Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
Autostick® shift control to manually select a lower gear.
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
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing”. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Check the four-speed automatic transmission
fluid level before towing. The six-speed transmission
does not require a fluid level check before towing. If,
however, you notice fluid leakage or transmission mal-
function, see your authorized dealer immediately for
assistance.
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 505
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, power steering or air conditioning.
Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed because of
component malfunction, use only the specified
fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking engine oil level when
the engine is cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding
1.0 qt (1.0 l) of oil when the reading is at the low end of
the range marking will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
(Continued)
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 547
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Four-Speed Automatic
Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60
seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt
from entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. You can also read the transmission fluid
temperature using the Vehicle Information display in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
the instrument cluster. Refer to#Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)#in#Understanding Your
Instrument Panel#for further information. Hot fluid is
approximately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal op-
erating temperature after the vehicle is driven at least
15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfortably
between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a temperature
of approximately 80°F (27°C).
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 571
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated.
Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid
if the actual level is at or above the hole.
•If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the up-
per two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick
tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After
adding any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait
at least two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the
transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 80°F (27°C). If the fluid
level is correctly established at 80°F (27°C), it should be
between the HOT (upper) reference holes when the
transmission reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to
check the level at the normal operating temperature.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
572 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque con-
verter shudder, and will require more frequent
fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid
specifications.
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause seri-
ous damage. To prevent dirt and water from enter-
ing the transmission after checking or replenishing
fluid, make sure that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using a special service dipstick. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
your authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with
an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 573
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
•Check windshield washer fluid level.
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns
on.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission
(4-speed only) and fill as needed.
•Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
•Rotate the tires.Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
•Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
•Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
•Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 605
Disposal..............................565
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................434
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................304
Appearance Care.........................575
Arming System (Security Alarm)...............17
Assist, Hill Start..........................443
Auto Down Power Windows..................40
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................116
Automatic Door Locks......................31
Automatic Headlights......................223
Automatic Oil Change Indicator...............315
Automatic Transmission....................413
Adding Fluid..........................571
Fluid and Filter Changes..................573
Fluid Level Check.......................571
Fluid Type............................601
Gear Ranges...........................417
Special Additives.......................570
Autostick...............................424
Auto Unlock, Doors........................31
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)........266
Auxiliary Power Outlet.....................266
Back-Up Lights...........................593
Battery.................................551
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........23
Location..............................551
Belts, Seat...............................105
Bluetooth®
Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or Audio
Device After Pairing.....................155
Connect Or Disconnect Link Between the Uconnect®
Phone And Mobile Phone.................140
Pair (Link) Uconnect® Phone To A Mobile
Phone...............................125
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................555
B-Pillar Location..........................452
Brake Assist System.......................43710
INDEX 623
Brake Control System, Electronic..............434
Brake Fluid.............................601
Brake, Parking...........................431
Brakes.................................433
Brake System............................433
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................434
Fluid Check...........................568
Master Cylinder........................568
Parking..............................431
Warning Light.........................303
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................415
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........102
Brightness, Interior Lights...................228
Bulb Replacement.........................589
Bulbs, Light.............................107
Camera, Rear............................248
Capacities, Fluid..........................597
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................489
Oil (Engine)...........................541
Power Steering.........................430
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................565
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................104
Cargo Area Cover.........................284
Cargo Area Features.......................280
Cargo Compartment.......................280
Light................................280
Luggage Carrier........................289
Cargo Load Floor.........................282
Cargo Management System..................282
Rollaway Tonneau Cover..................284
Tri-Fold Load Floor......................282
Cargo Tie-Downs.........................283
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)....................282
Car Washes.............................576
CellularPhone...........................372
624 INDEX