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engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the swing gate closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FUEL FILLER CAP (GAS CAP)
The fuel cap is located on the left side of the vehicle. If the
fuel cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap
is for use with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Cap Location
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CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel cap
(gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities
into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting after-
market cap can cause the MIL (Malfunction Indica-
tor Light) to illuminate, due to fuel vapors escaping
from the system.
•Turn the engine off.
•Rotate the fuel cap to the left to remove.
•To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear two
clicks. This is an indication that the cap is properly
tightened.
•Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught
under the fuel cap.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE: When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
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WARNING!
•Remove the fuel cap (gas cap) slowly to prevent
fuel spray from the filler neck which may cause
injury.
•The volatility of some gasoline may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) — If Equipped
•
Turn the engine off.
•Insert the ignition key into the fuel cap, and turn the
key to the right to unlock the fuel cap. Rotate the fuel
cap to the left to remove.
•To replace the cap, insert it into the filler neck and
tighten the cap about 1/4 turn until you hear two
clicks. This is an indication that the cap is properly
tightened.
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•Make sure that the fuel cap tether strap is not caught
under the fuel cap.
•Be sure to remove the key.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE: When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
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.
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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 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a
driver).
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!
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10% or
more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider this
as part of the load on your vehicle.
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Frontal Area
The maximum height and maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they’re commonly used to tow small- and medium-sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch includes a receiver attached
to the tow vehicle, plus a removable hitch head and
spring bar assembly that fits into the receiver opening
and hook up brackets that connect the spring bars to the
trailer frame.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The rear bumper is intended to tow trailers up to 2,000
lbs (907 kg) without added equipment or alterations to
the standard equipment. Your vehicle may be factory
equipped for safe towing of trailers weighing over 2,000
lbs (907 kg) with the optional Trailer Tow Prep Package.
See your dealer for package content.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
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Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification
Class Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.)
Clas s I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
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Engine/
Transmis- sion Model GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Wt. Rat-ing) GCWR (Gross
Combined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross TrailerWt.) Max. Tongue
Wt. (See Note 1)
2.4L/
Manual 4,350 lbs (1 973
kg) 5,350 lbs (2 427
kg) 25 Sq. Ft.
(2.32 square meters) 1,000 lbs (453
kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
4.0L/All 4,250 lbs (1 928 kg) 6,250 lbs (2 835
kg) 25 Sq. Ft.
(2.32 square meters) 2,000 lbs (907
kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
4.0L/
Automatic Unlim-
ited 4,600 lbs (2 086
kg) 8,100 lbs (3 674
kg) 32 Sq. Ft.
(2.97 square meters) 3,500 lbs (1 587
kg) 350 lbs (159
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.
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 sway severelyside to side
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