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ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
Five-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
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Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in a gear higher than first gear.
CAUTION!
•Launching in any gear except 1st gear will result in
excessive slipping of the clutch and potentially
lugging or stalling the engine.
• Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a
gear. Be sure the transmission is in first gear, (not
third), when starting from a standing position.
Damage to the clutch can result from starting in a
gear higher than first gear.
For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, fifth gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
and never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch
pedal partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear
on the clutch.
Shift Pattern
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Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:
During cold weather, until the transmission lubri-
cant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for optimal fuel
economy, it should be upshifted as listed in the following
table.
Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds
Units in mph (km/h)
Engine Size Acceleration Rate1to2
2to33to4 4to5
All Engines Accel 14 (23)23 (37)29 (47) 45 (72)
Cruise 12 (19) 18 (29)25 (40) 32 (52)
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If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the transmission controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating. If the
transmission becomes extremely hot, the “Transmission
Temperature Warning Light” may illuminate and the
transmission may operate differently until the transmis-
sion cools down.
During very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below),
transmission operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmis-
sion temperature has risen to a suitable level.Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear regardless of which forward gear is
selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be
illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service without dam-
aging the transmission.
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Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:Engagement of the torque converter clutch is
inhibited at very cold temperatures. Because the engine
speed is higher when the torque converter clutch is not
engaged, it may seem as if the transmission is not shifting
into Overdrive when cold. This is normal. The torque
converter clutch will function normally once the trans-
mission is sufficiently warm.
Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission
(CVT) — If Equipped
The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever
out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Inter-
lock System” in this section). To drive, move the shift
lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
NOTE: The Continuously Variable Automatic Transmis-
sion (CVT) changes ratios in a continuous manner. This
may sometimes feelas if it is slipping, but this is normal
and does not harm anything.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when
shifting between these gears.
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further information) to select a lower gear ratio. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear ratio will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transmission oil
may become too hot. If this happens, the transmission
overheat indicator light will come on, and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the transmission cools down enough
to allow a return to the requested speed. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating. If the
high speed is maintained, the overheating may reoccur,
as before, in a cyclic fashion.
LOW (L)
Use this range for engine braking when descending very
steep grades. In this range, the transmission will down-
shift for maximum engine braking, and upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed.AUTOSTICK® (SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION) — IF EQUIPPED
AutoStick® is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to maximize en-
gine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, 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 situations.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the six available gears. To engage AutoStick®, simply tap
the shift lever to the right or left (+/-) while in the DRIVE
position. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick® mode will
downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, while
using (+) to enter AutoStick® mode will retain the
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, four–wheel
drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loosetraction surfaces, activate the “4WD LOCK” switch by
pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center
coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear
wheels. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the
cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed.
To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will then go out.
NOTE:
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for further information.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
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An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems.
They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-road.
You should be familiar with the terrain and area before
proceeding. There are many types of surface conditions:
hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow and
ice. Every surface has a different effect on your vehicle’s
steering, handling and traction. Controlling your vehicle isone of the keys to successful off-road driving, so always
keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good
driving posture. Avoid sudden accelerations, turns or brak-
ing. In most cases there are no road signs, posted speed
limits or signal lights. Therefore 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.
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