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defrost/floor modes. Attempting to use Recirculation
while in these modes will cause the LED in the button to
blink and then turn off.
Operating Tips
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it’s rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) on will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature
control, air direction, and blower speed to maintain
comfort.
As the temperature gets colder, it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield. Adjust the temperature
control and blower speed to maintain comfort. Higher
blower speeds will reduce fogging. Interior fogging on
the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting the
defrost mode.Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminates (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminates increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant, during the summer, to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended. Refer to Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for the proper coolant type.
When using the air conditioner in extremely heavy
traffic, in hot weather, especially when towing a trailer,
additional engine cooling may be required. If this situa-
tion is encountered, operate the transmission in a lower
gear to increase engine RPM, coolant flow and fan speed.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 240
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 240
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F Or 29°C)............... 241
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 241
▫ After Starting ....................... 242
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 242
Automatic Transmission ................. 243
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 243▫
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 244
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 244
▫ Five–Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 245
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 245
▫ Rocking The Vehicle .................. 252
Four-Wheel Drive Operation ............. 253
▫ Quadra-Trac I Operating Instructions/
Precautions – If Equipped .............. 253
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▫Quadra-Trac II Operating Instructions/
Precautions – If Equipped .............. 253
▫ Shift Positions ...................... 255
▫ Shifting Procedures ................... 255
▫ Quadra-Drive II System – If Equipped .... 258
On-Road Driving Tips .................. 258
Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 259
▫ When To Use 4WD Low Range –
If Equipped ........................ 259
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 259
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 260
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 261
▫ Traction Downhill .................... 262
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 262
Power Steering ....................... 263
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 264
Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ........... 265
Parking Brake ........................ 265
Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 268
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 270
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 270
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 271
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 271
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 272
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 273
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 278
236 STARTING AND OPERATING
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▫General Information .................. 314
Fuel Requirements ..................... 315
▫ 3.7 Engine ......................... 315
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 315
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 316
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 316
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 316
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 317
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 318
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 318
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 319
Adding Fuel ......................... 320
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 320 ▫
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 321
Vehicle Loading ...................... 322
▫ Certification Label ................... 322
Trailer Towing ........................ 324
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 324
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 328
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 330
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 331
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 332
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 337
Snow Plow .......................... 338
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 338
238 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
fob in the ignition switch. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or move the ve-
hicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
Normal Starting
Tip Start
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Do not press the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly 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 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
240 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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 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 “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.
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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 241
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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 controlled automatically, and it 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 heater cord to
a ground-fault interrupter protected 110-115 Volt ACelectrical 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 Engine — coiled and strapped to the engine oil
dipstick tube.
•5.7L Engine — bundled and fastened to the injector
harness.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt AC electrical cord could
cause electrocution.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion. The key fob can only be removed from the ignition
switch when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position
and once removed the shift lever is locked in PARK.
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