VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown in the
following sample chart and on the tire pressure label
attached to the driver’s door.
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants.................... 2or3
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 865lbs. (392 kg)
Luggage Racks
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total occupant and
luggage load inside the vehicle, plus that on the external
rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity shown on
the Vehicle Loading Capacity chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer’s Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non-commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
•The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
32 square feet (2.97 square meters)
•The maximum trailer load for vehicles equipped with
3.5L engines is: 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
•The maximum trailer load for vehicles equipped with
2.7L engines is: 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
•For vehicles equipped with 2.7L engines: when driv-
ing in hot weather (more than 95°F, 35°C), maximum
vehicle speed when towing a trailer should not exceed
65 mph.
•The ”D” range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3”
range MUST be selected.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
•For vehicles equipped with autostick, by using the
autostick mode, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear
range should be selected that allows for adequate
performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired
speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed
to maintain the desired speed.
•Extended driving at high RPMs should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPMs.
•Return to a higher gear range or vehicle speed when
road conditions and RPM level allow.
•The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the tow vehicle load capacity when loading the ve-
hicle.
•If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), it
should have its own brakes.
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.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid, filter, and hypoid
differential fluid should be changed per Maintenance
Schedule “B” if you tow a trailer.
•If your Engine Coolant Light comes on, see the para-
graph on Overheating in Section 6 of this manual.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before all towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
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