Page 15 of 417
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
To remove the ignition key, place the gearshift lever in P
(Park), turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the
key.WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal, or the gear selector
lever. Do not leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition, and lock
all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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Instrument Panel and Interior Lights
When the multi-function control lever is in the parklight,
or headlight position, rotating the center portion of the
lever up and down will increase and decrease the bright-
ness (dimmer control) of the instrument panel lights. Full
daytime brightness on all electronic displays (odometer,
overhead console, radio, and climate control) is obtained
by rotating the center portion of the control to the first
detent above the dimmer range. Rotating the control to
the second detent above the dimmer range turns the
interior lights on. Rotating the control to the “Off”
(extreme bottom) position disables all the interior lights,
even when the doors and liftgate are open. While in the
“Off” position the instrument panel lighting is at the
lowest light level and may not be suitable for night
driving.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
The high beam headlights come on at a low intensity
level after the engine has started. The lights remain on
until the ignition switch is turned OFF or the parking
brake is engaged. The headlight switch must be used for
normal night time driving.
Lights-On Reminder
A chime will sound if the driver’s door is left open, and
the headlights or parking lights are left on.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The front fog light switch is located in the multi-
function control lever. To activate the fog lights,
turn on the park or low beam headlights and pull
out the end of the lever. The “Fog Light Indicator Light”
will illuminate when the fog lights are on.
NOTE:The fog lights will only operate with the park
lights or the headlights on low beam. Selecting high
beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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If the warning light comes on and remains on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO
NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS
CORRECTED. Also, a single chime will sound.
16. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur with
severe usage such as trailer towing or snow plowing. If
this light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at
idle or faster, with the transmission in N (Neutral) until
the light goes off.
17. Part Time Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the PART TIME four–wheel drive high range
mode, and the front and rear driveshafts are
mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed.18. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the light comes on, it may indi-
cate that the parking brake is applied, or there
is a low brake fluid level. On vehicles equipped with
Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), it may also indicate an ABS
malfunction that could lead to reduced braking perfor-
mance.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4
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WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the BRAKE warning light on
is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per-
formance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You could
have an accident. Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately.
The operation of the BRAKE warning light can be
checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON position. The light should illuminate
for approximately two seconds. The light should then
turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake
fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.Also, the light will come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
19. Full Time Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the FULL TIME four–wheel drive mode, and
employs the inter-axle differential which al-
lows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds.
20. Sentry Key/Security Alarm Indicator Light — If
Equipped
Refer to “Sentry Key Immobilizer System” or “Vehicle
Security Alarm” in Section 2 of this manual for more
information.
172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 208 of 417

▫Shifting Procedure....................228
▫Selec-TracOperating Information/Precautions —
If Equipped.........................229
▫Shift Positions........................232
▫Shifting Procedure....................232
Trac-Lok™ Rear Axle — If Equipped.........234
On-Road Driving Tips...................235
Off-Road Driving Tips...................235
▫When To Use 4L Or 4LO (Low) Range......235
▫Driving Through Water.................236
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........237
▫HillClimbing ........................237
▫Traction Downhill.....................238▫After Driving Off-Road.................238
Parking Brake.........................240
Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.......241
Power Steering........................243
Tire Safety Information...................245
▫Tire Markings........................245
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........248
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........249
Tires — General Information...............253
▫Tire Pressure.........................253
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................254
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation....256
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................256
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 211 of 417

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in N (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system, which requires the clutch to
be fully depressed before starting the vehicle.
4WD Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch
pedal. The 4 LO MODE indicator light will illuminate
when the transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position. Apply the brake before shifting to
any driving range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System
2WD Models Only — Manual transmission vehicles are
equipped with a clutch interlock safety feature. The
clutch pedal must be fully depressed to allow cranking of
the engine.
4WD Models Only — The exception to this clutch inter-
lock is 4WD models equipped with a manual transmis-
sion. For these models, the clutch interlock feature is
overridden when the vehicle is operated in 4L to enhance
off-road capability. Refer to “Starting Procedures —
Manual Transmission (4WD Models Only)” in this sec-
tion.
6-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Follow the shift pattern on the gearshift knob.
NOTE:The backup lights will come on when your
vehicle is in R (Reverse) gear and the ignition is in the ON
position.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
When parking your vehicle, always leave a manual
transmission in first gear and apply the parking
brake fully to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage. Never use any gear as a
substitute for the parking brake.
CAUTION!
To drive as safely as possible and to prolong the life
of your manual transmission, follow these tips:
•Before shifting from a forward gear into reverse, or
from reverse to a forward gear, stop vehicle com-
pletely. Otherwise, accelerated transmission wear may
result.
Manual Shift Controls
STARTING AND OPERATING 217
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