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TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view 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.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited so that you do not
exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its
loaded and ready for operationcondition. The recom-
mended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded
trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the total
permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 68 kg (150 lbs) allowance for the presence of a
driver).
296 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 300 of 440
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:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The 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.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
300 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 345 of 440

Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tensioner
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service. At the
mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all belts
and tensioner should be checked for condition. Improper
belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure. Belts
should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing,
or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication of
damage which could result in belt failure. Low generator
belt tension can cause battery failure. Also check belt
routing to make sure there is no interference between the
belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission control. The plugs installed in
your vehicle should operate satisfactorily in normal
service for the mileage indicated in the Maintenance
Chart. New plugs should be installed at this mileage. The
entire set should be replaced if there is any malfunction
due to a faulty spark plug. Check the Vehicle Emissions
Control Information label for the proper type of spark
plug for your vehicle.
CAUTION!
When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 345
7
Page 420 of 440

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............186,260
Adding Fuel........................287,316
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 346
Air Conditioner Maintenance............223,349
Air Conditioning........................ 222
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 234
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 226
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............349,350
Air Conditioning System................222,349
Air Filter.............................. 346
Air Pressure, Tires....................274,282
Airbag.............................48,191
Airbag Light............................ 61
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm).................26,185
Alignment and Balance................... 281
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 219
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........356,357,385
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............146,260Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 186
Anti-Theft System.....................26,185
Appearance Care........................ 366
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 27
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............84,88
Automatic Door Locks..................... 17
Automatic Headlights.................... 133
Automatic Transaxle...................... 245
Automatic Transmission.............242,245,362
Adding Fluid......................... 362
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 363
Fluid Level Check...................... 362
Fluid Type........................363,387
Gear Ranges.......................... 245
Special Additives...................... 364
Torque Converter...................... 249
Axle Fluid............................. 387
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 365
420 INDEX
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Replacement Parts....................... 339
Replacement Tires....................... 280
Reporting Safety Defects................... 415
Restraints, Child.......................64,69
Restraints, Occupant...................... 36
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 264
Roof Type Carrier....................... 174
Rotation, Tires.......................... 284
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 76
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 76
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 415
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 33
Safety Information, Tire................... 264
Safety Tips............................. 75
Satellite Radio.......................... 215
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 219
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 391
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 370Seat Belt Reminder....................... 46
Seat Belts............................36,37
And Pregnant Women................... 47
Child Restraint.......................64,65
Extender............................. 47
Front Seat............................ 37
Inspection............................ 76
Pretensioners.......................... 45
Reminder............................ 184
Seats................................. 111
Adjustment.......................... 111
Heated.............................. 115
Lumbar Support....................... 113
Memory............................. 125
Reclining............................ 112
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............26,185
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 386
Selection of Oil......................... 343
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................... 10
432 INDEX