
Operating your vehicle with a light load means:
The total weight of occupants in your vehicle is less
than the total seating capacity number your vehicle
was designed to carry multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
The total seating capacity number is on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
No more than 200 lbs (91 kg) of cargo, which must
be secured in the cargo area.
No trailer is attached to your vehicle.
You have not added any additional equipment to
your vehicle, like a truck cap or tool box.
The vehicle load capacity and the rear axle load
capacity are reduced when the tire pressure is lowered
to the amount recommended for improved ride.
Before operating your vehicle with passengers or cargo
greater than a light-load, you must in ate the rear
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information Label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, or whenever a wheel, wheel
bolt or wheel nut is replaced, check the wheel nut torque
after 100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1 600 and
10 000 km) of driving. For proper torque and wheel nut
tightening information, seeRemoving the Spare Tire
and Tools on page 5-93.
The outer tire on a dual wheel setup generally wears
faster than the inner tire. Your tires will wear more
evenly and last longer if you rotate the tires periodically,
seeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-83. Also
seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
{CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is
badly underin ated, the tire can overheat. An
overheated tire can lose air suddenly or catch
re. You or others could be injured. Be sure all
tires (including the spare) are properly in ated.
SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-79, for
information on proper tire in ation.
5-82

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-85andWheel Replacement
on page 5-88for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves,
use the wheel wrench/hoist shaft to tighten the cable.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-92.
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, also seeDual Tire
Operation on page 5-82.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.If your vehicle has single rear wheels and the tread
design for your front tires is the same as your rear tires,
use the rotation pattern shown here when rotating
your tires. If your vehicle is an SS model, the spare tire
is not designed to be used in the tire rotation.
5-83

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P265/75R16,
LT265/75R16, P265/70R17 or P275/55R20 size
tires, don’t use tire chains. They can damage
your vehicle because there’s not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.″
Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual wheels
and is equipped with a tire size other than
P265/75R16, LT265/75R16, P265/70R17 or
P275/55R20, use tire chains only where legal and
only when you must. Use chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the tires of the
rear axle. Don’t use chains on the tires of the front
axle. Tighten them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-90

4. Make sure the jack head is positioned so that the
rear axle is resting securely between the grooves
that are on the jack head. Turn the wheel
wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the
vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough
room for the spare tire to t under the wheel well.5. Remove all the wheel
nuts and take off the
at tire.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
the places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt off. Rear Position
5-101

To release the spare tire from the secondary latch, do
the following:
1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable
end is visible.
If the cable is not visible proceed to Step 6.
2. If it is visible, rst try to tighten the cable by
turning the wheel wrench clockwise until you
hear two clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot
overtighten the cable.
3. Loosen the cable by turning the wrench
counterclockwise three or four turns.4. Repeat this procedure at least two times. If the
spare tire lowers to the ground, continue with
Step 5 ofRemoving the Spare Tire and Tools on
page 5-93.
5. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until
approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed.
6. Stand the wheel blocks on their shortest ends, with
the backs facing each other.
7. Place the bottom edge
of the jack (A) on the
wheel blocks (B),
separating them so that
the jack is balanced
securely.
5-106

3. Attach the wheel wrench (H) and extensions (I)
together.
4. Insert the hoist end (F)
through the hole (G) in
the rear bumper
and into the
hoist shaft.5. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure the
retainer is seated in the wheel opening.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise
until you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice.
You cannot overtighten the cable.
7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull, (A)
and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves,
use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
8. Reinstall the spare tire lock (if equipped).
5-111