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Mix Outside air comes from the floor and defrost out-
lets. This mode works best in cold or snowy con-
ditions. It allows you to stay comfortable while
keeping the windshield clear.
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
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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.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 179 of 368
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .....................182
▫ Manual Transmission ..................182
▫ Automatic Transmission ................182
▫ Normal Starting ......................182
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or –29°C) .................183
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................183
▫ After Starting ........................184
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped .........184
Transmission Shifting ....................185
▫ 6-Speed Manual Transmission ............185
▫ Automatic Transmission ................188
Four–Wheel Drive Operation (Command-Trac™
Or Rock-Trac™) — If Equipped .............194
▫ Operating Instructions/Precautions .........195
▫ Shift Positions ........................196
▫ Shifting Procedure ....................197
Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle ....................198
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Axle Lock (Tru–Lok™) — If Equipped ........199
Parking Brake .........................200
About Your Brakes ......................203
Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped .......205
Power Steering ........................207
On-Road Driving Tips ...................208
Off-Road Driving Tips ...................209
▫ When To Use 4L (Low) Range ............209
▫ Driving Through Water .................209
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ..........210
▫ Hill Climbing ........................210
▫ Traction Downhill .....................211
▫ After Driving Off-Road .................212
Tire Safety Information ...................213
▫ Tire Markings ........................213
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........216
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........217
Tires — General Information ...............221
▫ Tire Pressure .........................221
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................222
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation ....224
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ......................224
▫ Tire Spinning ........................224
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................225
▫ Life Of Tire .........................226
▫ Replacement Tires .....................226
▫ Alignment And Balance .................227
180 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Tire Chains ...........................228
Tire Rotation Recommendations ............228
Fuel Requirements ......................229
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................230
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............230
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................231
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................231
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................232
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............232
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................233
▫ Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) —
If Equipped .........................235
Trailer Towing .........................236
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............236
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............238
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) .........239
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............240
▫ Towing Requirements ..................242
▫ Towing Tips .........................246
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 248
▫ Shifting Into Neutral (N) ................248
▫ Shifting Out Of Neutral (N) ..............250
STARTING AND OPERATING 181
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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. It will not start unless the
clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.
WARNING!
You or others around you could be injured if you
attempt to start the engine with a manual transmis-
sion in gear — your vehicle will move. Remember,
always push the clutch pedal in fully and shift into
N (Neutral) before attempting to start the engine.
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.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
182 STARTING AND OPERATING
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10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.Extreme Cold Weather (below –20°F or –29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, 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.
Ignition Key Positions
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
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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” or “Extreme Cold
Weather” procedures should be repeated.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
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 engine block
heater cord is found under the hood clipped to the tie rod
between the radiator grille and the dash panel.
184 STARTING AND OPERATING