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²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
²Type of Vehicle
²Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR.
242 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 247 of 361
A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for
weights above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
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Page 355 of 361

Occupant Restraints....................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 235
Odometer............................. 142
Oil, Engine.........................272,312
Capacity............................ 311
Change Interval....................... 274
Checking............................ 272
Disposal............................ 276
Filter............................276,312
Filter Disposal........................ 276
Identification Logo..................... 275
Materials Added to..................... 276
Recommendation...................... 274
Synthetic............................ 276
Viscosity............................ 275
Onboard Diagnostic System..............269,270
Opener, Garage Door..................... 115
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Overdrive............................. 203Overhead Console....................... 114
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 114
Overheating, Engine...................138,251
Owner's Manual.......................4,340
Panic Alarm............................ 21
Parking Brake.......................... 206
Parking On Hill......................... 207
Passing Light........................... 107
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 99
Pets.................................. 61
Phone, Cellular.......................... 73
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 73
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 218
Power
Brakes.............................. 208
Distribution Center..................... 305
Door Locks........................... 17
Lift Gate............................. 27
INDEX 355
10
Page 359 of 361

Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 128
Tilt Steering Column..................... 110
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 218
Tire Markings.......................... 213
Tire Safety Information.................... 213
Tires ............................63,222,342
Alignment........................... 229
Chains.............................. 233
Changing............................ 252
Compact Spare........................ 226
High Speed.......................... 225
Inflation Pressures..................... 223
Jacking............................. 252
Load Capacity.....................218,219
Pressure Monitor System................. 230
Quality Grading....................... 342
Radial.............................. 226
Replacement.......................228,230
Rotation............................. 234Safety...........................213,222
Sizes............................... 215
Snow Tires........................... 234
Spare Tire........................... 253
Spinning............................ 227
Tread Wear Indicators................... 228
Towing............................... 244
Disabled Vehicle....................... 261
Trailering............................ 244
Traction Control................... 110,141,212
Trailer Towing.......................... 244
Minimum Requirements................. 245
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 245
Transaxle...........................201,295
Automatic........................201,295
Autostick...................... 112,203,204
Filter............................... 297
Operation........................... 201
Overdrive........................... 203
INDEX 359
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