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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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▫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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release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER – IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, 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.Use the heater when temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) are
expected to last for several days.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
The engine block heater cord is located:
•3.7L/4.7L Engine — at the front of the engine com-
partment near the radiator cap.
•5.7L Engine — on the left side of the engine compart-
ment and rearward of the power distribution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
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Page 354 of 498
WARNING! (Continued)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
•Keep the trunk/liftgate/swing gate closed when
driving your vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide
and other poisonous exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL (4.7L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. This section only covers those subjects that
are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other
sections of this manual for information on features that
are common between Flexible Fuel and gasoline only
powered vehicles.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the yellow E-85 fuel filler cap (gas
cap) can operate on E-85.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING
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ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87 or E-85 fuel or any mixture of these
two.
NOTE:For best results, a refueling pattern that alter-
nates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided.
E-85 Badge
STARTING AND OPERATING 353
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CAUTION!
Do not use an ethanol mixture greater than 85% in
your vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting
and may affect driveability.
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/Liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol, com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.
NOTE:To avoid contact between fuel cap and paint,
hang tether strap over hook provided on inner fuel door.
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5
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CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
356 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
cap until aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometerRESET button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
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