WARNING!(Continued)
If required, mounting posts must be
properly installed, if not equipped
from the factory.Failure to properly follow floor mat
installation or mounting can cause
interference with the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle.Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
TiresExamine tires for excessive tread wear
and uneven wear patterns. Check for
stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect
the tread for cuts and cracks. Inspect
sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for
proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation
of brake lights and exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check
turn signal and high beam indicator
lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching,
and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after over-
night parking for fuel, engine coolant,
oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gaso-
line fumes are detected or if fuel,
power steering fluid (2500/3500), or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
58
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure
label.
As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop
and check your tires as soon as pos-
sible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pres-
sure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumina-
tion of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly. The TPMS malfunc-
tion indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the tell-
tale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle start-
ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is il-
luminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for
the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warn-
ing have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is
not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire seal-
ant from a can or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
9. Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is part of an on-
board diagnostic system,
called OBD, that monitors engine and
automatic 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 con-
dition checked promptly.
159
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . .228 TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . .228
TIRE PRESSURES FOR HIGH SPEEDOPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
RADIAL PLY TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
COMPACT SPARE TIRE (for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .230
LIMITED-USE SPARE (for versions/markets, where provided) . . . . . .230
TIRE SPINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
LIFE OF TIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
REPLACEMENT TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) . . . . . . . . .232
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . .233
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . . .234 PREMIUM SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
TPMS DEACTIVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — GASOLINE ENGINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
3.6L ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
FUEL REQUIREMENTS — DIESEL ENGINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
ADDING FUEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241 EMERGENCY FUEL FILLER DOORRELEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
193
EXAMPLE:
Load Identification: "....blank...." = Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire
Extra Load (XL) = Extra load (or reinforced) tire
Light Load (LL) = Light load tire
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load— Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure— Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both
sides of the tire, however, the date
code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including the date code, located
on the white sidewall side of the tire.
Look for the TIN on the outboard side
of black sidewall tires as mounted onthe vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it
on the inboard side of the tire.EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
— This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety
standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
—03 means the 3rd week.
223
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
—01 means the year 2001
— Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which
the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
Tire Terminology And Definitions
Term Definition
B-Pillar The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the
front door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has
not been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) after
sitting for a three hour period. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI
(pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire infla-
tion pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the
sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on
the tire placard.
Tire Placard A paper label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s
loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold
tire inflation pressures.
224
Tire Loading And Tire
Pressure
Tire And Loading Information
Placard Location
NOTE: The proper cold tire in-
flation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear
edge of the driver's side door.Tire And Loading Information
Placard
This placard tells you important
information about the:
1) number of people that can be
carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can
carry
3) tire size designed for your ve-
hicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for
the front, rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying ca-
pacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire in-
flation pressures specified on the Tire
and Loading Information placard and
in the “Vehicle Loading” section of
this manual. NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded
vehicle condition, gross axle weight
ratings (GAWRs) for the front and
rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs,
vehicle loading, and trailer towing,
refer to “Vehicle Loading” in this
section.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never ex-
ceed XXX lbs or XXX kg” on the Tire
and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight (if applicable) should never
exceed the weight referenced here.
Tire Placard Location
225
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
TIRE PRESSURE
Proper tire inflation pressure is essen-
tial to the safe and satisfactory opera-
tion of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
SafetyWARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dan-gerous and can cause collisions.
Under-inflation increases tire
flexing and can result in over-
heating and tire failure.
Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock. Objects
on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire
failure.
Over-inflated or under-inflated
tires can affect vehicle handling
and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose
control of your vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other can
cause the vehicle to drift to the
right or left.
Always drive with each tire in- flated to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to de-
velop across the tire tread. These ab-
normal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for earlier
tire replacement. Under-inflation also
increases tire rolling resistance result-
ing in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle
Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation pro-
duces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride. TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The proper cold tire inflation pressure
is listed on the driver's side “B” Pillar
or rear edge of the driver's side door.
Some vehicles may have Supplemen-
tal Tire Pressure Information for ve-
hicle loads that are less than the maxi-
mum loaded vehicle condition. If
needed, these pressure conditions will
be found in the “Supplemental Tire
Pressure Information” section of this
manual.
The pressure should be checked and
adjusted as well as inspecting for signs
of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality
pocket-type gauge to check tire pres-
sure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation.
Radial tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-
inflated.
228
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the
tire pressure, always reinstall the
valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage
the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the
vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than
1.6 km after a three hour period. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if
subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approxi-
mately 0.07 BAR per 7°C of air tem-
perature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a
garage, especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature =
20°C and the outside temperature =
0°C then the cold tire inflation pres-
sure should be increased by
0.21 BAR, which equals 0.07 kPa for
every 7°C for this outside temperature
condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 0.13
to 0.4 BAR during operation. DO
NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be
too low.
TIRE PRESSURES FOR
HIGH SPEED OPERATION
The manufacturer advocates driving
at safe speeds within posted speed
limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, maintaining
correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure
and reduced vehicle loading may be
required for high-speed vehicle op-
eration. Refer to original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, load-
ing and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your ve-
hicle under maximum load is dan-
gerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You
could have a serious collision. Do
not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous
speeds above 120 km/h.
RADIAL PLY TIRESWARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with
other types of tires on your vehicle
will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause
a collision. Always use radial ply
tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are
repairable only in the tread area be-
cause of sidewall flexing. Consult
your authorized tire dealer for radial
tire repairs.
229