Page 207 of 346

4-36
If you're using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B). If you have a weight
-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the
Tire
-Loading Information label inside of the trunk lid or
see ªLoading Your Vehicleº in the Index. Then be sure
you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper
-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle. See ªCarbon Monoxideº in the Index. Dirt
and water can, too.
Page 231 of 346
5-20 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you'll need
is in the trunk.
Turn the center nut on the compact spare cover
counterclockwise to remove it. Then lift and remove
the cover.
Remove the spare tire. See ªCompact Spare Tireº in the
Index for more information about the compact spare.
Page 238 of 346
5-27 Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
After you've put the compact spare tire on your vehicle,
you'll need to store the flat tire in your trunk. Use the
following procedure to secure the flat tire in the trunk.
When storing a full-size tire, you must use the extension
to help avoid wheel surface damage. Use the extension
and protector/guide located in the foam holder. To store
a full
-size tire, place the tire in the trunk with the valve
stem facing down and the protector/guide through a
wheel bolt hole. Remove the protector and attach the
retainer securely. When returning the compact spare to
the trunk, put the protector/guide back in the foam
holder. Store the cover as far forward as possible.
Page 239 of 346
5-28 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full
-size tire as soon as
you can. See ªCompact Spare Tireº in the Index.
See the storage instructions label to replace your
compact spare into your trunk properly.
A. Retainer
B. Cover
C. Compact Spare Tire
D. Nut
E. Jack
F. Wrench
G. Lock Nut Tool
H. Foam Holder
I. Extension and
Protective Guide
J. Bolt Screw
Page 249 of 346

6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.
Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.
Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Page 280 of 346
6-39 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
1. Open the trunk.
2. Reach through the access opening in the trunk.
3. Remove the old bulb from the socket by turning it
one quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Place the new bulb into the socket.
5. Turn the bulb one quarter turn clockwise to install.
6. Close the trunk.
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6-40 Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps
1. Unscrew the wing nut inside of the trunk (B)
behind the taillamp to be changed. If equipped with
a convenience net, unhook the net.
2. Pull back the carpeting.
3. Remove the other two plastic wing nuts (A).
Pliers may be required to remove the wing nuts.
4. Pull the taillamp housing away from the body
of the vehicle (C).
5. Squeeze the tab on the bulb socket and turn the
socket counterclockwise.
6. Pull out the bulb socket.
7. Pull the old bulb out of the socket. (There are
four bulbs on each taillamp.)
8. Push in a new bulb.
9. Reinstall the bulb socket into the housing and
turn it clockwise.
10. Reinstall the taillamp housing to the body
of the vehicle.
11. Reinstall all three wing nuts.
12. Tighten the plastic wing nuts.
Page 282 of 346
6-41 License Plate Lamp
1. Remove the four screws to remove the name plate.
2. Reach your hand up through underside of the trunk
into the slots.
3. Press the clip on one side of the bulb assembly
and pull out the assembly from the front with your
other hand.
4. Remove the old bulb from the socket.
5. Place the new bulb into the socket.
6. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall.
When reinstalling bulb assembly, push in the assembly
until you hear a snap. Make sure the assembly is tight.