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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 sys-
tem. 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
removed or the tank is being filled.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and fed-
eral fire regulations and may cause the
malfunction indicator light to turn on.
•
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 indica-
tion that the cap is properly tightened.
•If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the MIL
will come on. Be sure the gas cap is tight-
ened every time the vehicle is refueled.
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.
Release Cable
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system de-
termines that the fuel filler cap is
loose, improperly installed, or dam-
aged, a loose gascap indicator will
display in the EVIC telltale display
area. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
SELECT button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and infor-
mation 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 require-
ments and recommendations in this manual con-
cerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing DefinitionsThe following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be
limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on
the trailer in its
"loaded and ready for operation "
condition. The recommended way to measure
GTW is to put your fully loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of
your vehicle and trailer when weighed in com-
bination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
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.
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WARNING!
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 an accident.
Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases it should
not be more than 5% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted hitch system may
reduce handling, stability and braking perfor-
mance and could result in an accident. Con-
sult with your hitch and trailer manufacturer
or a reputable trailer/caravan dealer for ad-
ditional information. Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multi-
plied by the maximum width of the front of a
trailer.
Breakaway Cable AttachmentEuropean braking regulations for braked trailers
up to 7,700 lbs (3 500 kg), require trailers to be
fitted with either a secondary coupling or break-
away cable.
The recommended location for attaching the
normal trailer’s breakaway cable is in the
stamped slot located on the sidewall of the hitch
receiver.
With Attachment Point
•
For detachable tow bar pass the cable through
the attachment point and clip it back onto itself
or attach the clip directly to the designated
point.
Detachable Ball Clip Loop Method
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•For fixed ball tow bar attach the clip directly
to the designated point. This alternative must
be specifically permitted by the trailer manu-
facturer since the clip may not be sufficiently
strong for use in the way. Without Attachment Points
•
For detachable ball tow bar, you must follow
the recommended manufacturer or supplier
procedure. •
For fixed ball tow bar, loop the cable around
the neck of the tow ball. If you fit the cable
like this, use a single loop only.
Fixed Ball Clip Loop MethodDetachable Ball Neck Loop Method
Fixed Ball Neck Loop Method
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionMax. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) —
with Trailer Brake Max. 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 considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight refer-
enced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Operating” 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.
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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
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.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•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 Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Fol-
low 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,
dynamic load shifts can occur that may be
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
difficult for the driver to control. You could
lose control of your vehicle and have a
collision.
• 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)
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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 . Towing Requirements – Tires
•
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting and Operating” for proper
tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and
Operating” for proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – Gen-
eral Information” in “Starting and Operating”
for proper tire replacement procedures. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying ca-
pacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake sys-
tem or vacuum system of your vehicle with
that of the trailer. This could cause inad-
equate braking and possible personal injury. •
An electronically-actuated trailer brake con-
troller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically-actuated brakes. When towing
a trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge-
actuated brake system, an electronic brake
controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lbs (454 kg), and required for
trailers in excess of 1,654 lbs (750 kg).
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake lines. It can overload
your brake system and cause it to fail. You
might not have brakes when you need
them and could have an accident.
•
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.
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Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And
Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the
trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the
trailer are required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package includes a 13 pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer
harness and connector.
NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to
the vehicle but you must mate the harness to a
trailer connector.
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
1 Left Turn Signal Black/ White
2 Rear Fog Light White
3
aGround/Common
Return for Contacts (Pins) 1 and 2 and 4to8 Brown
4 Right Turn Signal Black/ Green
Pin
Number Function Wire
Color
5
Right Rear Position, Side Marker Lights,and Rear Registra- tion Plate Illumina- tion Device.
b
Green/Red
6 Stop Lights Black/
Red
7 Left Rear Position, Side Marker Lights,and Rear Registra- tion Plate Illumina- tion Device.
b
Green/Black
8 Reverse lights Blue/ Red
9 Permanent Power Supply (+12V) Red
10 Power Supply Con- trolled by IgnitionSwitch (+12V) Yellow13–Pin Connector
284