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183
Limiting Your Vehicle's LoadThe load that you add to your vehicle must not
exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety
Compliance Certification Decal attached to the left
front door pillar.
To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the
weights of:q
the driver and passengers
q
luggage and any other items that you put in
your vehicle
q
the tongue load of the loaded trailer
q
the weight of any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle since it was delivered to
your dealerIf you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection
station for trucks.
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the
load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also, make
sure that the weight your vehicle carries over each
axle is less than the GAWR for the respective axle.
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186Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle's
bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the
load.
Always check the pressure in all your vehicle's tires
when preparing to tow (see inflation
recommendation on the tire label).Using the hitchYour vehicle uses aload carryinghitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a trailer
on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you must
distribute the load in your trailer so that only 10 to
15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the
tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will prevent
damage to your vehicle and make your vehicle
easier to handle.
Connecting the safety chainsAlways attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch
breaks.
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
attach them to your vehicle's frame or hook
retainers. Never attach the safety chains to your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed
to bear the weight of a trailer.
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in the
chains to allow you to turn corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
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282
NOTE:When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not
exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult
your dealer for specific weight information.
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303
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap)......... 243
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy) . . . 25, 248
Gasoline (see Fuel)........... 243
Gauges
engine coolant temperature gauge . . . 17
fuel gauge.............. 19
odometer.............. 16
speedometer............. 16
tachometer............. 17
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating............. 183
definition.............. 182
driving with a heavy load....... 182
location............... 182Gearshift
automatic operation.......... 177
locking the gearshift......... 83
positions.............. 177
shifting the gears........... 177
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) . . . 182
calculating.............. 183
definition.............. 182
driving with a heavy load....... 182
location............... 182
H
Hazard flashers............. 89
Headlamps
aiming............... 256
autolamp system........... 80
checking alignment.......... 253
cleaning............... 261
daytime running lights........ 78
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311
Tires................. 238
changing.............. 201
checking the pressure......... 238
cleaning.............. 262
inspection and maintenance...... 238
replacing.............. 240
rotating............... 239
snow tires and chains........ 242
spare tire.............. 202
storing your vehicle......... 268
tire grades............. 241
treadwear.............. 241
wear bands............. 240
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 184
Towing your vehicle.......... 213
using wheel dollies.......... 213
with a tow truck........... 213
Traction Control active light....... 12Trailer towing............. 184
calculating maximum trailer weight . . . 184
safety chains............. 186
tips................ 187
trailer brakes............ 187
trailer lamps............. 187
Transmission
automatic operation.......... 177
fluid, checking and adding....... 235
fluid, refill capacities......... 264
lubricant specifications........ 265
Transmission control switch....... 180
Trunk, using the remote entry system
to open............... 123
Trunk, power release.......... 118
Tune-up specifications (VECI)....... 252
Turn signal.............. 85
indicator lights............ 14
lever................ 85
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312
V
Variable interval wipers......... 86
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................ 252
Vehicle loading
automatic transmissions........ 183
calculating the load.......... 183
manual transmissions......... 183
understanding loading information . . . 182
Vehicle storage............. 266
Ventilating your vehicle (see Climate
control)............... 69
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 222
Visor (see Sun visor).......... 101
W
Warning chimes
headlamps on............ 15
key in ignition............ 84
safety belt.............. 44
Warning lights (see Lights)......... 7
Warranties................ 3
basic................. 3
Canada................ 3
radio................ 68
Warranty Information Booklet....... 3
Washer fluid.............. 227
windshield............. 86
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 182
Wheel bearings, lubricant specifications . . 265
Wheel dollies (see Towing)....... 213
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