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Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower settings. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 255
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A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”in Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
256 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 257
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REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster — If Equipped
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately five minutes for the
second push of the button.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
258 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................264
▫Automatic Transaxle...................264
▫Normal Starting......................265
▫Tip Start Feature — Automatic Transaxle
Only ..............................266
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)................266
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................266
▫After Starting........................267
▫Remote Start System — If Equipped........267▫How To Use Remote Start...............268
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........269
Automatic Transaxle.....................270
▫Brake/Transaxle Interlock...............272
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................272
▫Electronically Controlled Automatic
Transaxle...........................273
AutoStick— If Equipped................275
▫AutoStickOperation..................276
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▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........277
Parking Brake.........................277
Brake System..........................281
▫Anti—Lock Brake System (ABS)...........282
Electronic Brake Control System –
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP.....................285
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................285
▫Traction Control System (TCS) —
If Equipped.........................285
▫Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped....286
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........287
Power Steering........................290Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............291
▫Acceleration.........................291
▫Traction............................292
Driving Through Water..................292
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................292
▫Shallow Standing Water.................293
Tire Safety Information...................294
▫Tire Markings........................294
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........298
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........299
Tires—General Information................303
▫Tire Pressure.........................303
260 STARTING AND OPERATING
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▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................304
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................306
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........307
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........307
▫TireSpinning ........................308
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................309
▫LifeOfTire .........................309
▫Replacement Tires.....................310
▫Alignment And Balance.................312
Tire Chains...........................312
Snow Tires...........................312
Tire Rotation Recommendations............313Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................314
▫Base System — If Equipped..............316
▫Premium System — If Equipped..........318
▫General Information...................322
Fuel Requirements......................323
▫2.4L And 2.7L Engines..................323
▫3.5L Engine.........................323
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................324
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............324
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................325
▫Materials Added To Fuel................326
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
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▫Fuel System Cautions..................326
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............327
Flexible Fuel— 2.7L Engines Only
(Except California Emission States)..........328
▫E-85 General Information................328
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................329
▫Fuel Requirements....................329
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......330
▫Starting............................331
▫Cruising Range.......................331
▫Replacement Parts.....................331
▫Maintenance.........................331Adding Fuel..........................332
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............332
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............334
Vehicle Loading........................335
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............335
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......336
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........336
▫Overloading.........................336
▫Loading............................337
TrailerTowing .........................338
▫Common Towing Definitions.............338
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............340
262 STARTING AND OPERATING