
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note
1)
2.0L Auto 22 Sq. Ft. (2.04 Sq. M) 1000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
2.4L Auto 22 Sq. Ft. (2.04 Sq. M) 1000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
1.8L Manual 22 Sq. Ft. (2.04 Sq. M) 1000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
2.4L Auto/Man with
Trailer Tow Prep Pack-
age (AHC)32 Sq. Ft. (3.0 Sq. M) 2000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
Note 1 ± The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire±
Safety Information Section in this manual.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
²The tongue weight of the trailer.
²The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
²The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 221
5

²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. Always, block or9chock9the
trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires±General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
þWhen replacing tires refer to the Tires±General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

Fluid Leaks............................ 61
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 263
Fluids............................... 279
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 279
Fog Lights.......................79,116,273
Fog Lights, Rear........................ 119
Folding Rear Seat....................... 74
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan)................. 74
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 237
Fuel.............................. 211,279
Adding............................. 214
Additives........................... 212
Capacity............................ 278
Clean Air........................... 211
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................ 111,214
Filler Door (Gas Cap).................. 111
Filter.............................. 251
Gasoline............................ 211
Gauge.............................. 111
Hoses.............................. 260
Light.............................. 112
Octane Rating........................ 211Requirements........................ 211
System Hoses........................ 260
Tank Capacity........................ 278
Fuel System Caution.................... 216
Fueling.............................. 214
Fuses................................ 269
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...........214,216,242
Gasoline, Clean Air..................... 211
Gasoline (Fuel)..................... 211,278
Gasoline, Reformulated.................. 211
Gauges
Coolant Temperature................... 111
Fuel............................... 111
Odometer........................... 114
Tachometer.......................... 111
Gearshift............................. 177
General Information...................13,209
General Maintenance.................... 245
Glass Cleaning......................... 268
Glove Compartment..................... 103
Gross Axle Weight Rating................. 218
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating............... 217
312 INDEX

Taillights............................. 274
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant...... 111,229
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............. 56
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 24
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 24
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 99
Tilt Steering Column..................... 82
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 194
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 193
Tire Markings......................... 189
Tire Safety Information................... 189
Tires ...........................61,198,305
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 204
Air Pressure......................... 198
Alignment.......................... 205
Chains............................. 209
Changing........................... 230
Compact Spare....................... 201
Flat Changing........................ 233
General Information................... 198
High Speed......................... 200
Inflation Pressures.................... 199
Jacking............................. 230Life of Tires......................... 204
Load Capacity....................194,195
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 206
Quality Grading...................... 305
Radial............................. 201
Replacement......................... 204
Rotation............................ 210
Safety...........................189,198
Sizes............................... 191
Snow Tires.......................... 209
Spare Tire........................... 230
Spinning............................ 202
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 203
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 221
Towing.............................. 217
Disabled Vehicle...................... 238
Guide.............................. 220
Recreational......................... 226
Weight............................. 220
Traction.............................. 236
Trailer Towing......................... 217
Cooling System Tips................... 226
Hitches............................. 219
INDEX 319
10

Minimum Requirements................ 222
Trailer and Tongue Weight.............. 221
Wiring............................. 224
Trailer Towing Guide.................... 220
Trailer Weight......................... 220
Transaxle............................. 176
Automatic...................9,174,176,263
Autostick........................... 179
Manual........................10,174,180
Operation........................... 176
Overdrive........................... 178
Selection of Lubricant.................. 263
Transmission
Range Indicator...................... 113
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless
Entry)................................ 23
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless
Entry)................................ 22
Transporting Pets........................ 59
Tread Wear Indicators................... 203
Trip Odometer......................... 114
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 115
Turn Signals......................79,116,274Understanding Your Instrument Panel....... 108
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 305
Unleaded Gasoline...................... 211
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt............. 37
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 260
Vanity Mirrors.......................... 69
Variance, Compass...................... 125
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).......... 6
Vehicle Loading.....................195,217
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations............ 6
Vehicle Storage......................... 272
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)......... 24
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster
Description)........................... 111
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 302
Washer, Adding Fluid.................82,102
Washers, Windshield..................... 80
Washing Vehicle........................ 266
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 205
Wheel and Wheel Trim................... 267
320 INDEX