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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
A Word About Your Keys..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key..............13
Ignition And Steering Lock.................13
▫Ignition Accessory Delay Feature...........14
Sentry Key — If Equipped.................15
▫Replacement Keys......................16
▫Customer Key Programming..............16
▫General Information....................17Security Alarm System — If Equipped.........17
▫To Set The Alarm......................18
▫To Disarm The System...................18
Illuminated Entry........................19
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....19
Remote Keyless Entry.....................19
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate..........20
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate............21
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................22
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in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. If a
malfunction occurs, the system will trap the key in the
ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is
inoperable. The engine can be started and stopped but
the key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide anti-theft protection for your ve-
hicle. It may be difficult to turn the key from the LOCK
position when starting your vehicle, if the steering wheel
is locked. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. The key can be
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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inserted or withdrawn only in the LOCK position. Push
in on the key in the ignition lock cylinder to rotate to the
LOCK position.WARNING!
The key cannot be turned to LOCK until the selector
is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull the
shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the LOCK
position.
NOTE:The steering wheel will lock when the key is
removed, and the steering wheel is turned around 115
degrees clockwise or 65 degrees counterclockwise from
the center position.
Ignition Accessory Delay Feature
For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC),the power window switches,
radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and power out-
lets will remain active for 10 minutes after the ignition
switch is turned off. Opening either front door will cancel
this feature.
Ignition Switch Positions
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail
when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is not
there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring,
including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel
hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket
side steps or running boards.
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your advanced airbag system.
The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if
modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
any advanced airbag system service. If your seat including your trim
cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way (including removal
or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to
your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accessories
may be used. If it is necessary to modify an advanced airbag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a collision. Do not mount
or locate any aftermarket equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself.
Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an airbag
system.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will light until the ignition
switch is turned off.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
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DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS — IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10
inches (254 mm) away from the airbag located in the
center of the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, up to
move the pedals toward the driver or down to move the
pedals away from the driver.
4. The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse) or when the Speed Control is SET.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
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Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and 6 disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 199
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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
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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