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Automatic Control
The ATC system can maintain a steady comfort level in
various weather conditions with a simple operation:
•Select your desired temperature setting by pressing
the + or - side of the Temp rocker switches. A digital
temperature setting for driver and passenger will be
displayed. The ATC system uses an infrared sensor
located in the overhead console to measure the tem-
perature of the driver and passengers. Based on the
sensor input, the system will automatically control
comfort by varying the temperature, fan speed, and
mode. This maintains a comfortable temperature, even
under changing conditions. It is important that objects
are not blocking the infrared sensor. It is also impor-
tant that objects are not used that may scratch or
damage it in any way.
Level Of Automatic Control
72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person, however, this may vary.
NOTE:
•The temperature setting can be adjusted at any time
without affecting automatic control operation. It is not
necessary to move the temperature setting for cold or
hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts the
temperature, mode and fan speed to provide comfort
as quickly as possible.
•In cold weather, the fan will not turn on in Auto mode
until the engine coolant has warmed up sufficiently.
This is indicated by the “WARM UP DELAY” message
on the display.
•The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or Metric by
selecting the U.S./METRIC Customer-Programmable
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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feature. Refer toOverhead Console Customer-
Programmable Featuresin Section 3. The mode will
also be shown in the display and will change as
required during automatic operation.
•The system can be put into recirculate mode without
affecting ATC operation. This will prevent outside air
from entering the vehicle. Use this mode to tempo-
rarily block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual Control (ATC)
You may also choose to customize your comfort by
selecting the fan speed and mode manually. Turning the
fan speed knob or any mode button places the system
into manual operation.
While in manual operation there are six fan speeds
available and the choice of any mode. The airflow
temperature is adjusted automatically to maintain the
desired comfort level. You can adjust the temperature by
pressing the + or - Temp rocker switches.
FAN Control
Use this knob to regulate the amount of air delivered
through the system in any mode you select. Rotation
of the knob to increase (clockwise) or decrease (counter-
clockwise) fan speed.
Air Conditioning Operation
Press this button to enable the air conditioning
system. Compressor operation is automatic when
you press the AUTO button and no snowflake is
shown. A snowflake indicates that the A/C system is
enabled. The snowflake will not be displayed in AUTO
mode even though the A/C system is enabled.
The compressor may operate at any temperature above
32°F (0°C).
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275
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engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor cycles. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering
the vehicle. Use this mode to temporarily block
out any outside odors, smoke, dust or when
rapid cooling of the interior is required.
Manual control of recirculation is possible only in Panel,
Floor, and Bi-Level modes. It will not operate in Mix, or
Defrost modes. The recirculation symbol will flash three
times indicating recirculation is not available in these
modes.NOTE:If the interior of the windows begin to fog, press
the Recirculate button to return to outside air. Some
conditions will cause captured interior air to fog win-
dows when in recirculate mode.
Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
the airflow.
Floor (Heat)
Air flows primarily through the floor outlets lo-
cated under the instrument panel. A small amount
of air is directed through the defrost and side window
demister outlets.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlets.
276 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 289
▫Normal Starting..................... 289
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)............... 290
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 290
▫After Starting....................... 291
Engine Block Heater – If Equipped......... 291
Automatic Transmission................. 292
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System...... 293▫Gear Ranges........................ 293
Four-Wheel Drive Operation............. 298
▫NV 140 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions — If Equipped.... 298
▫NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case
Operating Information/Precautions —
If Equipped........................ 298
▫Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case....................... 302
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 303
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▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped........ 333
▫Tire Spinning....................... 334
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 334
▫Life Of Tire........................ 335
▫Replacement Tires.................... 336
Supplemental Tire Pressure Information —
If Equipped.......................... 337
Tire Chains.......................... 337
Snow Tires.......................... 339
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 339
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 340
▫Base System........................ 342
▫Premium System – If Equipped.......... 344▫General Information.................. 347
Fuel Requirements..................... 347
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 348
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 349
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 349
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 350
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 350
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 350
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 351
Flexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only) —
If Equipped.......................... 352
▫E-85 General Information............... 352
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)................... 353
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
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▫Fuel Requirements................... 353
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles...... 354
▫Starting........................... 354
▫Cruising Range...................... 355
▫Replacement Parts................... 355
Adding Fuel......................... 355
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 355
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message . . . 357
Vehicle Loading...................... 358
▫Certification Label................... 358
▫Curb Weight........................ 359
▫Loading........................... 359Trailer Towing........................ 360
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 361
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 363
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)..................... 364
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 364
▫Towing Requirements................. 365
▫Towing Tips........................ 370
Snowplow.......................... 371
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 371
▫2WD Models....................... 371
▫4WD Models....................... 372
288 STARTING AND OPERATING
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STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Normal Starting
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to
the START position and release it as soon as the starter
engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it
will disengage automatically when the engine is running.
If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds, then repeat the normal starting procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
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Extremely Cold Weather (below20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails To Start
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.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission 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 dis-
charged 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 dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
290 STARTING AND OPERATING