Page 268 of 479
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................271
NAutomatic Transmission................271
NNormal Starting......................271
mEngine Block Heater ± If Equipped..........274
mAutomatic Transmission..................274
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......274
NGear Ranges.........................275
NOverdrive Operation...................277
NWhen To Use Tow/Haul Mode...........278NTorque Converter Clutch................279
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation...............280
NNV 140 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ± If Equipped......280
NNV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions...............280
NShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case........................284
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............286
mDriving Through Water..................286
5
Page 278 of 479

ª1º 1st
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds (25 mph {40 km/h} or less) when going
downhill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
OVERDRIVE Operation
The OVERDRIVE automatic transmission contains an
electronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped)
speed (OVERDRIVE). The transmission will automati-
cally shift from DRIVE to OVERDRIVE if the following
conditions are present:
²the transmission selector is in DRIVE;
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the ªTRANS TEMPº
light may illuminate and the transmission may down-
shift out of OVERDRIVE until the transmission cools
down. After cooldown, the transmission will resume
normal operation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5
Page 280 of 479

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
OVERDRIVE and in DRIVE.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1-3 mi [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because the
engine speed is higher when the torque converter clutch
is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not
shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. Press-
ing the TOW/HAUL button, when the transmission is
sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmissionis able to shift into, and out of, Overdrive. For vehicles
with 4.7L or 5.7L engines (which have two Overdrive
gears), the transmission may not shift into 5th gear until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from PARK into
any other gear position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5
Page 358 of 479
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in 1stT gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The ªDº range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the TOW/
HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive 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. For transmission
fluid change intervals, refer to ªMaintenance Scheduleº
in section 8.
7-Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5
Page 426 of 479
CavityCartridge
Fuse /
RelayMini
FuseDescription
23 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow
24 15 Amp
BlueA/C Clutch
25 15 Amp
BlueStop Lamp Switch
26 Spare
27 20 Amp
YellowRun/Start Relay Feed
28 Spare
29 Relay Run Start
30 Relay Run Remote
31 Spare
32 Relay StarterCavityCartridge
Fuse /
RelayMini
FuseDescription
33 Relay Electronic Automatic
Transaxle (EATX)
34 Relay AC Clutch
35 Relay Fuel Pump Rly
36 Spare
37 Relay Stop Lamp Switch
38 Spare
39 Relay Blower Motor
40 Relay Auto Shut Down
(ASD) Rly
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7
Page 475 of 479

Tire Markings.......................... 303
Tire Safety Information.................... 303
Tires ............................77,312,455
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 318
Air Pressure.......................... 312
Alignment........................... 320
Chains.............................. 321
Changing............................ 369
Compact Spare........................ 316
General Information.................... 312
High Speed.......................... 315
Inflation Pressures..................... 313
Jacking............................. 370
Life of Tires.......................... 318
Load Capacity.....................308,309
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 324
Pressure Warning Light.................. 211
Quality Grading....................... 455
Radial.............................. 315Replacement......................... 319
Rotation............................. 323
Safety...........................303,312
Sizes............................... 305
Snow Tires........................... 322
Spare Tire........................... 369
Spinning............................ 317
Tread Wear Indicators................... 318
Wheel Mounting....................... 370
Wheel Nut Torque..................... 374
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 351
Torque Converter Clutch.................. 279
Tow Hooks, Emergency................... 378
Towing............................... 345
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 101
Disabled Vehicle....................... 379
Guide.............................. 351
Recreational.......................... 360
Weight.............................. 351
474 INDEX