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Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering
wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
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Driving
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2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to
(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlsystem off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
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•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Remote entry system
illuminated entry ....................153
locking/unlocking doors .........150
opening the trunk ...................151
Reverse sensing system ...........248
Roadside assistance ..................251
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........182
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........167, 170, 172–175
Safety defects, reporting ..........275
Safety restraints ...............167, 170,
172–175
belt minder .............................177
extension assembly ................181
for adults .........................172–174
for children .............................193
lap belt ....................................175
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................169
safety belt maintenance .........182
warning light and chime 176–177
Safety seats for children ..........196
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............167
Seats ..........................................162
child safety seats ....................196
easy access/easyout feature ..166
memory seat ...................154, 166
Servicing your vehicle ..............282
Spark plugs, specifications ......311,
316
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................314, 316
Speed control ............................132
Starting your vehicle ........235–237jump starting ..........................260
Steering
speed sensitive .......................242
Steering wheel
controls ....................................135
tilting .......................................116
T
Tilt steering wheel ....................116
Tires ...........................204–205, 209
alignment ................................222
care ..........................................220
changing ..........................209, 211
checking the pressure ............207
inspecting and inflating .........206
label .........................................220
replacing ..................................209
rotating ....................................223
safety practices .......................221
sidewall information ...............215
snow tires and chains ............224
spare tire .................................210
terminology .............................205
tire grades ...............................205
treadwear ........................204, 220
Towing .......................................231
recreational towing .................234
trailer towing ..........................231
wrecker ....................................266
Traction control ........................241
Traction-lok rear axle ...............247
Transmission .............................243
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....243
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................308
fluid, refill capacities ..............312
lubricant specifications ..314, 316
Trunk .........................................147
remote release ................143, 151
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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