Materials Added to Fuel
Besides using unleaded gasoline with the
proper octane rating, gasolines that contain
detergents, corrosion and stability additives
are recommended. Using gasolines that have
these additives will help improve fuel economy,
reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle perfor-
mance.
Indiscriminate use of fuel system cleaning
agents should be avoided. Many of these ma-
terials intended for gum and varnish removal
may contain active solvents or similar ingredi-
ents. These can harm fuel system gasket and
diaphragm materials.
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is
deadly. Follow the precautions below to pre-
vent carbon monoxide poisoning:(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless
gas which can kill. Never run the engine in
a closed area, such as a garage, and never
sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running for an extended period. If the ve-
hicle is stopped in an open area with the
engine running for more than a short pe-
riod, adjust the ventilation system to force
fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
• Guard against carbon monoxide with
proper maintenance. Have the exhaust
system inspected every time the vehicle is
raised. Have any abnormal conditions re-
paired promptly. Until repaired, drive with
all side windows fully open.
• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your
vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and
other poisonous exhaust gases from enter-
ing the vehicle.FUEL REQUIREMENTS — DIESEL
ENGINE
Use good quality diesel fuel from a reputable
supplier. For most year-round service, No. 2
diesel fuel, meeting ASTM specification D-975
Grade S15, will provide good performance. If
the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below
20° F or -7° C), or is required to operate at
colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged
periods, use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or
dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1
diesel fuel. This will provide better protection
from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel
filters. This vehicle must only use premium
diesel fuel that meets the requirements of
EN 590. Biodiesel blends that meet EN 590
may also be used.
CAUTION!
The manufacturer requires that you must fuel
this vehicle with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway
Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur maximum) and
prohibits the use of Low Sulfur Highway Die-
sel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid
damage to the emissions control system.
264
WARNING!
Do not use alcohol or gasoline as a fuel-
blending agent. They can be unstable under
certain conditions and hazardous or explosive
when mixed with diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel is seldom completely free of water.
To prevent fuel system trouble, drain the accu-
mulated water from the fuel/water separator
using the provided fuel/water separator drain. If
you buy good quality fuel and follow the cold
weather advice above, fuel conditioners should
not be required in your vehicle. If available in
your area, a high cetane “premium” diesel fuel
may offer improved cold-starting and warm-up
performance.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the locking 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.
1. Press the fuel filler door release switch (lo-
cated under the headlamp switch). 2. Open the fuel filler door, and remove the fuel
filler cap.
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 impurities into the fuel system.
Also, a poorly fitting aftermarket cap can
cause the “Malfunction Indicator 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.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the gas cap is re-
moved or the tank is being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the mal-
function indicator light to turn on.
(Continued)
Fuel Filler Door Release Switch
Fuel Filler Cap
265
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transmission Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) — withTrailer BrakeMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
without Trailer Brake Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L Gasoline 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)249 lbs (113 kg)
5.7L Gasoline 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
3.0L Diesel 7,716 lbs (3 500 kg) 1,653 lbs (750 kg)386 lbs (175 kg)
Maximum trailer towing speed is limited to 62 mph (100 km/h) unless local laws require a lower speed.
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be consid-
ered as part of the combined weight of
occupants and cargo, and should never ex-
ceed the weight referenced on the Tire and
Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires
– General Information” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for further information.
Trailer And Tongue WeightAlways load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. Loads balanced over the
wheels, or heavier in the rear, can cause the
trailer to sway severelyside-to-side which will
cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the
cause of many trailer accidents. Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on your
trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
•
The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
• The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also,
additional factory-installed options, or au-
thorized dealer-installed options, must be
considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the tire loading information
placard located on the drivers door pillar for
270
the maximum combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing RequirementsTo promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended.
CAUTION!
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km)
that a trailer is towed, do not drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at
full throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance inter-
vals. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR or GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury acci-
dent. Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
•
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dy-
namic load shifts can occur that may be
difficult for the driver to control. You could lose
control of your vehicle and have an accident.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over-
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
performance or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspen-
sion, chassis structure or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always con-
nect the chains to the hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the park-
ing brake on the tow vehicle. Put the tow
vehicle transmission in PARK. For four-
wheel drive vehicles, make sure the trans-
fer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block
or chock the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer
such that the following four ratings are
not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Trailer tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
271
Towing TipsBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning,
stopping and backing the trailer in an area
away from heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when tow-
ing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in
this range, the TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped),
or a lower gear range, should be selected.
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode (if equipped) or se-
lecting a lower gear range (using the Elec-tronic Range Select (ERS) shift control)
while operating the vehicle under heavy op-
erating conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
This action will also provide better engine
braking.
The transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level before
towing (5.7L engine).
To avoid transmission overheating, when
towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds (20 mph (32 km/h) or below),
holding your vehicle in first gear (using the
ERS shift control) is recommended (5.7L
Models Only).
274