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Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm). When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the tire should be
replaced. Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this section for
further information.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•
Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures
can cause uneven wear patterns to develop across the
tire tread. These abnormal wear patterns will reduce
tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replace-
ment.
• Distance driven.
Tire Tread
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 472 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible
and inflate all of the tires with a low pressure condition
(those shown in a different color in the DID graphic) to
the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure infla-
tion value. Once the system receives the updated tire
pressures, the system will automatically update, the
graphic display in the DID will return the pressure values
shown to their original color, and the “TPM Telltale
Light” will turn off. The vehicle may need to be driven
for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for
the TPMS to receive this information.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may
need to be increased up to an additional 4 psi (30 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in order
to turn the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light off.
Service TPMS Warning
If a system fault is detected, the “TPM Telltale Light” will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.
The system fault will also sound a chime. In addition, the DID will display a
SERVICE TPM SYSTEM message for
a minimum of five seconds and then display dashes (- -)
in place of the pressure value to indicate which sensor is
not being received.
If the ignition switch is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault no
longer exists, the “TPM Telltale Light” will no longer flash,
and the SERVICE TPM SYSTEM message will no longer
display, and a pressure value will display in place of the
dashes. A system fault can occur due to any of the following:
1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as
the TPM sensors.
2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains materials that may block radio wave signals.
3. Accumulation of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
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4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
Vehicles With Compact Spare
1. The compact spare tire does not have a TPM sensor.Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the pressure in
the compact spare tire.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warn-
ing limit, upon the next ignition switch cycle, the
“TPM Telltale Light” will remain ON and a chime will
sound. In addition, the graphic in the DID will still
display the low pressure values in a different color.
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h), the “TPM Telltale Light” will flash
on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. In
addition, the DID will display a SERVICE TPMSYSTEM
message for a minimum of five seconds and
then display dashes (- -) in place of the pressure value.
4. For each subsequent ignition switch cycle, a chime will sound, the “TPM Telltale Light” will flash on and off
for 75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the DID
will display a SERVICE TPM SYSTEM message for a
minimum of five seconds and then display dashes (- -)
in place of the pressure value.
5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
“TPM Telltale Light” will turn OFF and the graphic in
the DID will display a new pressure value instead of
dashes (- -), as long as no tire pressure is below the
low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active
road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
10 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.
482 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consid-
ering service for the vehicle.
5.7L Engine — If Equipped
This engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high-quality unleaded gasoline having
an octane range of 87 to 89 as specified by
the (R+M)/2 method. The use of 89 octane “Plus” gaso-
line is recommended for optimum performance and fuel
economy.
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of
87, hearing a light knocking sound from the engine is not
a cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer imme-
diately. Use of gasoline with an octane number lower
than 87 can cause engine failure and may void or not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before consid-
ering service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The use of reformulated gasoline is recommended. Prop-
erly blended reformulated gasoline will provide im-
proved performance and durability of engine and fuel
system components.
484 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by Federal
law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine per-
formance and damage the emissions control sys-
tem.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate ser-
vice. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended.
Most of these products contain high concentrations
of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle perfor-
mance problems resulting from the use of such
fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the
manufacturer and may void or not be covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions control
system can result in civil penalties being assessed against
you.
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Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/liter
than gasoline, an increase in fuel consumption will be
experienced. The miles per gallon (mpg)/kilometers per
liter and the driving range will decrease by approxi-
mately 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
All fuel and engine components in your Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV) are designed to be compatible with ethanol.
Ethanol compatible service components are required.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
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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.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
496 STARTING AND OPERATING
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...........513
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............513
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... .514
▫ Torque Specifications ...................514
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ..........516
▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage .........516
▫ Preparations For Jacking ................518
▫ Jacking And Changing A Tire .............519
▫ Road Tire Installation ..................524
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED .........525
▫ Description ........................ .525
▫ Tire Service Kit Storage .................525
▫ Tire Service Kit Components And
Operation ......................... .526
▫ Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .........527
▫ Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit ........529
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ...........535
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............536
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................537
6