Page 254 of 376

Front
AxleRear Axle
Empty Weight 2054 lbs
(932 kg)1805 lbs
(819 kg )
Load (Including driver, pass-
sengers and cargo)271 lbs
(123 kg)579 lbs
(263 kg)
Total 2325 lbs
(1055 kg)2384 lbs
(1081 kg)
GAWR 2546 lbs
(1155 kg)2708 lbs
(1228 kg)
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 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.
254 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 259 of 376

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 the 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:
•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
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5
Page 296 of 376

environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or
governmental agency for advice on how and where used
oil and oil filters can be safely discarded in your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacture’s engines have a full-flow type oil filter.
Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality of
replacement filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to assure most efficient service.
MoparEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil filter and
are recommended.
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 gen-
erator belt tension can cause battery failure.
Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the“Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion”label in the engine compartment.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 360 of 376

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 219
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 306
Adding Fuel.......................... 250
Adding Washer Fluid.................103,303
Additives, Fuel........................ 248
Adjustable Pedals....................... 93
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 300
Air Conditioning....................... 187
Air Conditioning Filter................196,301
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 197
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 301
Air Conditioning System................. 187
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 232
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment....................41,42
Airbag Light....................42,49,59,142
Airbag Maintenance...................... 44
Airbag, Side........................... 44
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)...........38,44
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............. 24
Alignment and Balance.................. 238
All Wheel Drive (AWD)...............239,313
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 180
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............306,331
Disposal............................ 308
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 219
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 147
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 314
Auto Down Power Windows............... 28
Auto Up Power Windows................. 28
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 65
Automatic Door Locks..................17,18
Automatic Headlights.................... 98
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 190
Automatic Transmission.........204,209,312,313
Adding Fluid.....................313,333
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 313
Fluid Change........................ 313
Fluid Level Check..................... 312
Fluid Type.......................... 333
Gear Ranges......................... 205
Torque Converter..................... 207
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 208
Autostick.......................... 211,216
360 INDEX