
Follow the steps below to open the fuel door in case of an
emergency:
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the access cover (located on the left side innertrim panel).
3. Pull the release cable.
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.
Access Cover
Release Cable
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 399

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
• 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 impor-
tant 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.
400 STARTING AND OPERATING

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total allowable 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 infor-
mation.
WARNING!
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. You must consider this as part of
the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue
that typically provides adjustable friction associated with
the telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer
swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue weight,
just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
402 STARTING AND OPERATING

•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 information on tread
wear indicators and for the proper inspection procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Informa-
tion” in “Starting And Operating” for information on
replacement tires and for the proper tire replacement
procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and
GAWR limits.
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 per-
sonal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated 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 (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem 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 (453 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 407

Camera, Rear............................ .170
Capacities, Fluid ....................... .485, 486
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) ........................ .449, 450
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................461
Carbon Monoxide Warning .................78, 394
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ..................... .399
Car Washes .............................. .467
Certification Label ......................... .399
Chains, Tire ............................. .381
Changing A Flat Tire ....................... .414
Chart, Tire Sizing .......................... .363
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .445
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ................77
Checks, Safety .............................77
Child Restraint .............................60
Child Restraints Booster Seats ............................63
Child Restraints ..........................60
Child Seat Installation ......................72
How To Stow An Unused ALR Seat Belt .........69
Infants And Child Restraints .................62
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children ........65
Older Children And Child Restraints ...........62
Seating Positions ..........................64 Child Safety Locks
..........................27
Clean Air Gasoline ........................ .391
Cleaning Wheels ............................... .468
Climate Control ........................... .294
Coin Holder ............................. .190
Cold Weather Operation ..................... .333
Compact Spare Tire ........................ .377
Connector UCI ................................. .291
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ...........291
Console, Floor ............................ .190
Contract, Service .......................... .506
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .............461
Cooling System ........................... .458
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .................460
Coolant Capacity .....................485,
486
Coolant Level ....................... .458, 461
Disposal Of Used Coolant ..................461
Drain, Flush, And Refill ....................459
Inspection ............................. .461
Points To Remember ..................... .462
Pressure Cap ........................... .461
Radiator Cap .......................... .461
512 INDEX

General Information...................372, 376
High Speed ............................ .374
Inflation Pressures ....................... .373
Jacking ........................... .414, 416
Life Of Tires ........................... .380
Load Capacity ...................... .367, 369
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) .............384
Pressure Warning Light ....................211
Quality Grading ........................ .383
Radial ............................... .374
Replacement ........................ .380, 421
Rotation .............................. .382
Safety ............................ .362, 372
Sizes ................................ .363
Snow Tires ............................ .375
Spare Tire ...................... .376, 378, 414
Spinning .............................. .379
Trailer Towing .......................... .406
Tread Wear Indicators .....................379
Wheel Mounting ........................ .421
Tire Safety Information ...................... .362
Tire Service Kit .....421, 422, 423, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .................405
To Open Hood ............................117
Towing ................................. .401Disabled Vehicle
........................ .436
Guide ................................ .404
Recreational ........................... .410
Weight ............................... .404
Towing Vehicle Behind A Motorhome ............410
Traction ................................ .346
Traction Control .......................... .357
Trailer Towing ............................ .401
Cooling System Tips ..................... .410
Hitches ............................... .403
Minimum
Requirements ....................405
Tips ................................. .409
Trailer And Tongue Weight ..................405
Wiring ............................... .408
Trailer Towing Guide ....................... .404
Trailer Weight ............................ .404
Transfer Case ............................ .465
Fluid .......................... .465, 487, 490
Maintenance ........................... .466
Transmission Automatic ...................... .334, 336, 464
Fluid .......................... .464, 487, 490
Maintenance ........................... .464
Shifting .............................. .334
Transporting Pets ...........................75
524 INDEX