
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM — IF
EQUIPPED
Tire Pressure Monitoring
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPM) system uses
wireless technology with wheel rim mounted electronic
sensors to monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted
to each wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire
pressure readings to the Receiver Module. The wheel
sensors monitor tire pressure, and status for all four
active road tires.
NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator Lamp will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more
tire pressures is low. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Indi-
cator Lamp will flash on and off for ten seconds when a
system fault is detected. The flash cycle will repeat every
ten minutes or until the fault condition is removed and
reset.
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The Tire Pressure Monitoring System consists of the
following components:
•Receiver Module
•4 Wheel Sensors
•4 Wheel Sensor Trigger Modules
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Messages in
the EVIC
•Amber Colored Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator
Lamp
The system consists of tire pressure monitoring sensors
attached to each wheel through the valve stem mounting
hole, a central receiver module, Wheel Sensor Trigger
Modules mounted in three of the four wheel wells,
various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Mes-
sages in the EVIC, and an amber colored Indicator Lamp.
NOTE:For vehicles with optional wheel/tire sizes and
significantly different tire placard pressures, the placard
pressure value and the low-pressure threshold value isre-programmable at your authorized dealer to accommo-
date the customer selected wheel/tire combinations rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler.
The followingwarningswill cause a text message to be
displayed, an audible chime to sound and the tire pres-
sure Indicator Lamp to illuminate. The audible chime
will occur once every ignition cycle for eachwarning
detected. The tire pressure Indicator Lamp will illumi-
nate continuously (solid) and will remain illuminated
until the warning condition is removed/reset.
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages.
LEFT FRONT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT FRONT,
RIGHT REAR LOW PRESSURE
One or more of these messages will be displayed in the
EVIC if a low tire pressure condition exists in one or more
tires.
Inspect all tires for proper inflation pressure, once the
proper tire pressure has been set, the TPM system
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5

warning will reset automatically when the vehicle has
been driven for at least 2 minutes at or above 15 mph (24
km/h).
CHECK TPM SYSTEM
See your authorized dealer when this message appears in
the EVIC. This message indicates that a system fault
condition has been detected.
CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sen-
sor damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or
style. After-market wheels can cause sensor damage.
Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads
if your vehicle is equipped with a TPM system, as
damage to the sensors may result.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
NOTE:
•
The TPM system can inform the driver of a low tire
pressure condition.
•The TPM system is not intended to replace normal tire
care and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPM system should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
TIRE CHAINS
If driving conditions require tire chains for your vehicle,
chains that meet SAE class “S” requirements can be used,
but they must be installed on 245/45ZR20 size tires.
Contact your local dealership or tire dealer for these tire
sizes.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Broken
chains can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could indicate chain
breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain
before further use.
•Install chains on the rear wheels as tightly as pos-
sible and then retighten after driving about1 2mile
(0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Only use on rear wheels.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
the method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the lower suggested
operating speed of the chain manufacturer if differ-
ent than the speed recommended by the manufacture.
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NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
Tire Rotation — Standard Tires
The suggested rotation method is the “side-to-side”
shown in the following diagram.
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Tire Rotation — All Season Tires
The suggested rotation method for vehicles equipped
with all season tires is the “forward-cross” shown in the
following diagram.
Tire Rotation — General Information
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
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5

These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION!
Damage to the front and rear fascias can occur if you
disregard the low ground clearance in the front and
rear of this vehicle. Pay close attention when parking
to avoid running into parking curbs. Exercise caution
when entering or exiting steep driveways or when
pulling off the road onto soft shoulders.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality pre-
mium unleaded gasoline having an octane
rating of 91 or higher.
Spark Knock
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of “premium” gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.
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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 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.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
226 STARTING AND OPERATING