Page 201 of 299
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Remove the fuel cap (gas cap) slowly to prevent
fuel spray from the filler neck which may cause
injury.
²The volatility of some gasoline may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
STARTING AND OPERATING 201
5
Page 202 of 299

WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Ð If Equipped
²
Turn the engine off.
²Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap, and turn the
key to the right to unlock the fuel cap. Rotate the fuel
cap to the left to remove.
²To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear one click.
This is an indication that the cap is properly tightened.
²Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught
under the fuel cap.
²Be sure to remove the key.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find information on limits to the
type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle.
Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº section. When your vehicle is
used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
202 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 203 of 299

²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds to
the load on your vehicle.
Warranty Requirements
The manufacturer's warranty will apply to vehicles used
to tow trailers for noncommercial use, however the
following conditions must be met:
²The ªDº Overdrive range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs move the
shift lever to the next lower position to eliminate
excessive automatic transmission shifting. This action
will also reduce the possibility of transmission over-
heating and provide better engine braking. Refer to
ªTransmission Shiftingº in this section for additional
information.
²A load equalizing hitch is recommended for loaded
trailer weights above 1,000 lbs (454 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.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
mandatory for motoring safety.
²Follow the maintenance intervals in schedule ªBº for
changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, if
you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 203
5
Page 207 of 299
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
²Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
5
Page 209 of 299
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................210
mIf Your Engine Overheats................210
mChanging A Flat Tire...................211
NTool Kit Location.....................211
NJack Location........................211NSpare Tire Location....................213
NTire Changing Procedures...............213mJump Starting.........................216
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............2196
Page 210 of 299

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column, just
behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch and both
cluster indicators and all front and rear directional sig-
nals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn Hazard
Warning Flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
210 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 212 of 299

To remove the jack from its stowage position, carefully
release the rubber strap from the bracket. Turn the thumb
screw counterclockwise to loosen jack and then remove it
from the bracket.
WARNING!
Always store the jack, lug wrench, jack handle
driver, jack extension, and spare, flat or damaged tire
securely in the proper place. Never leave them loose
in the vehicle where they could become dangerous
projectiles during a quick stop or collision.
WARNING!
The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes, unless suitable sup-
ports are placed under the vehicle as a safety mea-
sure. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
CAUTION!
Never use your vehicle jack on the bumpers, sills or
underbody of your vehicle. Damage may result.
Place your vehicle jack only under an axle and in the
positions shown for ªTire Changing Procedures.º
212 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 213 of 299
Spare Tire Location
To remove the spare tire from the carrier, remove the tire
cover, if equipped, and remove the lug nuts with the lug
wrench turning them counterclockwise. If equipped with
an anti-theft lug nut (A), use the ªKeyº (B) and the lug
wrench. The ªKeyº is stored in the glove box.
NOTE:If you have added aftermarket accessories to the
spare tire mounted carrier, it cannot exceed a gross
weight of 50 lbs (23 kg) including the weight of the spare
tire.
Tire Changing Procedures
WARNING!
You can be injured or killed if you try to change a
wheel too close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
Preparation
²
Park on a firm, level surface well off the road, to
provide ample work space. Place automatic transmis-
sion in P (Park), or manual transmission in R (Re-
verse), and stop engine. Set parking brake firmly and
activate hazard warning flasher.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 213
6