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
The front heated seat system allows the driver and front
passenger to select from two different levels of supple-
mental electrical seat heating, or no seat heating to suit
their individual comfort requirements.
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
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
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................251
▫Automatic Transmission................251
▫Normal Starting......................251
Engine Block Heater – If Equipped..........253
Automatic Transmission..................254
▫Automatic Transmission................254
Four-Wheel Drive Operation...............259
▫NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions................259▫Shifting Procedure - NV 144 Transfer Case . . . 262
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............263
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................267
Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............268
Parking Brake.........................269
Brake System..........................271
▫Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 271
Power Steering........................273
5
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 253
5
The 3.7L/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 distribution 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.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the con-
taminated area immediately with large quantities
of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12 volts.
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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 353
6
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 284
Jacking............................. 347
Tow Hooks.......................... 355
Towing ............................. 356
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 422
Emission Related Components.............. 386
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 372
Block Heater......................... 253
Break-In Recommendations................ 71
Compartment......................361,362
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 418
Exhaust Gas Caution................ 38,72,314
Fails to Start.......................... 252
Flooded, Starting...................... 252
Fuel Requirements..................... 417
Jump Starting......................... 353
Oil ...........................367,417,418Oil Filler Cap.................360,361,362,369
Oil Selection.......................... 417
Oil Synthetic......................... 370
Starting............................. 251
Temperature Gauge..................... 185
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 19
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 341
Event Data Recorder...................... 60
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 38,72,314,380
Exhaust System....................... 72,380
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 50
ExteriorLighting ........................ 133
Fabric Care............................ 395
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 372
Engine Fuel.......................... 372
Engine Oil........................370,418
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 370
462 INDEX