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To remove the ignition key on models with a manual
transmission, depress and hold the key release button,
turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key.WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal, or the gear selector
lever. Do not leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Ignition Key Release Button
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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NOTE:A tone will chime if the turn signals are left on
for more than 2 miles (3.2 km).
Lights-On Reminder
A chime will sound if the driver’s door is left open, and
the headlights or parking lights are left on.
Battery Saver Feature — Exterior Lights
If the park lights, headlights, fog lights, or high beams are
left on when the ignition switch is in the OFF position,
the battery saver feature will automatically turn off the
exterior lights after eight minutes. Normal operation will
resume when the ignition is turned ON or when the
switch is turned to another position.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The front fog light switch is in the multi-function
control lever. To activate the front fog lights, turn
on the park or low beam headlights and pull out
the end of the lever. The “Fog Light Indicator Light” will
illuminate when the fog lights are on.
NOTE:The fog lights will only operate with the park
lights or the headlights on low beam. Selecting high
beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The headlights come on at a low intensity level after the
engine has started. They will turn off when the vehicle is
turned off, when the headlights are switched on, or when
the parking brake is set.
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To Set At A Desired Speed
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
and release the SET button. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
To Deactivate
A soft tap on the brake pedal, normal braking, or pressing
the CANCEL button will deactivate the Speed Control
without erasing the memory. Pressing the ON·OFF but-
ton or turning off the ignition erases the memory.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, press and release the
RES·ACCEL button. Resume can be used at any speed
beginning at approximately 30 mph (48 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting
When the Speed Control is on and set, speed can be
increased by pressing and holding the RES·ACCEL but-
ton. When the button is released, a new set speed will be
established.
Tapping the RES·ACCEL button once will result in a 2
mph (3 km/h) speed increase. Each time the button is
tapped, speed increases, so tapping the button three
times will increase speed by 6 mph (9 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is on and set, press
and hold the DECEL button. Release the button when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
Tapping the DECEL button once will result in a 1 mph (2
km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is tapped,
speed decreases.
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converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 309 for more
information.)
9. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for as long as three
seconds.
If the light comes back on immediately or comes on
during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of
the brake system is not functioning and that service is
required, however, the conventional brake system will
continue to operate normally provided that the BRAKE
warning light is not on. Also, a chime will sound if the
light comes back on.If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The operation of the ABS light can be checked by turning
the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON
position. The light should illuminate for approximately
two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the
parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the
light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an
authorized dealer.
10. Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on for three
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If the light
comes back on immediately or comes on while driving, it
means that there is a problem with the charging system
or the battery is low. Also, a chime will sound if the light
comes back on. See your authorized dealer immediately.
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17. Part Time Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the PART TIME four–wheel drive high range
mode, and the front and rear driveshafts are
mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. (See page 236 for
more information.)
18. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the light comes on, it may indi-
cate that the parking brake is applied, or there
is a low brake fluid level. On vehicles equipped with
Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), it may also indicate an ABS
malfunction that could lead to reduced braking perfor-
mance.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the BRAKE warning light on
is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per-
formance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You could
have an accident. Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately.
The operation of the BRAKE warning light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON position. The light should illuminate
for approximately two seconds. The light should then
turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
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4
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Also, the light will come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
19. Full Time Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the FULL TIME four–wheel drive mode, and
employs the inter-axle differential which al-
lows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. (See page 236 for more information.)
20. Sentry Key/Security Alarm Indicator Light — If
Equipped
Refer to “Sentry Key Immobilizer System” or “Vehicle
Security Alarm” in Section 2 of this manual for more
information.21. Fuel Gage
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the pointer
will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. A
small arrow indicates the side of the vehicle where the
filler cap (gas cap) is located.
22. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.3 U.S.
Gallons (8.7 Liters) this light will come on and
remain on until fuel is added. The “Low Fuel
Warning Light” may turn on and off again, especially
during and after hard braking, accelerations, or turns.
This occurs due to the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
Also, a single chime will sound.
23. Airbag Warning Light
This indicator lights and remains lit for 6 to 8
seconds when the ignition is first turned on. If the
light doesn’t come on, stays on, or comes on while driving,
have the airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
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▫Shift Positions........................242
▫Shifting Procedure....................243
Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle — If Equipped.........245
Parking Brake.........................245
Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.......247
On-Road Driving Tips...................249
Off-Road Driving Tips...................249
▫When To Use 4L Or 4LO (Low) Range......249
▫Driving Through Water.................250
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........251
▫Hill Climbing........................251
▫Traction Downhill.....................252
▫After Driving Off-Road.................253Tire Safety Information...................254
▫Tire Markings........................254
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........257
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........258
Tires — General Information...............262
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................263
▫High Speed Operation.................264
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................265
▫Tire Spinning........................265
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................266
▫Replacement Tires.....................266
▫Alignment And Balance.................267
Tire Pressure Monitor System — If Equipped . . . 268
218 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in N (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system, which requires the clutch to
be fully depressed before starting the vehicle.4WD Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch
pedal. The 4 LO MODE indicator light will illuminate
when the transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position. Apply the brake before shifting to
any driving range.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING