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WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
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Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
P!
BRAKE
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WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death.
WARNING:Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) position with the
ignition in the (4) ON position and the brake pedal depressed, a
malfunction may have occurred. It is possible that the vehicle’s
brakelamps are not operating properly. If the brakelamps are working
properly, and the vehicle still will not shift out of (P) Park, see your
authorized dealer for service.
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Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
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D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
D (Drive) with Overdrive can be
deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
end of the gearshift lever.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic where continuous shifting in and
out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and
when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) with Overdrive or D (Drive) without Overdrive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/D
OFF
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Using the electronic shift 4WD system
2H (2WD High)- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4H (4WD High)- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4WD Low)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand,
steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage
while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note:Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4L (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
4H
2H4L
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
15 — Not used
16 — Not used
17 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module
18 — Not used
19 20A** Engine fan
20 — Not used
21 10A* PCM keep alive power, Canister purge
valve solenoid
22 — Not used
23 30A* Fuel pump motor, Fuel injectors
24 — Not used
25 10A* A/C clutch solenoid
26 — Not used
27 — Not used
28 — Not used
29 30A* Wipers/washer
30 — Not used
31 15A* Fog lamps
32 — Not used
33 30A* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module
34 — Not used
35 — Not used
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
38 7.5A* Trailer tow (right turn)
39 15A* PCM power
40 — Not used
41 10A* Automatic transmission
42 7.5A* Trailer tow (left turn)
43 20A* Engine fan relay coil, A/C relay coil, IAC,
MAFS, HEGO, CMS, VMV solenoid
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
16 — Not used
17 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module
18 — Not used
19 — Not used
20 — Not used
21 10A* PCM keep alive power, Canister purge
valve solenoid
22 — Not used
23 30A* Fuel pump motor, Fuel injectors
24 — Not used
25 10A* A/C clutch solenoid
26 — Not used
27 20A* 4x4 module
28 — Not used
29 30A* Wipers/washer
30 — Not used
31 15A* Foglamps
32 — Not used
33 30A* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module
34 — Not used
35 — Not used
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
38 7.5A* Trailer tow (right turn)
39 15A* PCM power
40 — Not used
41 10A* Automatic transmission
42 7.5A* Trailer tow (left turn)
43 20A* A/C relay coil, IAC, MAFS, HEGO, CMS,
VMV solenoid, EGR solenoid, Heated
PCV
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