Page 229 of 440

Manual Control (ATC)
You also may choose to customize your comfort by
selecting the fan speed and mode manually. Pressing the
fan speed button or any mode button places the system
into manual operation.
While in manual operation there are six fan speeds
available and the choice of any mode. The airflow
temperature is adjusted automatically to maintain the
desired comfort level. You can adjust the temperature by
pressing the + or – TEMP rocker switch.
FAN Control
Use this button to regulate the amount of air deliv-
ered through the system in any mode you select.
Press the + or – side of the button to increase or decrease
fan speed.
Air Conditioning Operation
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
compressor. A snow flake symbol in the displayshows that the compressor is on. Compressor operation is
automatic when you press the AUTO button and no
snowflake is shown.
The compressor may operate at any temperature above
32°F (0°C).
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor cycles. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering
the vehicle. Use this mode to temporarily block
out any outside odors, smoke, dust or when
rapid cooling of the interior is required.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 229
4
Page 235 of 440

and blower speed to maintain comfort. Interior fogging
on the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting
the defrost mode.
Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended.When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy traffic
in hot weather especially when towing a trailer, addi-
tional engine cooling may be required. If this situation is
encountered, operate the transmission in a lower gear.
When stopped in heavy traffic, it may be necessary to
shift into NEUTRAL and press the accelerator slightly for
fast idle operation.
Winter Operation
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 obstruc-
tions.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 235
4
Page 238 of 440

If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
off, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wiper will
resume operation.
Rear Window Defrosting
A push-button type switch is located in the climate
control panel. Press the switch and the rear win-
dow defroster and electric remote control heated mirrors
(if equipped) will turn On. An amber indicator on the
push-button will light when the defroster is turned On.
An symbol will be displayed when the defroster is turned
on with an ATC control. Push again to turn Off prior to
time-out. The defroster will automatically turn Off after
fifteen minutes. For ten more minutes of operation, push
the button again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use
the defroster only when the engine is operating.
CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear win-
dow to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a
soft cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping
parallel to the heating elements. Also, keep all
objects a safe distance from the window to prevent
damaging the heating elements.
238 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
Page 239 of 440
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................242
▫Automatic Transmission................242
▫Normal Starting......................242
▫Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........244
Automatic Transmission..................245
▫Automatic Transmission................245
Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............250
▫NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................250▫Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 252
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............253
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................256
Parking Brake.........................258
Brake System..........................260
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 260
Power Steering........................262
Rocking The Vehicle.....................264
5
Page 242 of 440

STARTING PROCEDURES
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.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a warm or cold engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Tip Start Feature
Your vehicle has a “Tip Start” starting system. With “Tip
Start” the driver does not need to hold the key in the
’Start’ position until the vehicle starts, but can release the
key (still in the ignition) and the vehicle will continue
through the start cycle.
•Turn the ignition key to the START position, until the
start motor engages.
•Release the key (still in the ignition) and the starter
will continue through the start cycle until the vehicle
starts or for 5 seconds (whichever comes first).
242 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 243 of 440

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 with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.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.
WARNING!
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.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5
Page 244 of 440
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
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 3.7L/4.7L engine block heater cord is located at the
front of the engine compartment near the radiator cap.
The 5.7L engine block heater cord is located on the left
side of the engine compartment and rearward of the
power distribution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 245 of 440

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.
WARNING!
Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not completely in P (Park). Check by trying to
move the gearshift lever back and forth without first
pulling the lever toward you, after you have set it in
P (Park). Make sure it is in Park before leaving the
vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5