ROOF LUGGAGE RACK
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity.
This vehicle is not equipped with roof rack cross rails as
built, unless ordered as optional equipment. Cross rails
must be installed prior to carrying loads on the roof rack.
If not equipped, your authorized dealer can order and
install Mopartcross rails built specifically for this roof
rack system or a number of after market rails that are
tailored to your life-style or activities.CAUTION!
²To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof rack without cross
rails installed. The load should be secured and
placed on top of the cross rails, not directly on the
roof. If it is necessary to place the load on the roof,
place a blanket or some other protection between the
load and the roof surface.
²To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the rated load capacity of your cross rail system
or the roof rack system maximum load capacity of 150
lbs (68 kg). Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as
possible and secure the load appropriately.
²Long loads which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be secured to
both the front and rear of the vehicle.
²Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward loads. This is espe-
cially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 121
3
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR's) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR's, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement ªThe combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX poundsº on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400±750 (5 x 150) =
650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 209
5
WARNING!
Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES Ð GENERAL INFORMATION
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
²Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
²Over inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5
The tire pressure should be checked and adjusted at least
once every month. Check more often if subject to a wide
range of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Inflation pressures specified on the label are always
ªCold Inflation Pressure.º Cold inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has been idle
for at least 3 hours, or driven less than a mile after a 3
hour period. The cold inflation pressure must not exceed
the maximum values molded into the tire sidewall.
Tire pressures may increase from 13 to 40 kPa (2 to 6 psi)
[0.138 to 0.414 bar] during operation. DO NOT reduce
this normal pressure buildup.High Speed Operation
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don't drive a vehicle loaded to maximum capacity at
continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
5
WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
²Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire size
listed on your vehicle's tire label. Using a smaller tire
could result in tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
²Overloading your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure. Use tires of the recommended
load capacity for your vehicle - never overload them.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your dealer before replacing tires
with a different size.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 162
Cassette Tape Player...................143,147
Catalytic Converter...................... 261
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 51
CD Changer......................140,150,156
CD Player....................136,139,143,149
CD Player Maintenance................... 163
Cellular Phone.......................... 164
Center Lap Belts......................... 33
Chains, Tire............................ 220
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 204
Check Engine Light...................... 130
Checks, Safety.........................52,53
Child Restraint.......................... 44
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 47
Child Safety Locks........................ 18
Climate Control......................... 164
Clock................................ 135
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 163Compact Spare Tire...................... 241
Compass...........................101,104
Compass Calibration..................... 104
Compass Variance....................... 105
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 101
Console, Overhead....................... 89
Contract, Service........................ 320
Converter, Catalytic...................... 261
Cooling System......................... 269
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 271
Coolant Capacity...................... 291
Coolant Level......................... 272
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 270
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 270
Inspection........................... 269
Points to Remember.................... 273
Pressure Cap......................... 272
Radiator Cap......................... 272
Selection of Coolant..................270,291
330 INDEX