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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A rotating switch located on the climate control
panel turns the rear wiper On or Off. Pressing the
rotating switch inward activates the rear window
washer. Rotating the switch will enable one of five
intermittent delay times for the rear wiper. The delay
times range from 20 to 1 second.
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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.
250 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
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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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Electronic Brake Control System............279
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............279
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............280
▫TCS (Traction Control System)............281
▫ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)..........282
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........283
Multi Displacement System (MDS) - 5.7L Engine
Only................................287
Rocking The Vehicle.....................288
Tire Safety Information...................288
▫Tire Markings........................288
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........292
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........293Tires — General Information...............297
▫Tire Pressure.........................297
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................298
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................300
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........301
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........302
▫Tire Spinning........................302
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................303
▫Life Of Tire.........................304
▫Replacement Tires.....................304
▫Alignment And Balance.................305
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information –
If Equipped...........................306
252 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Snow Tires...........................306
Tire Rotation Recommendations............306
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................307
▫Base System – If Equipped...............308
▫General Information...................311
Fuel Requirements......................311
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................312
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............312
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................313
▫Materials Added To Fuel................314
▫Fuel System Cautions..................314
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............315Adding Fuel..........................316
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............316
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............317
Flexible Fuel..........................318
▫E-85 General Information................318
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................319
▫Fuel Requirements....................319
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......320
▫Starting............................320
▫Cruising Range.......................320
▫Replacement Parts.....................320
▫Maintenance.........................321
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
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Vehicle Loading........................321
▫Certification Label.....................321
▫Curb Weight.........................323
▫Loading............................323
Trailer Towing.........................325
▫Common Towing Definitions.............325
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............329
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................330
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............330▫Towing Requirements..................331
▫Towing Tips.........................336
Snowplow............................338
▫Dodge Durango Or Chrysler Aspen Models . . 338
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 339
▫Recreational Towing 2WD Models.........339
▫Recreational Towing 4WD Models.........339
Equipment Identification Plate.............343
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in NEUTRAL or
PARK position. Apply the brake before shifting to any
driving range.
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 255
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’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).
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.
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.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING