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Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
SPECIAL LOADING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OWNERS OF PICKUP
TRUCKS AND UTILITY-TYPE VEHICLES
WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see the Preparing to drive your vehicle
section in this chapter.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles may handle differently than
unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
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WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label, this could affect vehicle handling and
cause an accident.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than
the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Safety Certification Label, found on the driver’s door pillar, lists
several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any
additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding weight
to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of occupants or amount of cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the total weight
added is equal to or less than the total axle reserve capacity (TARC)
weight. You should NEVER exceed the total axle reserve capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. WARNING: Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage to the vehicle loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, and/or personal injury.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in the Trailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for
trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
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4x2 w/automatic transmission
For definition of terms used in this table see Vehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, see Calculating the load earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
4x4 w/automatic transmission
Engine Maximum GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
Regular Cab
3.0L 3,402 (7,500) 1,742 (3,840) 4.64 (50) Cab Plus/Cab Plus 4
3.0L 3,402 (7,500) 1,651 (3,640) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 4,309 (9,500) 2,504 (5,520) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1,000
ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, see Vehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the load earlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
The certification label is found on the driver’s door latch pillar.
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WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
For towing trailers up to 907 kg (2,000 lb), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for
trailers over 907 kg (2,000 lb).
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
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WARNING: Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2,000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
Trailer tow connector
The trailer tow connector is located
under the rear bumper, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
1
2
34
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Fuse/RelayLocation Fuse Amp
Rating Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
26 10A Battery saver relay, Auxiliary relay box, Restraint Central Module
(RCM), Generic Electronic
Module (GEM), Instrument
cluster
27 — Not used
28 7.5A Generic Electronic Module (GEM), Radio
29 20A Radio
30 — Not used
31 — Not used
32 — Not used
33 15A Headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) module, Instrument
cluster
34 — Not used
35 15A Horn relay (if not equipped with a Central Security Module)
36 — Not used
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is
located in the engine compartment.
The power distribution box contains
high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems
from overloads.
WARNING: Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
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WARNING: To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace
the cover to the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting
the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Battery section of the Maintenance and specifications chapter.
2.3L engine (if equipped)
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay Location Fuse Amp
Rating Power Distribution Box
Description
1 50A** I/P fuse panel
2 — Not used
3 — Not used
4 — Not used
5 — Not used
6 50A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
pump motor
7 30A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
1234521 22 23 24
25 26 27 28
29 30 31 32
33 34 35 36
37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44
678910 55
49
48 54
5352
51 56
56 B
56 A
50 50 B
50 A
47
45 45 B
45 A
4646 B
46 A
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
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Fuse/RelayLocation Fuse Amp
Rating Power Distribution Box
Description
42 10A* Right headlamp low beam
43 — Not used
44 — Not used
45A — Wiper HI/LO relay 45B — Wiper park/run relay
46A — Fuel pump relay 46B — Trailer tow relay
47A — A/C clutch solenoid relay 47B — Front washer pump relay
48A — Fog lamps 48B — Fog lamp relay 51 — Not used
52 — Not used
53 — Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diode
54 — Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
55 — Blower relay
56 — Starter relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
OVERHEATING
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating and you experience
power loss, you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
If this happens: 1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Shift the automatic transmission into P (Park) or the manual transmission into the neutral position, and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
WARNING: Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The
escaping steam could seriously burn you. Open the hood ONLY
after steam is no longer escaping from the engine.
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