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The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•PanelAir is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
•Bi-Level Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
•Floor Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side
window demist outlets.
•Mix Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
•Defrost Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows 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.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
Page 247 of 457

▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 312
▫ Starting ........................... 313
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 313
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 313
▫ Maintenance ........................ 313
Adding Fuel ......................... 314
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 314
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 316
Vehicle Loading ...................... 316
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 316
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 316
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 317▫
Overloading ........................ 317
▫ Loading ........................... 317
Trailer Towing ........................ 318
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 318
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 321
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 322
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 323
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 327
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 328
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 328
246 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 249 of 457

motor will continue to run, and it will disengage auto-
matically when the engine is running. If the engine fails
to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 sec-
onds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.
Extreme 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 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 “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.
Without Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
248 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Gear Ranges
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever into
the PARK position first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substitute for
the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.
•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
ignition key in the ignition switch. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as
this can damage the drivetrain.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
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REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition switch to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE – Six-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick
mode and select the appropriate gear when frequent
transmission shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For
example: When operating the vehicle under heavy load-
ing conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick will improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE – Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the \b3\brange
when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 255
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under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy
trailers). Under these conditions, using the\b3\brange will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with AutoStick, you
can reduce the frequency of transmission shifting during
heavy loading, hilly terrain, strong headwinds, or while
towing. Under these conditions, selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick will improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE 3 — Four-Speed Transmission
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
mission will operate normally in first and second gear.
Shifts into third gear may be delayed to provide second gear operation at higher speeds. The
\b3\brange should
also be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress
NOTE: Using the \b3\brange while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up.
LOW — Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING
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NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPED
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
six manual ratio changes to provide you with more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize
engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
Operation
By placing the shift lever one shift-level below the DRIVE
position, it can be moved from side to side. This allows
the driver to select a higher or lower range of gears.
Moving the shift lever to the left (-) triggers a downshift
and to the right (+) an upshift. The gear position will
display in the instrument cluster on the transmission
range indicator.
NOTE: In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only
shift up or down when the driver moves the shift lever to
the right (+) or left (-).
AutoStick is deactivated when the shift lever is moved
from the AutoStick (+/-) position into the DRIVE
position.
258 STARTING AND OPERATING