WARNING!(Continued)
•ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or slide into
the driver ’s side floor area when the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under accelera-
tor, brake, or clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
• NEVER place any objects under the floor mat (e.g.,
towels, keys, etc.). These objects could change the
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are
suspected. The cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
282 SAFETY
WARNING!(Continued)
•Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if
it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leav-
ing the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is locked
in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key from the vehicle and lock the 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. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the trans-
mission gear selector.
• Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of
PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, the Speed Control takes over accelerator
operations at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).
The Speed Control buttons are located on the right side of
the steering wheel. NOTE:
In order to ensure proper operation, the Speed
Control System has been designed to shut down if multiple
Speed Control functions are operated at the same time. If
this occurs, the Speed Control System can be reactivated by
pushing the Speed Control ON/OFF button and resetting
the desired vehicle set speed.
Speed Control Buttons
1 — ON/OFF 3 — SET -
2 — RES + 4 — CANCEL
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 309
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer
to the following illustration.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and
backing the trailer in an area away from heavy traffic.If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
Select the DRIVE range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur
while in DRIVE, you can use the AutoStick shift control to
manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:
Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup. This action will also provide better
engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes
of continuous operation, then change the transmission
fluid and filter as specified for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
Four-Pin Connector
1 — Female Pins 4 — Park
2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
4. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do notstart the engine.
5. Press and hold the brake pedal.
6. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
7. Shift the transfer case lever to the desired position.
NOTE: When shifting the transfer case out of NEUTRAL
(N), the engine should remain OFF to avoid gear clash.
8. Shift the automatic transmission into PARK, or place manual transmission in NEUTRAL.
9. Release the brake pedal.
10. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press and hold the brake pedal.
13. Release the parking brake.
14. Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check
that the vehicle operates normally.DRIVING TIPS
On-Road Driving Tips
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design character-
istics give them a higher center of gravity than conven-
tional passenger cars.
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 passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-
road conditions. 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.
330 STARTING AND OPERATING
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided, if possible, and only be
attempted when necessary in a safe, responsible manner.
You should only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid damage
to the environment. You should know your vehicle’s
abilities and be able to recover it if something goes wrong.
You should never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing
deep water unless you ingested water into the engine air
intake. If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it.
Determine if it has ingested water first. The key to any
crossing is low and slow. Shift into first gear (manual
transmission), or DRIVE (automatic transmission), with the
transfer case in the 4L (Low) position and proceed very
slowly with a constant slow speed {3 to 5 mph (5 to 8
km/h) maximum} and light throttle. Keep the vehicle
moving; do not try to accelerate through the crossing. After
crossing any water higher than the bottom of the axle
differentials, you should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for
signs of water ingestion.
CAUTION!
•Water ingestion into the axles, transmission, transfer
case, engine or vehicle interior can occur if you drive
too fast or through too deep of water. Water can cause
permanent damage to engine, driveline or other
vehicle components, and your brakes will be less
effective once wet and/or muddy.
• This vehicle is capable of crossing through water at a
depth of 30 inches (76 cm) at speeds no greater than
5 mph (8 km/h). Water ingestion can occur causing
damage to your vehicle.
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water
As you approach any type of water, you need to determine
if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick.
You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current
and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy
waters; check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not
be intruding on any wildlife, and you can recover the
vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the water
depth, current and bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the
338 STARTING AND OPERATING
General Information
The fuses protect electrical systems against excessive cur-
rent.
When a device does not work, you must check the electri-
cal circuit inside the fuse for a break/melt.
Also, please be aware that when using power outlets for
extended periods of time with the engine off may result in
vehicle battery discharge.
Blade Fuses
1 — Electrical Circuit
2 — Blade Fuse With Good Electrical Circuit
3 — Blade Fuse With Bad Electrical Circuit
7
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 347
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING .................371
▫ Maintenance Plan ...................... .372
▫ Heavy Duty Use Of The Vehicle ............376
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................377
▫ Engine Compartment — 3.6L ..............377
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................378
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................378
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................378
DEALER SERVICE ...................... .379
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .380
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .381
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................381
▫ Accessory Drive Belt Inspection ............384
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............385▫
Body Lubrication ..................... .389
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................389
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .394
▫ Cooling System ....................... .395
▫ Brake System ........................ .400
▫ Front/Rear Axle Fluid ...................401
▫ Transfer Case ........................ .402
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................402
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........405
RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................405
TIRES ............................... .405
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................405
▫ T
ires — General Information ..............413
▫ Tire Types ........................... .419
8