ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the correct
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 388).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
rental agency's instructions.
Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See
Load Limit (page 156).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Note:
You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment. Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Running lights
Brown
Hitches WARNING
Do not tow a trailer that exceeds the
maximum limit of the towing
equipment. This could result in
vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so that between
10% and 15% of the total trailer weight is
on the tongue.
The hitch rating on the trailer hitch label is
the maximum possible trailer rating. To
find the maximum trailer weight allowed
for your vehicle
See Recommended
Towing Weights (page 163). Further
information is available in the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
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Note:
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Trailer Brakes WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a crash greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them correctly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are
required for safe control of towed vehicles
and trailers weighing more than 1500
pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in correct trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard warning
flashers are working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the trailer hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50
miles (80 kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission selector lever in position
P to aid engine and transmission
cooling and to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• When driving down a long or steep hill,
if your vehicle is fitted with a
SelectShift Automatic® Transmission,
use a low gear, See
Automatic
Transmission (page 131). Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less
effective.
• If the transmission is fitted with Grade
Assist or a Towing feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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•
Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Use a floor mat designed to fit the
footwell of your vehicle that does not
obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury.
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Sending a Text Message
Note:
You can only send a text message to
one recipient at a time.
1. Select the send option when the desired selection highlights in the audio
display.
2. Select the confirmation option when the contact appears.
3. Press the OK button again to confirm when the system asks if you want to
send the message. A pre-defined
signature appears on each text
message. Note:
You can send text messages either
by choosing a contact from the phonebook
and selecting the text option from the audio
display or by replying to a received message
in the inbox.
Accessing Your Phone Settings
These are phone-dependent features. Your
phone settings allow you to access and
adjust features such as your ring tone and
text message notification, modify your
phonebook, and set up automatic
download.
1. Press the PHONE button.
2. Scroll until the phone settings option appears, and then press the OK button.
Scroll to select from the following options: Description and action
Menu Item
If this option is checked, the system uses the cellular phone
as the master when there is more than one cellular phone
paired to the system. This option can be changed for all
cellular phones (not only the active phone) using the
Bluetooth Devices menu.
Set as master
See the cellular phone name, provider name, cellular
phone number, and signal level. When done, press the left
arrow buttons to return to the phone status menu.
Phone status
Select which ringtone sounds during an incoming call (one
of the system's tones or your cellular phone's). If your
phone supports in-band ringing, your phone's ringtone
sounds when you choose the cellular phone ringtone
option.
Set ringtone
1. Press the
OK button to select and scroll to hear each
ringtone.
2. Press the
OK button to select a ringtone.
Have the option of hearing an audible tone to notify you
when a text message arrives. Press the
OK button to
switch the audible tone off or on.
Text msg notify
Modify the contents of your phonebook (such as add,
delete or download). Press the
OK button to select and
scroll between the choices in the phonebook preferences
table below.
Phonebook pref.
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If you have subscribed to SiriusXM Traffic
and Travel Link (where available), traffic
flow will be indicated on the map by green
(clear), yellow (slowing), and red
(stopped) road highlights. Traffic flow is
indicated where the information is
available and varies across the US.
You can choose to display traffic icons on
the map representing twelve different
types of incidents. See Settings (page
359).
You can set a destination by hovering
above a location and selecting: Button
Start
Destination Mode
To set a destination, press: Description
Menu Item
Destination
Enter a navigation destination in any of the following formats: Street Address
Search
(number, street, city, state)
For example "12 Mainstreet Dearborn MI"
Partial Address
(number, street) if searching in current state
(number, street and zip code (or postal code in Canada)) if searching
out of state
You can enter unique addresses that contain door number prefixes
with or without the prefix. For example, you could enter "6N340
Fairway Lane" or "340 Fairway Lane".
City
(name or zip code)
Point of Interest
(name or category)
Intersection
(street 1 / street 2)
(street 1 and street 2)
(street 1 & street 2)
(street 1 @ street 2)
(street 1 at street 2)
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Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
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Brakes...............................................................134
General Information.......................................... 134
Breaking-In......................................................170
Bulb Specification Chart............................217
C
Cabin Air Filter................................................101
California Proposition 65..............................11
Capacities and Specifications................257 Alternative Engine Oil for Extreme Cold
Climates........................................................... 259
Capacities............................................................. 257
Specifications..................................................... 258
Cargo Nets
......................................................154
Installing the Net................................................ 154
Removing the Net............................................... 155
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 220
Catalytic Converter
......................................128
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).................... 129
Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing.................................................... 129
Center Console...............................................115
Changing a Bulb............................................212 Central High Mounted Brake Lamp.............215
Front Fog Lamps................................................. 214
Headlamp.............................................................. 212
Interior Lamps...................................................... 215
License Plate Lamp........................................... 215
Rear Lamps........................................................... 215
Side Direction Indicator.................................... 214
Changing a Fuse...........................................195 Fuses....................................................................... 195
Changing a Road Wheel...........................248 Changing a Road Wheel................................. 250
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly Information..................................................... 249
Stowing the Flat or Spare Tire...................... 252
Changing the 12V Battery.........................206
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................218
Changing the Wiper Blades
....................208
Front Wiper Blades........................................... 209
Rear Window Wiper Blades.......................... 209
Service Position................................................. 208
Checking MyKey System Status................51
Checking the Wiper Blades
.....................208 Child Restraint and Seatbelt
Maintenance.................................................35
Child Restraint Positioning
.........................26
Child Safety.......................................................16 General Information............................................. 16
Child Safety Locks.........................................28 Left-Hand Side..................................................... 28
Right-Hand Side................................................... 28
Cigar Lighter
.....................................................113
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................223
Cleaning Products........................................219
Cleaning the Engine
.....................................221
Cleaning the Exterior..................................220
Cleaning the Headlamps................................ 220
Exterior Chrome Parts..................................... 220
Exterior Plastic Parts........................................ 220
Stripes or Graphics............................................ 220
Underbody............................................................. 221
Under Hood........................................................... 221
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens.........................222
Cleaning the Interior....................................222
Cleaning the Wheels
..................................224
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades.............................................................221
Clearing All MyKeys.......................................50
Climate Control..............................................96 Principle of Operation........................................ 96
Clock...................................................................86 Type 1........................................................................\
86
Type 2....................................................................... 86
Cold Weather Precautions..........................171
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check............................ 202
Cornering Lamps............................................69
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.......44
Creating a MyKey
...........................................49
Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings............................................................... 49
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................148 False Alerts............................................................. 151
Switching the System Off and On................151
System Errors........................................................ 151
System Lights, Messages and Audible Alerts.................................................................. 150
System Limitations............................................ 150
Using the System............................................... 148
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Traction Control.............................................137
Principle of Operation....................................... 137
Trailer Sway Control....................................163
Transmission Code Designation.............257
Transmission...................................................131
Transporting the Vehicle...........................168
Trip Computer
.................................................86
Average Fuel........................................................... 87
Digital Speedometer........................................... 87
Distance to Empty............................................... 86
Resetting the Trip Computer........................... 86
Trip Odometer....................................................... 86
U
Under Hood Overview
................................199
USB Port..........................................................276
Using Cruise Control....................................145 Switching Cruise Control Off.......................... 145
Switching Cruise Control On.......................... 145
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems..........................................................52
Using Snow Chains
.....................................243
Using Stability Control...............................139
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player............................................................298
Accessing Your USB Song Library...............302
Bluetooth Devices and System Settings............................................................ 304
Connecting Your Digital Media Player to the USB Port.......................................................... 298
Media Menu Features...................................... 302
Media Voice Commands................................ 299
Voice Commands for Audio Sources.........304
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone.............281 Accessing Features through the Phone
Menu................................................................. 286
Accessing Your Phone Settings................... 289
Bluetooth Devices............................................. 290
Making Calls........................................................ 285
Pairing a Phone for the First Time...............282
Pairing Subsequent Phones.......................... 283
Phone Options during an Active Call.........285
Phone Voice Commands................................ 283
Receiving Calls.................................................... 285
System Settings.................................................. 291
Text Messaging................................................... 287Using Traction Control................................137
Switching the System Off................................ 137
System Indicator Lights and Messages........................................................... 137
Using a Switch...................................................... 137
Using the Information Display Controls.............................................................. 137
Using Voice Recognition............................279 Audio Voice Commands.................................. 327
Initiating a Voice Session................................ 279
Mobile App Voice Commands...................... 330
Navigation Voice Commands....................... 329
Phone Voice Commands................................ 328
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Voice Commands....................................................... 331
System Interaction and Feedback.............280
Voice Settings Commands............................. 331
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)..........................181
V
Vehicle Care....................................................219
Vehicle Certification Label.......................256
Vehicle Identification Number................255
Vehicle Storage.............................................224 Battery.................................................................... 225
Body........................................................................\
224
Brakes..................................................................... 225
Cooling system................................................... 225
Engine..................................................................... 225
Fuel system.......................................................... 225
General.................................................................. 224
Miscellaneous..................................................... 225
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................. 225
Tires........................................................................\
. 225
Ventilation See: Climate Control.......................................... 96
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number............255
Voice Control....................................................61
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators................80 Airbag - Front........................................................ 80
Anti-Lock Braking System................................ 80
Battery..................................................................... 80
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