
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 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:
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•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 a collision.
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age 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 corners.
(Continued)
600 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to avoid
frequent shifting when towing. However, if frequent
shifting does occur while in DRIVE, use the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) shift control to select a lower gear
range.
NOTE:Using a lower gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 605

NOTE:Shifts between DRIVE and REVERSE can only be
achieved at wheel speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h) or less.
Whenever the transmission remains in NEUTRAL for
more than two seconds, you must press the brake pedal
to engage DRIVE or REVERSE.
Use the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that
will maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels or racing the engine.
CAUTION!
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead
to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the
engine to idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL
for at least one minute after every five rocking-
motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and
reduce the risk of transmission failure during pro-
longed efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
NOTE:Press the “ESC Off” switch (if necessary), to place
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in “Partial
Off” mode, before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Elec-
tronic Brake Control” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information. Once the vehicle has been freed,
press the#ESC Off#switch again to restore “ESC On”
mode.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 645

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver
Information Display (DID). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information (EVIC) or#Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 657

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
686 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CavityBlade FuseCartridge FuseDescription
F25B20 Amp Yellow–Front Washer — If Equipped
with Stop/Start Engine Option
F26–30 Amp PinkFuel Heater - Diesel Only
F27––Not Used
F2815 Amp Blue–Transmission Control Module
(TCM)
F29––Not Used
F3010 Amp Red–Engine Control Module
(ECM)/(EPS)/(PCM)
F31––Not Used
F32––Not Used
F33––Not Used
F34––Not Used
F35––Not Used
F36––Not Used
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 709

Alarm
Arm The System........................19
Alarm, Panic.............................25
Alarm (Security Alarm)......................19
Alarm System (Security Alarm)................19
All Wheel Drive (AWD).....................494
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle...............8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..................688
Disposal..............................691
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................519
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................333
Appearance Care.........................698
Arming System (Security Alarm)...............19
Assist, Hill Start..........................523
Auto Down Power Windows..................45
Automatic Door Locks......................36
Automatic Headlights......................169
Automatic High Beams.....................170
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........426
Automatic Transaxle.......................481
Automatic Transmission....................484
Adding Fluid..........................696
Fluid and Filter Changes..................696
Fluid Change..........................696
Fluid Level Check.......................694
Fluid Type............................694
Special Additives.......................695
Torque Converter.......................493
Auto Unlock, Doors........................36
Auto Up Power Windows....................45
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)........302
Auxiliary Power Outlet.....................302
Axle Fluid..............................730
Axle Lubrication..........................730
Battery.................................669
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........26
Belts, Seat...............................11810
INDEX 749

Blind Spot Monitoring......................141
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................675
B-Pillar Location..........................547
Brake Assist System.......................522
Brake Control System, Electronic..............519
Brake Fluid.............................730
Brakes.................................518
Brake System............................518
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................519
Fluid Check...........................693
Master Cylinder........................693
Warning Light.........................331
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................483
Brightness, Interior Lights...................176
Bulb Replacement.........................721
Bulbs, Light.............................120
Camera, Rear............................286
Capacities, Fluid..........................727
Caps, Filler
Fuel.................................588
Oil (Engine)...........................655
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................690
Carbon Monoxide Warning..................117
Cargo Area Cover.........................318
Cargo Area Features.......................316
Cargo Compartment.......................316
Cargo Load Floor.........................316
Cargo Tie-Downs.........................316
Car Washes.............................699
Cellular Phone...........................425
Certification Label.........................591
Changing A Flat Tire.......................628
Chart, Tire Sizing.........................542
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .658
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety..............116
Checks, Safety............................116
Child Restraint............................92
750 INDEX