Page 297 of 505

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
•Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking
brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and re-
move the key fob from the ignition. When leaving
the vehicle, always lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle.
A child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:
•The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
•If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
Page 313 of 505

you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what is not. When on a trail, you should always
be looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged
When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road) and
activate the 4WD LOCK. This will provide additional
traction and activates the numerous off-road features to
improve handling and control on slippery or difficult
terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low (L
Off-Road) with 4WD LOCK engaged will allow the
engine to operate in a higher power range. This will
allow you to cross over obstacles and descend hills, with
improved control and less effort.
NOTE:For maximum off-road performance, premium
fuel is recommended. While the vehicle will operate on
regular fuel when in L Off-Road mode, the engine has
been calibrated for maximum performance using pre-
mium fuel.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
Page 426 of 505

CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked posi-
tive (+) and negative (-) and are identified on the
battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
•If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in
the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to the battery. Do
not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air conditioning
system as the chemicals can damage your air condi-
tioning components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 441 of 505

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) – If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid which has been formulated with special
metal to metal friction coefficient additives to provide the
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
Page 449 of 505

Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1.
Clean with a wet, soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean, damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the seat belts from the
car to wash them. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447
Page 487 of 505

Automatic Transmission................300,439
Fluid and Filter Changes............... 440
Fluid Level Check.................... 440
Fluid Type......................... 439
Gear Ranges........................ 303
Special Additives..................... 440
Autostick............................. 308
B-Pillar Location........................ 342
Battery............................... 423
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 25
Belts, Seat.............................. 86
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 427
Brake Assist System...................... 327
Brake Fluid............................ 456
Brake System........................323,436
Anti-Lock (ABS)..................324,327
Master Cylinder..................... 437
Parking........................... 321Warning Light....................... 201
Brake, Parking.......................... 321
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 302
Brakes.............................323,436
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 84
Bulb Replacement.....................452,453
Bulbs, Light..........................88,452
Calibration, Compass..................... 222
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 454
Capacities, Fluid........................ 454
Caps, Filler
Fuel.............................. 371
Oil (Engine)...................413,414,421
Power Steering...................... 320
Car Washes............................ 443
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............85,370
Cargo Area Cover....................... 183
Cargo Area Features...................... 182
10
INDEX 485
Page 488 of 505

Cargo Compartment
Light............................. 182
Luggage Carrier..................... 189
Cargo Light............................ 182
Cargo Load Floor........................ 185
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 185
Cellular Phone........................99,276
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 454
Chains, Tire............................ 355
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 392
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 338
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 416
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 85
Checks, Safety........................... 85
Child Restraint........................75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 80
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 78
Child Safety Locks........................ 33Child Seat.............................. 82
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 367
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 444
Climate Control......................... 276
Clock...........................226,244,253
Clutch............................... 437
Clutch Fluid........................... 437
Coin Holder........................... 181
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 275
Compact Spare Tire...................... 350
Compass.............................. 211
Compass Calibration..................... 222
Compass Variance....................... 222
Connector
UCI .............................. 267
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 267
Console.............................. 181
Contract, Service........................ 477
486 INDEX
Page 493 of 505

Hitches
Trailer Towing....................... 378
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter... 161
Hood Release.......................... 147
Ignition............................... 12
Key ............................... 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key)................... 15
Infant Restraint.......................... 76
Information Center, Vehicle................. 213
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 94
Instrument Cluster....................... 198
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 196
Instrument Panel Cover................... 446
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 447
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 448
Interior Appearance Care.................. 445
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 155Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 392
Jack Operation.......................392,394
Jacking Instructions...................... 394
Jump Starting.......................... 402
Key-In Reminder......................... 14
Key, Programming........................ 16
Key, Replacement........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Keyless Entry System (Sedan)................ 20
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster............................ 61
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 453
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 42
Latches................................ 88
Hood............................. 147
10
INDEX 491