Page 338 of 471

Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the rear of the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the 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 a collision.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 339 of 471

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 ensure 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.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
NOTE:Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWRs.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
Page 457 of 471

Speedometer........................ 178
Tachometer ......................... 178
Gear Ranges ........................... 270
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 359
General Information ...............18,27,123,328
General Maintenance ..................... 370
Glass Cleaning .......................... 398
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 336
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ................ 336
GVWR ............................... 336
Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™) .............. 93
Hazard Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 281
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 342
Head Restraints ......................... 134
Headlight Washers ....................... 380 Headlights
............................ 408
Automatic ......................... 140
Bulb Replacement .................... 408
Cleaning ........................... 398
Delay ............................. 141
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 143
Lights On Reminder .................. 142
On With Wipers ................... 141,148
Passing ............................ 144
Switch ............................ 140
Time Delay ......................... 141
Washers ........................... 380
Heated Mirrors .......................... 91
Heated Seats ........................... 131
Heater ............................... 242
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 263
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch . . 143
Hill Start Assist ......................... 293
Holder, Cup ........................... 169
10
INDEX 455