Page 87 of 603

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 500 miles (800 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided. Trailer tow is not recom-
mended during break in period.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to“Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle”. NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL
OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered a normal part of the break-in and not inter-
preted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85
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17. Vehicle Security Light — If EquippedThis light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
18. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealership for service.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 271
Page 277 of 603

Vehicle Odometer Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
ECO................... Fuel Saver Indicator Off
ECO-ON ................ Fuel Saver Indicator On
door ............................. Door Ajar
gATE ........................ Swing Gate Ajar
LoW tirE ..................... LowTirePr essure
HOTOIL . . Transmission Oil Temperature Above Normal
Limits
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL ............... Oil Change Required
ECO / ECO-ON (Fuel Saver Indicator) — If Equipped
The ECO-ON indicator will illuminate when you are
driving in a fuel efficient manner and can be used to
modify driving habits in order to increase fuel economy.
The ECO display will toggle between ECO and ECO-ON depending on driving habits and vehicle usage. Press the
Odometer / Trip Odometer / ECO (Fuel Saver Indicator)
button to change the display from odometer to either of
the two trip odometer settings or the “ECO” display.
LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three
cycles.
“HOTOIL” Transmission Temperature Warning
Message
The “HOTOIL” cluster message will appear in the odom-
eter accompanied with a chime to indicate that there is
excessive transmission fluid temperature that might oc-
cur with severe usage such as trailer towing. It may also
occur when operating the vehicle in a high torque
converter slip condition, such as 4-wheel drive operation
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275
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▫Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 411
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) ................ 412
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 416
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 417
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 422
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 423
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 424
Tire Safety Information ................. 426
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 426
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 429
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 430
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 431
Tires — General Information ............. 436
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 436
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 437
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 438
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 439
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 439
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 440
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 440
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 441
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 441
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 442
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 443
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
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▫Replacement Tires .................... 443
Tire Chains .......................... 445
Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 446
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 447
▫ Base System ........................ 449
▫ General Information .................. 452
Fuel Requirements ..................... 452
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 453
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 453
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 454
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 454
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 455 ▫
Fuel System Cautions ................. 455
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 456
Adding Fuel ......................... 457
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 457
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 459
Vehicle Loading ...................... 459
▫ Certification Label ................... 459
Trailer Towing ........................ 461
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 462
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 464
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 465
368 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 371 of 603
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 470
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 471
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 476
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 478
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind
Another Vehicle ..................... 478
▫ Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive
Models ........................... 479
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 369
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You should always use 1st gear when starting from a
standing position if under heavy load or when pulling a
trailer.
Recommended Vehicle Shift Speeds
To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both
fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as
listed in recommended shift speed chart. Shift at the
vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. When heavily
loaded or pulling a trailer these recommended up-shift
speeds may not apply.
Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)
En-
gine Speeds 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6
3.8L Accel. 15 (24) 24 (39)34
(55) 47
(76) 56
(90)
Cruise 10 (16) 19 (31)27
(43) 37
(60) 41
(66)
Downshifting
Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is
recommended to preserve brakes when driving down
steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time
provides better acceleration when you desire to resume
speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to
avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip, and the vehicle could skid.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375
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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 and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing, coasting, or driving the vehicle for any
other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
OVERDRIVE
This range is used for most city and highway driving.
The transmission contains an electronically-controlled
fourth gear Overdrive, and will automatically shift from
DRIVE to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are
present:
•The shift lever is in DRIVE.
•The O/D OFF switch has not been activated.
•Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h).
When frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
Overdrive, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy load conditions (for example, in hilly terrain,
strong head winds, or trailer towing), turning off over-
drive will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
380 STARTING AND OPERATING