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The Certi cation label also shows the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Never
exceed the GVWR or the GAWR for either
the front or rear axle.
{CAUTION:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on the vehicle can break, and it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of the vehicle.
Notice
:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.If you put things inside your vehicle, like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else, they will go as
fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
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Dolly Towing (Rear-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
Your rear-wheel-drive vehicle can be towed using a
dolly. To tow your vehicle using a dolly:
1. Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the dolly.3. Put the vehicle in P (Park) for an automatic
transmission or in 1 (First) for a manual transmission.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Set the parking brake and remove the key.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain
components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle if
any of its wheels will be on the ground.
If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it can only be
towed with all four wheels on a trailer.
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If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you will be driving. A good source
for this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer/retailer about sway controls.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This
helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to
save wear on your vehicle’s parts.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer.
The weight of the trailer tongue.
The total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a
trailer are all important. It can also depend on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle, and the amount
of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the
Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted form the maximum trailer weight.
You can ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance
Offices on page 7-6for more information.
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Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required for your trailer
lighting system can be accessed at the driver’s side rear
lamp connector. This connector is located under the
carpet on the rear corner of the trunk compartment.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical
connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you are towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle
is a good deal longer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.
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Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains eythylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
There are two engine hot messages that may be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for
more information.
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3. Attach the air only hose (G) onto the valve stem to
secure into place.
4. Plug the air compressor accessory plug (E) into an
accessory power outlet in the vehicle. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22for more information.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine in a closed-in place or with
the climate control system off can cause
deadly carbon monoxide (CO). SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-48.
5. Start the vehicle. SeeStarting the Engine on
page 2-35for more information. The vehicle must
be running while using the air compressor.
{CAUTION:
Overin ation could cause the tire to rupture,
and you or others could be injured. Be sure to
read the in ator instructions, and in ate the
tire to its recommended pressure. Do not
exceed 36 psi (248 kPa).
6. Turn the selector switch (A) clockwise to the air
only position.
7. Push the On/Off button (B).
8. In ate the tire up to the recommended in ation
pressure using the air pressure gage (C) on the
top of the unit.
The pressure gage read high while the compressor
is running. Turn the compressor off to get an
accurate reading.
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Using the Air Compressor without
Sealant to In ate an Underin ated Tire
(Not Punctured)
To use the air compressor to in ate a tire with air only
and not sealant:
1. Unlock the air only (F) from the sealant canister (B)
by pulling up on the lever.
2. Pull the air only hose (F) from the sealant
canister (B).3. Remove the tire valve stem cap by turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Push the air only hose (F) onto the tire valve stem
and push the lever down to secure in place.
5. Remove the air compressor accessory plug (C)
from the unit.
6. Plug the air compressor accessory plug (C) into an
accessory power outlet in the vehicle. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22for more information.
Do not slam the door or close the window on the
compressor accessory plug cord.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine in a closed-in place or with
the climate control system off can cause
deadly carbon monoxide (CO). SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-48.
7. Start the vehicle. SeeStarting the Engine on
page 2-35for more information. The vehicle must
be running while using the air compressor.
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Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals speci ed to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-28.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire In ation Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
in ated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-66. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-102.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
noti cation. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-74.
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