2-77
Here are some situations you may experience with
your fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem with
the fuel gage.
At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.
It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
The gage goes back to empty when you turn off
the ignition.
Message Center
The message center is located on the left side of the
instrument panel cluster. It gives you important safety
and maintenance facts. When you turn the ignition on,
the entire center lights up for just a few seconds. As
needed, the message center will display one of the
following messages. The message center is capable of
alternating among different messages if needed.
Battery
If this message is displayed
when the engine is running,
you may have a problem
with your charging system.
The battery display will also stay on while the key is in
RUN until the engine is started.
If the message stays on after starting the engine it could
indicate a problem with the generator drive belt, or some
other charging system problem. Have it checked right
away. Driving with this message displayed could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this message
displayed, it helps to turn off all your accessories, such
as the radio and the air conditioner.
3-3
Mode Knob - Manual Operation
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
You can choose to set the climate control system
operations manually, or let the system work
automatically by turning the knob on the control panel
to AUTO. See ªMode Knob
-- Automatic Operationº
later in this section.
(Vent): This setting directs most of the air through
the instrument panel outlets and a small amount through
the floor outlets.
(Bi-level): This setting directs air through the
floor outlets as well as the instrument panel outlets.
(Floor): This setting directs most of the airflow
through the floor outlets and some air through the
windshield defroster outlets. Recirculation will not be
available in this mode. See ªRecirculationº following
for more information.
(Blend): This setting divides airflow equally
between the floor outlets and the windshield defroster
outlets. The air conditioning compressor may run to
dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging.
Recirculation will not be available in this mode. See
ªRecirculationº following for more information.
(Defrost): This setting directs most air through the
windshield defroster outlets and some through the floor
outlets. The air conditioning compressor may run to
dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging.
Recirculation will not be available in this mode. See
ªRecirculationº following for more information.
Mode Buttons
(Outside air): Press this button, located
under the fan knob, to use outside air. Using outside
air will limit stale air odors and help to prevent
excessively humid interior air (from wet boots or
clothing or maximum passenger loads) from being
redirected onto windows.
Pressing the outside air button will cancel the
recirculation button.
3-5
Mode Knob - Automatic Operation
When the system is set in AUTO mode, sensors will
control the air delivery mode. Air will come primarily
from the floor or instrument panel outlets, with some air
directed to the windshield to prevent fogging.
When the system is in AUTO mode, the air conditioning
light will turn on, and the recirculation and outside air
lights will turn off. With the system in full automatic
control (both the fan and mode knobs in AUTO), you
still have the ability to override any function. However,
continually overriding the outside air or the A/C
compressor will limit the ability of the system to cool
the vehicle quickly.
If you push a button for a function which is not
available, the light next to that button will flash three
times to alert you that it's not available.
To find your comfort zone, start with the 74F (23C)
setting and allow about 20 minutes for the system to
adjust the temperature if necessary.With the automatic setting, the air conditioning
compressor automatically cycles when needed to cool
the air. In cold weather, when the system senses the
need for heat, the airflow will be directed out the floor
outlets. As the interior temperature approaches a desired
setting, the fan speed will decrease. To maintain interior
comfort, the airflow will adjust between the instrument
panel outlets and floor outlets. On bright sunny days
in cool weather, the airflow may come out of the
instrument panel and the floor outlets (bi
-level mode)
to maintain comfort and prevent stuffiness.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the outside air
temperature, engine coolant temperature or the time
since the engine was last started. As the coolant
warms up, the fan speed will gradually increase and
air will flow from the floor outlets, with some airflow
to the windshield to prevent fogging under most
normal conditions.
Be careful not to put anything over the solar sensor
located near the center of the instrument panel.
This sensor is used by the automatic system to
regulate temperature.
3-10 Ventilation System
Your vehicle has air outlets
in the center and on the
sides of the instrument
panel. There are also two
outlets located on the back
of the center console for the
rear seat passengers.
You can move the outlets from side
-to-side and the
louvers up and down to direct the flow of air. The
driver's and passenger's side outlets can be closed. The
two outlets, located on the rear of the center console, can
also be closed. Turn the thumbwheel to the left to shut
off air flow or to the right to allow air flow. When you
close an outlet, it will increase the flow of air coming
out of any outlets that are open. The center outlet,
located on the instrument panel, does not completely
shut off airflow.For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use outside air to direct outside air
through your vehicle. Air will flow through the
instrument panel outlets.
Your vehicle's ventilation system supplies outside air
to the inside of your vehicle when it is moving. With
the side windows closed, air will flow into the front air
inlet grilles, through the vehicle, and out the air
exhaust valves.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or
the air conditioning fan is running, unless you have the
recirculation button pushed in. For more information on
the recirculation button, see ªAir Conditioningº earlier
in this section.
4-47
Your vehicle is provided with a button at the end of the
shift lever which when pressed enables tow/haul. When
the button is pressed, a light on the instrument panel will
illuminate to indicate that tow/haul has been selected.
Tow/haul may be turned off by pressing the button
again, at which time the indicator light on the instrument
panel will turn off. The vehicle will automatically turn
off tow/haul every time it is started.
Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least
75 percent of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR). See ªWeight of the Trailerº later in
this section. Tow/haul is most useful under the following
driving conditions:
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
through rolling terrain.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in stop and go traffic.
When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in busy parking lots where improved low speed
control of the vehicle is desired.Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or
with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the
vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Tow/haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle model
and options.
4-52 Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other
drivers you're about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are
still working.
4-55
The seven-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Taillamps
White: Ground
Light Green: Back
-up Lamps
Red: Battery Feed
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
A jumper harness for an electric trailer brake controller
and a trailer battery feed fuse are included with this
trailering package. (See ªInstrument Panel Jumper
Wiring Harnessº later in this section.)
If you need to tow a light
-duty trailer with a standard
four
-way round pin connector, an adapter connector is
included with the vehicle. See ªFour
-Wire Trailer
Harness Adapterº later in this section.Instrument Panel Jumper Wiring Harness
This harness is included with the heavy-duty and
camper/fifth
-wheel trailer wiring packages. The harness
is for an electric trailer brake controller and includes a
trailer battery feed fuse. This harness and fuse should be
installed by your dealer or a qualified service center.
5-9
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service
if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index. In addition, you will
find a LOW COOLANT, CHECK COOLANT TEMP,
ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE
POWER message in the message center on the
instrument panel. See ªMessage Centerº in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, an
overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups
of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a loss in power and engine performance.
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to
a safe place in an emergency. Driving extended miles
(km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset
the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.