
WARNING!(Continued)
•If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel bolts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight parking for
fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, or brake fluid leaks are
suspected. The cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
236 SAFETY

Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a truck can carry, including the weight of the driver,
all passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the components in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or suspension
components sometimes specified by purchasers for in-
creased durability does not necessarily increase the vehi-
cle’s GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires must
be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo loaded
into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight values are
determined by weighing your vehicle on a commercial
scale before any occupants or cargo are added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the
vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to
rear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 291

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed.
Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil
message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km)
since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.Gasoline Engines:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed
8,000 miles (13,000 km), twelve months or 350 hours of
engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350 hours of
engine run or idle time is generally only a concern for fleet
customers.
Severe Duty:
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) or 350 hours of
engine run time if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off
road environment or is operated predominately at idle or
very low engine RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is consid-
ered Severe Duty.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•
Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and automatic transmis-
sion, and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 359

Checking Oil Level — Gas Engine
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, 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 up engine is shut off.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the dipstick.
Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the bottom
of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the top of the
safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir is located under the hood and should be
checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent only (not radiator anti-
freeze). When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take
some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
the wiper blades clean. This will help blade performance.To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system in
cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This rating
information can be found on most washer fluid containers.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around the
washer solution.
After the engine has warmed up, operate the defroster for
a few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. Windshield
washer solution used with water as directed on the con-
tainer, aids cleaning action, reduces the freezing point to
avoid line clogging, and is not harmful to paint or trim.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic mainte-
nance required.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 365

Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal
wear patterns and reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality
pocket-type pressure gauge. Do not make a visual
judgement when determining proper inflation. Tires
may look properly inflated even when they are under-
inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always
reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve stem, which could
damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with tem-
perature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 405

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............385
Adding Fuel ............................. .289
Additives, Fuel ........................ .290, 430
Adjust Down .............................. .46, 48
Forward ............................ .46, 48
Rearward ........................... .46, 48
Up ................................ .46, 48
Adjustable Pedals ...........................59
Air Bag Air Bag Operation ....................... .200
Air Bag Warning Light .....................197
Enhanced Accident Response .............206, 355
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................355
If A Deployment Occurs ....................205
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .201
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............207
Transporting Pets ....................... .233
Air Bag Light ...................... .150, 197, 234
Air Bag Maintenance ....................... .207
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......368
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................371
Air Conditioning ............................82
Air Conditioning Filter ....................97, 372
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ................97Air Conditioning Refrigerant
...............371, 372
Air Conditioning System ...................96, 371
Air Filter ............................... .368
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .405
Alarm, Panic ...............................22
Alarm (Security Alarm) ....................33, 151
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................33
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...................385
Capacities ............................. .434
Disposal .............................. .387
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................164
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................156
Ashtray ................................ .127
Assist,
Hill Start .......................... .166
Audio Systems (Radio) ...................... .441
Auto Down Power Windows ...................99
Automatic Door Locks ........................40
Automatic Headlights ........................72
Automatic High Beams .......................71
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............96
Automatic Transmission Adding Fluid .......................... .391
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................392
Fluid Level Check .....................389, 390
512 INDEX

Occupant Restraints........................ .183
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .................429
Oil, Engine ........................... .367, 435
Capacity .............................. .434
Change Interval ........................ .367
Dipstick .............................. .365
Disposal .............................. .368
Filter ............................. .368, 435
Filter Disposal .......................... .368
Identification Logo ...................... .367
Materials Added To ...................... .368
Pressure Warning Light ....................152
Recommendation ........................ .367
Synthetic ............................. .368
Viscosity .............................. .368
Oil Filter, Change ......................... .368
Oil Filter, Selection ......................... .368
Oil Pressure Light ......................... .152
Onboard Diagnostic System ...................159
Operating Precautions ...................... .159
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ...............5
Outside Rearview Mirrors .....................62
Overdrive ............................... .255
Overdrive OFF Switch ...................... .255
Overheating, Engine ....................... .348Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)
...........5,510
Paint Care ............................... .420
Panic Alarm ...............................22
Parking Brake ............................ .245
ParkSense System, Rear ...................273, 280
Passive Entry ..............................37
Pedals, Adjustable ...........................59
Personalized Menu Bar ..................... .441
Personal Settings .......................... .144
Pets ................................... .233
Placard, Tire And Loading Information ...........400
Power Distribution
Center (Fuses) ..................332
Door Locks ..............................37
Mirrors ................................63
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .........123, 127
Seats ..................................46
Steering ........................... .268, 269
Take-Off Adapter ........................ .266
Take-Off Operation ...................... .266
Windows ...............................99
Power Seats Down .............................. .46, 48
Forward ............................ .46, 48
520 INDEX