Page 295 of 417

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — O/D OFF (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the “O/D OFF” button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5
Page 342 of 417

WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do
not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid as seal damage will result.
Clutch Hydraulic System — Manual Transmission
Only
The clutch hydraulic system is a sealed maintenance free
system. In the event of leakage or other malfunction, the
system must be replaced.
Front/Rear Axle Fluid
The front axle has a threaded “fill plug” on the cover
plate, and a threaded “drain plug” on the bottom side of
the carrier.
Fluid Level Check
Lubricant should be 1/2(1 cm) below the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 344 of 417

CAUTION!
When installing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid, refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer’s recommended manual trans-
mission fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16” (4.76 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 345 of 417

Automatic Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7
Page 346 of 417

To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70° F (21°
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 372 of 417
Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect brake hoses.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•After completion of off-road operation, the underside
of the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected. Exam-
ine threaded fasteners for looseness.
372 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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Page 400 of 417

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............168,241
Adding Fuel........................... 277
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 157
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 324
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 329
Air Conditioning........................ 203
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 205
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 330
Air Conditioning System.................. 203
AirFilter .............................. 324
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 254
Airbag................................ 49
Airbag Deployment....................... 61
Airbag Light....................... 54,64,173
Airbag Maintenance....................... 63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............... 50
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................... 19
Alignment and Balance................... 260Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 9
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 199
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 366
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............126,241
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 168
Appearance Care........................ 347
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 20
Auto Down Power Windows................ 32
AutomaticDimmingMirror ................. 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 29
Automatic Transmission................221,345
Adding Fluid......................... 346
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 345
Fluid Level Check...................... 345
FluidType ........................... 345
Gear Ranges.......................... 221
Shifting ............................. 221
Special Additives...................... 346
Torque Converter...................... 225
400 INDEX
Page 405 of 417

Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 324
Engine Oil........................... 323
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 323
FinishCare ............................ 348
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 302
Turn Signal.....................166,363,365
Flooded Engine Starting................... 213
Fluid Capacities......................... 366
Fluid Leaks............................. 76
Fluid Level Checks....................... 76
Automatic Transmission................. 345
Clutch Fluid.......................... 342
Engine Oil........................... 320
Manual Transmission................... 344
Power Steering........................ 330
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 367
Fog Light Service........................ 364Fog Lights.......................... 118,364
Folding Rear Seat........................ 113
Four Wheel Drive....................... 226
Operation........................... 226
Shifting ..........................228,232
Systems..........................226,229
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 302
FrontAxle(Differential) ................... 342
Fuel................................. 273
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 277
Gasoline............................ 273
Gauge.............................. 173
Hoses.............................. 339
Materials Added....................... 275
Octane Rating........................ 273
Requirements......................273,366
System Hoses......................... 339
Tank Capacity........................ 366
Fuel System Caution................275,278,279
INDEX 405
10