Page 73 of 472

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper air flow through all defroster ducts. If
there are any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the
belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag light the
seatbelt light will flash.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2
Page 113 of 472

With the ignition switch in the RUN position, depressing
the heated seat switch rocker to its momentary high or
low position provides power to the heated seat element
and maintains the requested temperature setting. If the
heated seat switch is depressed to a different position
(low or high) than the currently selected state, the re-
quested temperature setting will change to a new selec-
tion. If the heated seat switch is depressed a second time
to the same position as the currently selected state, the
seat heater will turn off.
The controls for the second row heated seats are located
on the center console between the second row seats.
Each heated seat switch has two settings (HI and LOW).
Press the switch once to obtain high heat level, then press
the switch again to obtain low heat level. Pressing the
switch a third time will turn the heated seats off. If you
do not purposefully turn the switch off, the seat heating
level will automatically change to the next lower level, or
Rear Heated Seats Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3
Page 114 of 472

off. Both of the indicators on identifies High heat level.
The lower indicator on only, identifies Low heat level.
NOTE:The high heat setting will operate for approxi-
mately 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the system will
automatically transition to the low heat setting. The low
heat setting will operate for 30 minutes, then the system
will turn off.
If the low heat setting is initially selected, the system will
operate for 30 minutes and then turn off.
If the indicator lamp on the heated seat switch does not
light, an indicator blinks when the switch is depressed or
if the heated seats do not operate, the system should be
serviced by a qualified technician.WARNING!
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaus-
tion or other physical condition must exercise care
when using the seat heater. It may cause burns even
at low temperatures, especially if used for long
periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat that insulates
against heat, such as a blanket or cushion. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat.
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 251 of 472
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................255
▫Automatic Transmission................255
▫Normal Starting......................255
Engine Block Heater – If Equipped..........257
Automatic Transmission..................258
▫Automatic Transmission................258
Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............263
▫NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................263▫Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 266
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............267
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................271
Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............272
Parking Brake.........................273
Brake System..........................275
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 275
Power Steering........................277
5
Page 257 of 472

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.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key isreleased. 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.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 257
5
Page 258 of 472

The 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 distri-
bution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
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.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 355 of 472

Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator (if equipped),
DO NOT jump-start the battery.
If the indicator (if equipped) is dark or shows a green dot,
proceed as follows:
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.
2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the ignition
OFF on both vehicles.
3. Turn OFF heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6
Page 454 of 472

Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 288
Jacking............................. 349
Tow Hooks.......................... 356
Towing............................. 357
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 418
Emission Related Components.............. 386
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 373
Block Heater......................... 257
Break-In Recommendations................ 71
Compartment......................362,363
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 415
Exhaust Gas Caution................38,72,315
Fails to Start.......................... 256
Flooded, Starting...................... 256
Fuel Requirements..................... 414
Jump Starting......................... 354
Oil ...........................368,414,415Oil Filler Cap...................362,363,370
Oil Selection.......................... 414
Oil Synthetic......................... 371
Starting............................. 255
Temperature Gauge..................... 187
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 343
Event Data Recorder...................... 60
Exhaust Gas Caution..............38,72,315,380
Exhaust System.......................72,380
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 50
Exterior Lighting........................ 134
Fabric Care............................ 395
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 373
Engine Fuel.......................... 373
Engine Oil........................371,415
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 371
454 INDEX