Page 261 of 380

²Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
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 the
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.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING 
         
        
        
     
        
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NOTE:Refer to the ªVehicle Certification Labelº at-
tached to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWRs. This table is only an example.
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
review 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
9loaded and ready for operation9condition. 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.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING 
         
        
        
     
        
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þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
ªTires±General Informationº in this section for infor-
mation on tire pressures and 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 ªTires±General Infor-
mationº in this section for information on tread wear
indicators and for the proper inspection procedure.
þWhen replacing tires, refer to ªTires±General Informa-
tionº in this section for information on replacement
tires and for the proper tire replacement procedures.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capacity
will not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
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5 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 367 of 380

Rollaway Tonneau Cover............... 121
Tri-Fold Load Floor.................... 119
Waterproof Liner..................... 123
Cargo Tie-Downs....................... 125
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 185
Catalytic Converter..................... 299
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............155,162
Cellular Phone.......................... 67
Chains, Tire........................... 243
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 230
Check Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator Light)........................ 293
Child Restraint...................48,50,53,54
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........51,53
Child Safety Locks....................... 23
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 254
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 317
Climate Control........................ 186
Clock..........................157,163,174
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 186
Compass............................. 147
Compass Calibration.................... 147Compass Variance...................... 148
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 145
Console.............................. 118
Console, Floor......................... 118
Console, Overhead...................... 106
Contract, Service....................... 358
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 309
Cooling System........................ 307
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 309
Coolant Capacity..................... 331
Coolant Level.....................307,310
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 310
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 308
Inspection........................... 310
Points to Remember................... 310
Pressure Cap........................ 309
Radiator Cap........................ 309
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....308,331,332
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 103
Cruise Light........................... 135
Cup Holder........................ 117,319
Customer Assistance.................... 356
366 INDEX 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 377 of 380

Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls........................ 183
Storage............................ 118,326
Storage, Vehicle.....................195,326
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 326
Sun Roof............................. 112
Sunglasses Storage...................... 106
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 39
System, Navigation..................... 173
Tachometer........................... 135
Telescoping Steering Column.............. 101
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)....... 189
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......136,277
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............. 51
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 15
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 15
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo.................. 125
Tilt Steering Column.................... 101
Tire and Loading Information Placard....... 233
Tire Identification Number (TIN)........... 232
Tire Markings......................... 228
Tire Safety Information................... 228TIREFIT.............................. 277
Tires ...........................59,237,360
Aging (Life of Tires)................... 241
Air Pressure......................... 237
Alignment.......................... 243
Chains............................. 243
General Information................... 237
High Speed......................... 239
Inflation Pressures.................... 238
Life of Tires......................... 241
Load Capacity....................233,234
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)......... 246
Quality Grading...................... 360
Radial............................. 240
Replacement......................... 242
Rotation............................ 245
Safety...........................228,237
Sizes............................... 230
Snow Tires.......................... 244
Spinning............................ 240
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 241
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight............. 266
Towing.............................. 262
376 INDEX