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To operate the system, press either theAUTO HIor
AUTO LObuttons. The system now automatically
regulates the heating and air conditioning system includ-
ing blower speed, outlet air temperature, and airflow
distribution through the various outlets within the in-
strument panel. Using theTEMPbuttons, adjust the
temperature you would like the system to maintain.
When the system is set to your comfort level, it is not
necessary to change the settings. You will experience the
greatest efficiency by allowing the system to function
automatically. The system will operate fully automati-
cally in eitherAUTO HIorAUTO LO. TheAUTO
LOsetting will limit the maximum fan speed and should
be used when more quiet operation is desired. Use the
AUTO HIsetting when the quickest cool-down or
warm-up performance is desired.NOTE:
•It is not necessary to move the temperature settings for
cold or hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts
the temperature, mode and fan speed to provide
comfort as quickly as possible.
•The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric by
selecting the US/M customer programmable feature.
Refer to the“Electronic Vehicle Information Center-
Customer Programmable Features”in Section 3 of this
manual.
To provide you with maximum comfort in the automatic
mode, during cold start-ups the blower fan will remain
off and“DELAY”will appear in the display until the
engine warms up. An estimate of the time remaining
until the“DELAY”is complete will appear periodically
in the display. However, the fan will engage immediately
if the defrost mode is selected or by pushing the blower
switch and manually adjusting the fan speed.
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The recirculation control is now programmed so that the
recirculation mode willnotreset to the outside air mode
when the engine is restarted. The recirculation program-
ming can be changed back by repeating this procedure.
Rear Fan Operation
To operate the rear fan, press theREARbutton. The first
time this button is pressed theREAR AUTOdisplay
will illuminate indicating that the rear fan speed is
automatically controlled. To manually control the rear
fan speed, press theREARbutton again and only
REARwill illuminate in the display. This allows the rear
seat occupants to control the rear fan speed using the
switch located in the center console between the second
row seats. By pressing theREARbutton a third time,
the rear fan will shut off.
When the ATC display readsREAR AUTOor when the
rear fan is off, the switch located in the center console
between the second row seats is not functional. When theATC display readsREAR, only the rear seat occupants
can control the rear fan speed from the rear switch. When
in the“REAR”mode, the rear occupants can set the rear
switch to any fan speed includingOFF,orAUTO.
While in theAUTOposition, the rear fan speed will be
automatically controlled.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, Maintenance Procedures, of this manual for
proper coolant selection.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
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Winter Operation
To insure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7, Maintenance
Procedures, of this manual for proper coolant selection.
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the A/C
button to reduce the humidity inside the vehicle.
Fogging on the inside of the windshield can be quickly
removed by pressing the defrost button and increasing
the blower speed.
Do not use the Recirculation mode without the A/C
button for long periods as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Before driving, always make sure the air intake located
directly in front of the windshield is free of obstructions
such as leaves, ice, or snow, which could reduce airflow
and/or plug the water drain tube inside the plenum.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................248
▫Normal Starting......................248
Engine Block Heater—If Equipped.........250
Automatic Transmission..................251
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......251
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System.............................252
▫Four Speed Automatic Transmission........252
AutoStick............................254▫AutoStick Operation...................254
▫AutoStick General Information............254
All Wheel Drive—If Equipped............255
Parking Brake.........................256
Brake System..........................258
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................258
Power Steering........................261
Traction Control—If Equipped............262
Tire Safety Information...................263
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Page 248 of 420

STARTING PROCEDURES
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.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Startingof 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 has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather(below29°Cor20°F) To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Un-
burned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
once the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly. See section 6 of
this manual for the proper jump starting proce-
dures and follow them carefully.
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”procedure, 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.
CAUTION!
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 up to 15
seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
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the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and the key once
the engine is running smoothly. Do not overspeed en-
gine.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the“NORMAL STARTING”procedure
should be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER—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 a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap that
is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the
engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of“P”or
“N”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.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ACCESSORY or ON position. Always
depress thebrake pedal first,before moving the gear
selector out of PARK.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
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