
lodged under the seat and interferes with operation of
the weight sensors, a fault will occur which turns on both
the ªPAD Indicator Lightº and the ªAirbag Warning
Light.º Once the lodged object is removed, the fault will
be automatically cleared after a short period of time.
²TheDriver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Unitsare
located in the center of the steering wheel and the
passenger side of the instrument panel. When the ORC
detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the
inflator units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is
generated to inflate the front airbags. Different airbag
inflation rates are possible, based on collision severity
and occupant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover
and the upper passenger side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way, as the bags inflate to
their full size. The bags fully inflate in about 50 - 70
milliseconds. This is about half of the time that it takes
to blink your eyes. The bags then quickly deflate while
helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. Thedriver's front airbag gas is vented through the vent
holes in the sides of the airbag. The passenger's front
airbag gas is vented through the vent holes in the sides
of the airbag. In this way, the airbags do not interfere
with your control of the vehicle.²TheOccupant Classification Module (OCM)is lo-
cated beneath the front passenger seat. The OCM
classifies the occupant into categories based on the
measurements made by the seat weight sensors. The
OCM communicates with the Occupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC). The ORC uses the occupant category to
determine whether the front passenger airbag should
be turned off. It also determines the rate of airbag
inflation during a collision.
²Your vehicle has fourWeight Sensorslocated between
the seat and the floor pan. The weight sensors measure
applied weight and transfers that information to the
OCM.
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

16. 4 LOW Mode Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the 4WD LOW mode. In this mode, the front
driveshaft and rear driveshaft are mechanically
locked together forcing the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. (See page 292 for
more information.)
17. Hill Descent Control Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
The symbol indicates the status of the Hill
Decent Control (HDC) feature. The lamp will
be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only
be armed when the transfer case is in the ª4WD
Lowº position and the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph.
If these conditions are not met while attempting to use
the HDC feature, the HDC indicator lamp will flash
on/off.(See page 314 for more information.)18. TOW / HAUL Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light will illuminate when selecting
TOW/HAUL. The TOW/HAUL button is lo-
cated on the gearshift bezel. (See page 281 for
more information.)
19. 4WD Indicator Light Ð Vehicles Equipped with
Command-Tract
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the four-wheel drive mode. In this mode, the
front driveshaft and rear driveshaft are me-
chanically locked together forcing the front and
rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. (See page 292 for
more information.)
20.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light ± If Equipped
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ªESP/BAS Warning Lampº in the instrument
196 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

once again to display the outside temperature and com-
pass heading in the screen below the speedometer. Refer
to ªVacuum Fluorescent Displayº for details
Resetting the Trip Odometer
Display the trip mileage that you want to reset, ªTrip Aº
or ªTrip B.º Then push and hold the button (approxi-
mately 2 seconds) until the display resets to 0. The
odometer must be in Trip Mode to reset the trip odom-
eter.
26. 4WD Indicator Light Ð Vehicles Equipped with
Selec-TractII
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the full-time four-wheel drive auto mode. In
this mode, the system operates with a normal
torque split of 42% front axle and 58% rear axle.
It can redirect up to 100% of torque to the front or rear
axle, if necessary.(See page 292 for more information.)27. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows individual trip
mileage. Refer to ªTrip Odometer Buttonº for additional
information.
NOTE:U.S. federal regulations require upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify the mileage the
vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer
reading is changed because of repair or replacement, be
sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the
service so that the correct mileage can be determined.
Vehicle Warning Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, messages such as
ªdoorº (for door ajar), ªgATEº (for liftgate ajar), ªgLASSº
(for flip-up glass ajar), ªgASCAPº (for fuel cap fault), or
ªCHANgE OILº will display in the odometer.
200 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................277
NAutomatic Transmission................277
NManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.......277
NNormal Starting......................277
NExtreme Cold Weather (Below ±20ÉF Or
±29ÉC).............................278
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................278
NAfter Starting........................280
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........280mAutomatic Transmission..................281
NShift Lock Manual Override Ð If Equipped . . . 281
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......283
N4±Speed Automatic Transmission..........283
mManual Transmission Ð If Equipped.........288
NClutch Interlocking Ignition System........288
N6-Speed Manual Transmission............289
mFour-Wheel Drive Operation...............292
5

CAUTION!
Failure to follow the recommended downshifting
speeds may cause the engine to over speed and/or
damage the clutch disc even if the clutch pedal is
depressed.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
MP1522 Command-TracTTransfer Case Ð If
Equipped
Operating Information & Precautions
The Command-Tracttransfer case provides four posi-
tions:
²2 (rear) wheel drive high range.
²4-wheel drive high range.
²Neutral.
²4-wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is intended to be driven in the 2-wheel
drive position (2WD) for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.
When additional traction is required, select the transfer
case 4WD Lock position or 4WD Low position. This
position locks the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft
together and forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed.
Use the transfer case Neutral (N) position for recreational
towing only. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in this
section for specific procedures on shifting into and out of
Neutral (N).
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

original position, make certain all shift requirements
have been met, wait five (5) seconds, and try the shift
again.
²The ignition switch must be in the ON position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator lights
to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON
position, then the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
MP3022 Selec-Trac IITTransfer Case Ð If
Equipped
Operating Information & Precautions
The Selec-Trac IItactive on-demand transfer case pro-
vides four positions:
²2 (rear) wheel drive high range.
²4-wheel drive auto high range.
²Neutral.
²4-wheel drive low range.
This transfer case is intended to be driven in either the
2-wheel drive position (2WD) or the 4-wheel drive Auto
position (4WD Auto) for normal street and highway
conditions such as dry hard surfaced roads.
For added capability when traversing steep grades,
rough terrain, or extremely poor traction surfaces, select
the transfer case 4WD Low position. This position locks
the front driveshaft and rear driveshaft together and
forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed while multiplying engine torque.
Use the transfer case Neutral (N) position for recreational
towing only. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in this
section for specific procedures on shifting into and out of
Neutral (N).
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less than
5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave effects.
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off) avoid crossing until the water level recedes
and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing-water, avoid depths in excess of 9 inches. The
flowing water can erode the streambed causing your
vehicle to sink into deeper water. Determine exit point(s)
that are downstream of your entry point to allow for
drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 20 inches,
and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave ef-
fects. Maximum speed in 20 inches of water is less than 5
mph (8 km/h).Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, axle, transfer
case) to assure they have not been contaminated. Con-
taminated fluids and lubricants (milky, foamy in appear-
ance) should be flushed/changed as soon as possible to
prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud and Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the transfer case to 4WD Low if necessary.
Refer to ªFour-Wheel Drive Operationº in this section.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads, be-
cause engine braking may cause skidding and loss of
control.
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5

Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the transfer
case to 4WD Low range. Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine
compression drag. This will permit you to control the
vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmis-
sion whenever possible.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage. That way you
can get any problems taken care of right away and have
your vehicle ready when you need it.
²Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
²Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
²Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage
to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts.
²After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake rotors, wheels,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5