Page 336 of 522

period. If the driver does not apply the throttle before this
time expires, the system will release brake pressure and
the vehicle will roll down the hill as normal. The system
will release brake pressure in proportion to amount of
throttle applied.
The following conditions must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
•The vehicle must be stopped.
•The vehicle must be on a 7% or greater incline.
•The gear selection must match vehicle uphill direction
(i.e., vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).
•For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission,
the HSA will work in REVERSE gear and all forward
gears. The system will not activate if the transmission
is in PARK.
WARNING!
There may be situations where the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) will not activate and slight rolling may occur,
such as on minor hills (i.e., less than 7%), or with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer. HSA is not
a substitute for active driving involvement. It is
always the driver ’s responsibility to be attentive to
distance to other vehicles, people, and objects, and
most importantly brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
Towing with HSA
HSA will provide assistance during acceleration on an
incline while towing a trailer.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
Page 389 of 522
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/
Transmission Model Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L/Automatic 4x2 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.7L/Automatic 4x4 32 sq ft (2.97 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
it should never exceed the weight referenced on the “Tire
and Loading Information” placard. Refer to “Tire–Safety
Information” in this section.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 390 of 522
When Towing Trailers with Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) between 3,500 Lbs (1 588 kg) and 5,000 Lbs
(2 268 kg)
The following chart provides maximum trailer weight ratings towable for the following engine/transmission
combinations,ONLYif using a weight distributing hitch.
Engine/
Transmission Model Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.)Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow Package 4x2 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
3.7L/Automatic w/Trailer Tow package 4x4 64 sq ft (5.94 sq m) 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 500 lbs (227 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as
part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and
it should never exceed the weight referenced on the “Tire
and Loading Information” placard. Refer to “Tire–Safety
Information” in this section.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 389
Page 397 of 522

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, you will
want to activate the TOW/HAUL feature. Refer to “Au-
tomatic Transmission” in this section for additional in-
formation.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8
for the proper maintenance intervals.
TOW/HAUL
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the TOW HAUL button when driving in hilly
areas or shift the transmission to Drive position “2” on
more severe grades. Refer to “Automatic Transmission”
in this section for additional information.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
396 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 408 of 522
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or
other power tools is not recommended and they can
damage the winch.When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable, and pull it through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or slippery
areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Place the shift lever into PARK (automatic transmis-
sion) or REVERSE (manual transmission).
4. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
Lowering/Raising Spare Tire6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 407
Page 409 of 522

5. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.6. Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite of the jack-
ing position. For example, if changing
the right front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
when the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always park on a firm, level surface as far from
the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
•Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
•Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
•Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
•Only use the jack in the positions indicated and
for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.(Continued)
408 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 413 of 522

JUMP-STARTING
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission cannot
be started this way. Also, there is a greater risk of an
accident when a vehicle is being pushed or towed. If the
vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if
done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when-
ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the
ignition switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
•Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical
contact. You could be seriously injured.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution that can
cause serious burns; do not allow battery fluid to
contact eyes, skin or clothing. Wear safety glasses
and protect your eyes at all times. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area imme-
diately with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not lean over battery when
attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each
other.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source that has a greater than 12 Volt system, i.e.,
do not use a 24 Volt power source.
1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watchbands or bracelets that might make an unin-
tended electrical contact.
412 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 414 of 522

2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach, but without
allowing the vehicles to touch.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.
3. Set the parking brake, place the automatic transmis-
sion in PARK (or NEUTRAL for manual transmission),
and turn the ignition OFF for both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
5. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the positive
battery post. Connect the other end of the same cable to
the positive terminal of the booster battery. 6. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine ground of
the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you
have a good contact on the engine ground.WARNING!
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode and could result
in personal injury
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low the freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode and
cause personal injury. Battery temperature must be
brought above freezing point before attempting a
jump-start.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 413