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the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
6. Airbag Warning Light This light turns on and remains on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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▫General Information .................. 314
Fuel Requirements ..................... 315
▫ 3.7 Engine ......................... 315
▫ 5.7L Engine ........................ 315
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 316
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 316
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 316
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 317
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 318
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 318
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 319
Adding Fuel ......................... 320
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 320 ▫
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 321
Vehicle Loading ...................... 322
▫ Certification Label ................... 322
Trailer Towing ........................ 324
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 324
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 328
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 330
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 331
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 332
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 337
Snow Plow .......................... 338
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 338
238 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Tire Terminology and Definitions
TermDefinition
Accessory Weight This means the combined weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Air Pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square
inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that
hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles
less 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving.
Curb Weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equip-
ment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
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CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have
been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor dam-
age. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING
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ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or
damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use with this
vehicle.
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 impu-
rities into the fuel system. Also, a poorly fitting
aftermarket cap can cause the “Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL)” to illuminate, due to fuel vapors
escaping from the system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the MIL to turn
on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
320 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the malfunction indicator
light to turn on.
•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.
NOTE:
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap about one-quarter turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that the cap is
properly tightened.
•If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound is
heard. This is an indication that the fuel filler cap is
properly tightened. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic Sys-
tem” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
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components, sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability, does not necessarily increase the ve-
hicle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be equal to the load
capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargoloaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded, but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear, or rear to front, as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met. Store the
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment – 3.7L .............. 363
Engine Compartment – 5.7L .............. 364
Onboard Diagnostic System – OBD II ....... 365
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 365
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 366
Replacement Parts ..................... 368
Dealer Service ........................ 368
Maintenance Procedures ................. 368
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 369 ▫
Engine Oil Filter ..................... 372
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 372
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 373
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 374
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 375
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 376
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 376
▫ Exhaust System ..................... 377
▫ Cooling System ..................... 380
7