...........................205
mRecreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)
................205NShifting Into Neutral (N)................205
NShifting Out Of Neutral (N)..............206
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5
WARNING!
Do not coast in N (Neutral) and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle.
Overdrive (O/D)
For most city and highway driving. The transmission
contains an electronically controlled Overdrive, and
will automatically shift from D (Drive) to O/D (Over-
drive) if the following conditions are present:
²
The transmission selector is in D (Drive).
²The O/D OFF switch has not been activated.
²Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h).
When frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
Overdrive, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy load conditions (for example, in hilly terrain,strong head winds, or trailer towing), turning off over-
drive will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
Overdrive can be locked out by pressing the O/D OFF
switch located on the instrument panel. The O/D OFF
indicator light (on the switch) will illuminate to show
that the switch has been activated. When the indicator
light is on, Overdrive is locked out. Pressing the switch a
second time restores the Overdrive function. The lockout
feature is useful when towing a trailer or carrying a
heavy load.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING
4H Position
Four Wheel Drive High Range Ð Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces.
N (Neutral) Position
Neutral Ð Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4L Position
Four Wheel Drive Low Range Ð Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction and maxi-
mum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H 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, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
4H to 4L or 4L to 4H
With the vehicle rolling at 2 to 3 mph (3 to 5 km/h), shift
an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the
clutch pedal on a manual transmission. 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 auto-
matic transmission to N (Neutral), hold foot on brake,
and turn the engine OFF. Make shift to desired mode.
172 STARTING AND OPERATING
Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
Tire Placard Location
NOTE:
The tire placard is located on the lower driver's
side instrument panel.
Tire and Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about
the,
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) the total weight your vehicle can carry3) the tire size designed for your vehicle
4) the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear
and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR's) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR's, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement ªThe combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
188 STARTING AND OPERATING
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX poundsº on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400±750 (5 x 15) =
650 lb.)5. determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 189
5
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Ð If Equipped
²
Turn the engine off.
²Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap, and turn the
key to the right to unlock the fuel cap. Rotate the fuel
cap to the left to remove.
²To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one click.
This is an indication that the cap is properly tightened.
²Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught
under the fuel cap.
²Be sure to remove the key.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find information on limits to the
type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle.
Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº section. When your vehicle is
used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
202 STARTING AND OPERATING