TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the rear
can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the 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 rear axle of the vehicle:
The 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 dealer-installed options
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard, located on the face of the driver's door or on
the driver's side “B” pillar, for the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle. TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
Do not tow a trailer at all during the
first 805 km the new vehicle is driven.The
engine, axle or other parts could be dam-
aged.
Then, during the first 805 km that a trailer is
towed, do not drive over 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 Maintenance
Schedule. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR ratings.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury
ac
cident . Follow these guidelines to
make your trailer towing as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel.When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver to control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident .
All trailer hitches should be professionally
installed on your vehicle.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or
damage to brakes, axle, engine, transmission,
steering, suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between
your vehicle and trailer. Always connect the
chains to the frame or hook retainers of the
vehicle hitch. Cross the chains under the trailer
tongue and allow enough slack for turning cor-
ners.
(Continued)(Continued)
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on
a grade. When parking, apply the parking brake
on the tow vehicle. Always, block or "chock" the
trailer wheels.
GCWR must not be exceeded.
Total weight must be distributed between the
tow vehicle and the trailer such that the following
four ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti- lized.
Towing Requirements – Tires
– Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact spare tire.
– Proper tire inflation pressures are essential for the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer
to “Tires – General Information” in “Technical Speci-
fications” for proper tire inflation procedures.
– Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres- sures before trailer usage.
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TOWING TIPS
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission (for versions/markets,
where provided)
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid clutch slippage.
Automatic Transmission (for versions/
markets,where provided)
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, use
the AutoStick
®shift control to select a lower gear.
NOTE: Using a lower gear while operating the ve-
hicle under heavy loading conditions will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the
transmission fluid and automatic transmission filter as
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer
towing.” Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals. NOTE:
Check the transmission fluid level (four-
speed transmission only) before towing. The six-speed
transmission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or trans-
mission malfunction, see your authorized dealer imme-
diately for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control (for versions/
markets, where provided)
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed drops greater than 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.
AutoStick
®(for versions/markets, where
provided)
– 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.
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– Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided toprevent excess heat generation. A reduction in ve-
hicle 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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING POINTS
Your vehicle will require extra equipment to tow a
trailer safely and efficiently. The trailer tow hitch must
be attached to your vehicle using the provided attach-
ing points on the vehicle's frame. Refer to the following
chart to determine the accurate attaching points.
Other equipment, such as trailer sway controls and
braking equipment, trailer equalizing (leveling) equip- ment and low profile mirrors, may also be required or
strongly recommended.
(fig. 147)
Trailer Tow Hitch Attaching Points And Overhang
Dimensions
A N/A
B 366.71 mm
C 501.62 mm
D 628.69 mm
E (maximum overhang) 1051.93 mm
F 472.00 mm(fig. 147)
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DESCRIPTIONS
1. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight sec-
onds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is
either not on during starting, stays on, or
turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occu-
pant Restraints” in “Safety” for further information.
2. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the
ON/RUN position, before engine start. If the bulb does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the MIL
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and
will not require towing.
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause damage to the engine control sys-
tem. It also could affect fuel economy
and drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe cata-
lytic converter damage and power loss will soon
occur. Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
ref
erenced above, can reach higher tem-
peratures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park
over flammable substances such as dry plants,
wood, cardboard, etc .This could result in death or
serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light (for versions/markets,
where provided) The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON/RUN position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after several ignition
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IN AN EMERGENCY
JUMP-STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be
jump-started using a set of jumper cables and a battery
in another vehicle or by using a portable battery
booster pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done
improperly so please follow the procedures in this
section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and
precautions.
Do not use a portable battery booster
pack or any other booster source with a
system voltage greater than 12 Volts or
damage to the battery, starter motor, alternator
or electrical system may occur.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the bat-
ter
y is frozen. It could rupture or explode
and cause personal injury. PREPARATIONS FOR JUMP-START
The battery in your vehicle is located between the left
front headlight assembly and the left front wheel splash
shield. To allow jump-starting, there are remote bat-
tery posts located on the left side of the engine com-
partment.
(fig. 149)
(fig. 149)
Remote Battery Posts1 — Remote Positive (+) Post (Covered With Protective
Cap)
2 — Remote Negative (-) Post
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4. Connect the opposite end of the negative(-)
jumper cable to the remote negative (-)post of the
vehicle with the discharged battery.
WARNING!
Do not connect the cable to the negative
pos
t(-) of the discharged battery. The
resulting electrical spark could cause the battery
to explode and could result in personal injury.
5. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, and then
start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged
battery.
Once the engine is started, remove the jumper
cables in the reverse sequence:
6. Disconnect the negative (-)jumper cable from the
remote negative (-)post of the vehicle with the
discharged battery.
7. Disconnect the negative end (-)of the jumper cable
from the negative (-)post of the booster battery.
8. Disconnect the opposite end of the positive (+)
jumper cable from the positive (+)post of the
booster battery. 9. Disconnect the positive
(+)end of the jumper cable
from the remote positive (+)post of the discharged
vehicle.
10. Reinstall the protective cover over the remote positive (+)battery post of the discharged vehicle.
If frequent jump-starting is required to start your
vehicle, you should have the battery and charging
system inspected at your authorized dealer.
Accessories that can be plugged into the
vehicle power outlets draw power from
the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc .). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent the engine from starting.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
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 the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.
The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never put any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift .
Never start or run the engine while the vehicle
is on a jack.
The jack is designed to be used as a tool for
changing tires only.The jack should not be used to
lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle
should be jacked on a firm level surface only.
Avoid ice or slippery areas.
Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed underneath a
cover in the rear storage bin in the cargo area. (fig. 150)Spare Tire Location
The spare tire is stowed underneath the rear of the
vehicle and is held in place by means of a cable winch
mechanism.
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.
(fig. 150) Jack Storage Location
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