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shifter is in the D (Drive) position, allowing the selection
of the desired top gear. For example, if the driver shifts
the transmission into 3 (third gear), the transmission will
never shift above third gear, but can shift down to 2
(second) or 1 (first), when needed.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
Screen Display12 34D
Actual Gear(s) Al-
lowed1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5
NOTE:To select the proper gear position for maximum
deceleration (engine braking), move the shift lever to theleft “D(-)” and hold it there. The transmission will shift to
the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed
down.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth speed (Overdrive).
The transmission will automatically shift from 3rd gear to
Overdrive if the following conditions are present:
•the transmission selector is in D (Drive);
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” button has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
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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.
During cold temperature operation you may notice de-
layed upshifts depending on engine and transmission
temperature. This feature improves the warm up time of
the engine and transmission.
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 “TRANSMISSIONOVER TEMP” message may display and the transmis-
sion may downshift out of Overdrive until the transmis-
sion cools down. After cooldown, the transmission will
resume normal operation.
In high ambient temperatures with sustained high engine
speed and load, an upshift followed shortly thereafter by
a downshift may occur. This is a normal part of the
overheat protection strategy when operating in the
“Tow/Haul” mode.
The transmission will downshift from Overdrive to the
most desirable gear if the accelerator pedal is fully
depressed at vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph
(56 km/h).
When To Use “TOW/HAUL” Mode — If Equipped
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
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
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Neutral (N) Shift Procedure
1. Key ON, engine off.
2. Vehicle stopped, with foot on brake.
3. Place transmission in N (Neutral).
4. Hold down N (Neutral) “pin” switch (with a pen, etc.)
for 4 seconds until the LED lamp by the switch starts to
blink indicating shift in progress. Lamp will stop blinking
(stay on solid) when Neutral shift is complete. A “4WD
SYSTEM IN NEUTRAL” message will display on the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec-
tion 4 of this manual. (See page 186 for more informa-
tion.)5. Repeat Steps 1– 4 to shift out of Neutral.
Neutral Switch
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CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
NOTE:
•The TPMS can inform the driver of a low tire pressure
condition.
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module. The wheel sensors
monitor tire pressure, and status for all four active road
tires and the spare tire. The spare tire pressure is moni-
tored, but not displayed.
NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more
tire pressures is low. The “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light” will flash on and off for 10 to 60 seconds
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when a system fault is detected. The flash cycle will
repeat every ten minutes or until the fault condition is
removed and reset.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) consists of the
following components:
•Receiver Module
•5 Wheel Sensors (including Full Size Spare Tire)
•4 Wheel Sensor Trigger Modules
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Messages in
the EVIC
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
The system consists of tire pressure monitoring sensors
attached to each wheel through the valve stem mounting
hole, a central receiver module, Wheel Sensor Trigger
Modules mounted in three of the four wheel wells,various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Mes-
sages in the EVIC, and a “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light.” A sensor shall be installed in the spare
wheel if the vehicle is equipped with a matching full size
spare wheel and tire assembly.
NOTE:For vehicles with optional wheel/tire sizes and
significantly different tire placard pressures, the placard
pressure value and the low-pressure threshold value is
re-programmable at your authorized dealer to accommo-
date the customer selected wheel/tire combinations rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
The followingwarningswill cause a text message to be
displayed, an audible chime to sound and the “Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light” to illuminate. The
audible chime will occur once every ignition cycle for
eachwarningdetected. The “Tire Pressure Monitoring
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Telltale Light” will illuminate continuously (solid) and
shall remain illuminated until the warning condition is
removed/reset.
NOTE:The “Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light”
will only illuminate for the four active road tires. A low
spare tire pressure will not cause the “Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light” to illuminate
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages.
LEFT FRONT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT FRONT,
RIGHT REAR, SPARE LOW PRESSURE
One or more of these messages will be displayed in the
EVIC if a low tire pressure condition exists in one or more
tires.Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once the
proper tire pressure has been set, the TPMS will reset
automatically when the vehicle has been driven for at
least 2 minutes at or above 15 mph (24 km/h).
CHECK TPM SYSTEM
See your authorized dealer when this message appears in
the EVIC. This message indicates that a system fault
condition has been detected.
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TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, handling,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and develop irregular wear patterns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.NOTE:The Premium Tire Pressure Monitor System will
automatically locate the pressure values displayed in the
correct vehicle position following a tire rotation.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GAS CAP” message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in Section 4 of
this manual. (See page 186 for more information.) Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII”
in Section 7 of this manual for more information. (See
page 348 for more information.)WARNING!
•Remove the fuel cap (gas cap) slowly to prevent
fuel spray from the filler neck which may cause
injury.
•The volatility of some gasoline may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
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