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Functions 3.7L 4.7L 5.7L
Engage Speed 35 mph (56 km/h) 35 mph (56 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h)
Minimun RESUME Speed 30 mph (50 km/h) 30 mph (50 km/h) 20 mph (32 km/h)
ACCEL Increase 2 mph (3km/h) 2 mph (3km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h)
DECEL Decrease 1 mph (2 km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h) 1 mph (2 km/h)
Dropout Speed 30 mph (50 km/h) 30 mph (50 km/h) 20 mph (32 km/h)
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
feet (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 (refer to the
table below for the speed for your specific engine), the
speed control will automatically disengage. If this hap-
pens, you can push down on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the desired speed.Vehicles equipped with a Automatic transmission may
exhibit several downshifts under the above conditions.
To reduce the frequency of the downshifts and to im-
prove vehicle performance, it is advisable to lock out
overdrive by pressing the “TOW/HAUL” button located
at the end of the gear shifter.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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11. Liftgate Open
The Gate Open light will illuminate when the liftgate is
not properly closed.
12. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle theft alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
13. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
which is described elsewhere in this manual.
This light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
approximately 3 seconds. If this light remains on or
comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lockportion of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. See your authorized dealer immedi-
ately.
14. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned On. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. Immediate service
should be obtained. (See page 311 for more information.)
15. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine revolutions-per-minute
(rpm x 1000).
16. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 167
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remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the
parking brake is applied, the light will flash when the
gear position is out of park for automatic transmissions.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary. Operating the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous!
24. Low Washer Fluid Indicator
This light comes on when the washer fluid level falls
below approximately 1/4 full. The light will remain on
until fluid is added and ignition switch is cycled.
25. HeadLights On Indicator
Indicate when your headlights are on.
26. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is firstturned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 10
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, have the condi-
tion investigated promptly.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
170 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................218
▫Automatic Transmission................218
▫Normal Starting......................219
▫Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........220
Automatic Transmission..................221
▫Automatic Transmission................221
Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............226
▫NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................226▫Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 228
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............229
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................233
Parking Brake.........................234
Brake System..........................236
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 236
Power Steering........................238
Rocking The Vehicle.....................239
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STARTING PROCEDURES
The starter should not be operated for more than 15-
second intervals. Waiting a few seconds between such
intervals will protect the starter from overheating.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged 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 procedures and follow them carefully.
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Automatic Transmission
The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates
the transmission gear selected. The selector lever is
mounted on the right side of the steering column. To
drive, move the selector lever from Park or Neutral to the
desired drive position. Pull selector lever toward you
when shifting into Reverse, Second, First or Park, or
when shifting out of Park.
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 ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from Park or
Neutral position into another gear range.
“P” Park
Supplements parking brake by locking the transmission.
Engine can be started in this range. Never use Park while
vehicle is in motion. Apply parking brake when leaving
vehicle in this range. Always apply parking brake first,
then place selector in Park position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
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“N” Neutral
Shift to Neutral when vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with engine running. Engine may be started in
this range. Set the parking brake if you must leave the
vehicle.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle (except as specified under
Towing A Disabled Vehicle), coasting, or otherwise driv-
ing the vehicle while in N (Neutral) can cause severe
transmission damage
“D” Drive
For most city and highway driving.
“2” Second
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 miles per
hour (72 km/h) in this range.“1” First
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds 25 mph (40 km/h) or less when going down
hill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h) in this range.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
•the transmission selector is in Drive;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” switch has not been activated;
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
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•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to Drive
if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at vehicle
speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the “TOW/HAUL” button. This will improve
224 STARTING AND OPERATING