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30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a prob-
lem is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remainon briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
31. Compass/Mini-Trip Computer Display — If
Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Mini-Trip Computer messages. Refer to “Mini-
Trip Computer” later in this section.
32. Compass/Mini-Trip Computer Button—If Equipped
Press this button to switch between the different func-
tions.
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Trip A
Shows the total distance traveled for trip A since the last
reset.
Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for trip B since the last
reset.
Compass Temperature Display
This display provides the outside temperature and one of
eight compass readings to indicate the direction the
vehicle is facing.
WARNING!
Even if the display still reads a few degrees above
32°F ( 0°C), the road surface may be icy, particularly
in woods or on bridges. Drive carefully under such
conditions to prevent an accident and possible per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Compass Calibration
The Automatic Compass Calibration feature eliminates
the need for the operator intervention under normal
conditions. If the CAL indicator is lit, the compass needs
to be calibrated. A good calibration requires a level
surface and an environment free of large metal objects
such as large buildings, bridges, underground cables,
railroad tracks, etc.
Automatic Compass Calibration
The self-calibrating feature of the compass eliminates the
need to calibrate the compass for normal conditions.
During a short initial period, the compass may appear
erratic and the CAL symbol will appear (blinking) on the
display. After the vehicle has completed at least one
complete circle under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free
from large metal objects, calibration will be complete
when the CAL symbol is extinguished.
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▫Radial-Ply Tires......................312
▫Tire Spinning........................312
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................312
▫Life Of Tire.........................313
▫Replacement Tires.....................314
▫Alignment And Balance.................315
Tire Chains...........................315
Tire Rotation Recommendations............316
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) — If
Equipped............................317
▫Base System — If Equipped..............318
▫General Information...................321
Fuel Requirements......................321▫Reformulated Gasoline.................322
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............322
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................323
▫Materials Added To Fuel................323
▫Fuel System Cautions..................324
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............324
Adding Fuel..........................325
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............325
Vehicle Loading........................328
▫Certification Label.....................328
Trailer Towing.........................330
▫Common Towing Definitions.............330
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............334
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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!
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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
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. It will not start unless the
clutch pedal is pressed to the floor.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 “4WD 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.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within
10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position, wait 5
seconds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
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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 liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
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.
Refer to Section 6 of this manual for proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
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If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. 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” or “Extreme Cold
Weather” procedures should be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
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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. The engine block
heater cord is found under the hood bundled in front of
the battery tray.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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.
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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.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, transmission damage may result.
Manual Shift Controls
270 STARTING AND OPERATING