•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
off the message. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further infor-
mation.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label”. This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.
Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the drivers side B-Pillar or the rear of the driver ’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
• Month and year of manufacture
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
494 STARTING AND OPERATING
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Type of Vehicle
• Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
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.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, 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 a collision.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 495
Common Towing Definitions
The 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 equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded 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 combination.
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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 497
WARNING!(Continued)
•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 to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” 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 the
proper inspection procedure.
– When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor- mation” in “Starting and Operating” for information
on replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 505
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller 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
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydrau-
lic 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 a collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. 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 a collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
506 STARTING AND OPERATING
Oil Change Indicator.......................305
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................305
Oil, Engine ............................. .551
Capacity ............................ .602
Change Interval ........................320
Checking ............................ .551
Dipstick ............................. .551
Disposal ............................. .554
Filter ............................... .554
Filter Disposal ........................ .554
Identification Logo ..................... .552
Materials Added to ..................... .554
Recommendation .......................552
Synthetic ............................ .554
Viscosity ............................ .553
Oil Filter, Selection ........................554
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................547
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ............256Operating Precautions
..................... .547
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...................120
Overhead Console ........................ .253
Overheating, Engine .......................310
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............4
Paint Care ............................. .580
Panic Alarm ..............................24
Parking Brake ............................434
ParkSense System, Rear .....................243
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) ......219
Passing Light ............................230
Pets .................................. .106
Pets, Transporting ........................ .106
Phone (Pairing) .......................... .155
Phone (Uconnect®) ........................124
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ..........456
10
INDEX 639
Synthetic Engine Oil.......................554
System, Remote Starting .....................27
Tachometer ............................. .302
Taillights ...............................598
Telescoping Steering Column .................236
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant ............310
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ....................286
Tilt Steering Column .......................236
Time Delay, Headlight ..................... .227
Tire and Loading Information Placard ...........456
Tire Markings ............................450
Tires...................................111 Aging (Life of Tires) .....................469
Air Pressure .......................... .460
Chains ...............................471
Changing ............................ .518
Compact Spare ........................ .466
General Information .....................460 High Speed
.......................... .463
Inflation Pressures .......................462
Jacking ...............................518
Life of Tires .......................... .469
Load Capacity ........................ .456
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............474
Pressure Warning Light ...................305
Quality Grading ........................623
Radial ...............................463
Replacement .......................... .469
Rotation ............................. .473
Safety ...............................450
Sizes ............................... .451
Snow Tires ............................465
Spare Tire ............................ .520
Spinning ............................ .468
Trailer Towing ........................ .505
T r
ead Wear Indicators ....................468
Tire Safety Information .....................450
644 INDEX