Page 393 of 517

NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive 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 as specified for “police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the transmission fluid level (four-speed
transmission only) before towing. The six-speed trans-
mission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or transmis-
sion malfunction, see your authorized dealer immedi-
ately for assistance.AutoStick® – If Equipped
– When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or
“2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
– Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear or vehicle speed
when grade and road conditions allow.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 391
Page 394 of 517
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF the Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
392 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 395 of 517
Recreational Towing – All Models
Recreational towing is allowedONLYif the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a
tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmis- sion in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the
drivetrain will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered un-
der the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 393
Page 399 of 517

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
•
You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Oil Overheating (2.4L Engine Only) —
If Equipped
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on a hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) until the engine oil
temperature is reduced.
NOTE:The vehicle speed is reduced to a maximum of
53 mph (85 km/h). You may of course, reduce your
vehicle speed further if needed.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 397
Page 463 of 517
Cav-ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
1 40 Amp Green — Power Top Module –
If Equipped
2 — 20 Amp YellowBrake Vacuum Pump
3 — 10 Amp RedCenter High Mounted
Stop Light (CHMSL)/
Brake Switch
4 — 10 Amp RedIgnition Switch
5 — 20 Amp YellowTrailer Tow – If
Equipped
6 — 10 Amp RedPower Mirror Switch/
Climate Controls
7 — 30 Amp GreenIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) Sense 1Cav-
ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
8 — 30 Amp GreenIgnition Off Draw
(IOD) Sense 2
9 40 Amp Green Battery Feed – Power
Seats – If Equipped
10 — 20 Amp YellowInstrument Panel/
Power Locks/
Interior Lights
11 — 15 Amp Lt BlueSelectable Power
Outlet (Inside Center
Arm Rest)
12 — 20 Amp Yellow—
13 — 20 Amp YellowIgnition/Cigar Lighter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 461
Page 478 of 517

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,
whichever comes first.
8
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S476 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 482 of 517
Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter if using your
vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing. X
Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter. X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if
necessary. X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.8
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S480 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Page 505 of 517

Hazard Warning Flasher....................396
Headlights ............................. .466
Bulb Replacement ...................... .466
Cleaning ............................ .456
High Beam ........................... .168
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch .........168
On With Wipers ....................... .176
Passing ............................. .168
Replacing ............................ .466
Switch .............................. .166
Head Restraints ......................... .157
Heated Mirrors ...........................110
Heated Seats ............................ .152
Heater ................................ .276
Heater, Engine Block ...................... .300
Hitches Trailer Towing ........................ .384Hood Prop
............................. .164
Hood Release ........................... .163
Ignition .................................12
Key..................................12
Ignition Key Removal .......................12
Illuminated Entry ..........................21
Immobilizer (Sentry Key) ....................15
Infant Restraint ...........................75
Information Center, Vehicle ..................226
Inside Rearview Mirror .....................107
Instrument Cluster ....................... .209
Instrument Panel and Controls ................208
Instrument Panel Cover .....................457
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............459
Integrated Power Module (Fuses) ..............460
Interior Appearance Care ....................457
10
INDEX 503