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
WARNING!(Continued)
• 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 tight-
ened.
• 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 refu-
eled.
Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release
If you are unable to open the fuel filler door, use
the fuel filler door emergency release.
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Push down on the inboard edge of the left
storage bin, this will pop up the outboard edge. 3. Grab popped up outboard edge with other
hand to disengage snaps.
4. Remove the storage bin.
5. Pull the release cable.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system
determines that the fuel filler cap is
loose, improperly installed, or
damaged, a loose gascap indica-
tor will display in the EVIC telltale
display area. Refer to “Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Under- standing Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly
and press the SELECT button to turn off the
message. If the problem continues, the mes-
sage will appear the next time the vehicle is
started.
TRAILER TOWINGIn this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you
can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before
towing a trailer, carefully review this information
to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the re-
quirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer
towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information.
Release Cable
266
