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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 “Malfunction Indicator
Light” 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. (See page 250 for more
information.)
18. Trip Odometer Button
Press and release this button to toggle between the
odometer and trip odometer displays. This button is also
used to reset the trip odometer to 0. While the display is
showing the trip odometer, press and hold the button for
approximately 2 seconds and the display will reset to 0.19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
The odometer will “illuminate” when the driver’s door
has been opened, and will remain on for 20 seconds after
exiting the vehicle.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so the correct mileage can be
determined.
The trip odometer shows individual mileage up to 999.9
miles (1 600 km). To switch from odometer to trip
odometer, press the trip odometer button.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Defrost
Outside air comes from the windshield outlets
with a small amount being directed through the
floor outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost
your windshield.
NOTE:For improved safety, the A/C compressor is
activated when “Mix” or “Defrost” modes are selected.
This is done to assist in drying the air and it will help in
keeping the windshield from fogging.
Operating Tips
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.
Winter Operation
The air from the heater system will heat faster in cold
weather if you use lower blower speeds until the engine
warms up. When operating the system during the winter
months, make sure the air intake, located directly in front
of the windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other
obstructions.
Window Fogging
In mild but rainy or humid weather, the windows might
fog on the inside. To clear the fog off all of the windows,
turn the mode control knob to the “Panel” position (with
snowflake). Adjust the temperature control and blower
speed to maintain comfort. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Interior fogging on the wind-
shield can be quickly removed by selecting the “Defrost”
position.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 177 of 352
Fuel Requirements......................222
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................223
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............223
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................224
▫Materials Added To Fuel................224
▫Fuel System Cautions..................224
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............225Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................226
▫Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) — If
Equipped...........................228
Trailer Towing.........................229
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 232
▫Shifting Into Neutral (N)................232
▫Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)..............233
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
5
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•Push in the clutch pedal completely when shifting.
Otherwise, transmission or clutch damage may result.
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between a
forward gear and reverse, do not spin wheels faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
•The manual transmission may be equipped with a
“Reverse Blocker” to prevent inadvertent shifts from
5th gear to Reverse. If you experience difficulty shift-
ing into “Reverse”, make sure that you are not inad-
vertently moving the shift lever toward 5th gear when
shifting into “Reverse.”
Recommended Manual Transmission Shifting
Speeds
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
EngineSpeeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
2.4L Accel. 14
(23)24
(39)34
(55)46
(74)57
(92)
Cruise 11
(18)19
(31)27
(43)38
(61)45
(72)
4.0L Accel. 15
(24)24
(39)34
(55)47
(76)56
(90)
Cruise 10
(16)19
(31)27
(43)37
(60)41
(66)
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System
Manual transmission vehicles are equipped with a clutch
interlock safety feature. With this feature engaged, you
must depress the clutch pedal to allow cranking of the
engine. To temporarily bypass this safety feature while
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
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CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result.
R (Reverse)
For moving the vehicle rearward. Always stop before
moving the lever to R (Reverse), except when rocking the
vehicle.
N (Neutral)
Engine may be started in this position.
NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or otherwise driv-
ing with the transmission in N (Neutral) can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
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 (Overdrive) if
the following conditions are present:
•The transmission selector is in D (Drive).
•The O/D OFF switch has not been activated.
•Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h).
STARTING AND OPERATING 187
5
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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.
2 (Second)
For moderate grades and to assist braking on dry pave-
ment or in mud and snow. Begins at a stop in low gear
with automatic upshift to 2nd gear. Will not shift to 3rd.
1 (First)
For hard pulling at low speeds in mud, sand, snow, or on
steep grades. Begins and stays in low gear with no
upshift. Provides engine compression braking at low
speeds.
Overdrive Off Switch
188 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 192 of 352

Proper operation of four wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type, and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference will adversely affect shifting and
cause damage to the transfer case.
Because four wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, see the information below:
2H Position
Rear Wheel Drive High Range — Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4H Position
Four Wheel Drive High Range — 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 — Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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 “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Thecombined 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 “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” 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 “XXX”
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. (since 5 x 150 = 750,
and 1400 – 750 = 650 lb.)
212 STARTING AND OPERATING