180 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
— Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault with the
air bag, and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position. This light will illuminate with a single
chime when a fault with the air bag has been detected, it will
stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light is either not on
during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
— Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If
the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking
brake is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there
is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In
this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been
corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake
pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in
the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic system. A
leak in either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake
fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a spec
-
ified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering
maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions. The vehicle
should have service performed, and the brake fluid level
checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It
will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING 411
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 weight limita-
tions are met. Store the heavier items down low and be sure
that the weight is distributed equally. Stow all loose items
securely before driving. Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect on
the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way the
brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your
vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this infor
-
mation to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing. CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or
the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose control.
Also overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle.
5
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 527
(Continued)
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” in this section for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under the hood service or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the designated
marks on the side of the reservoir of the brake master
cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area
before removing cap.With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake linings wear. However, an unexpected drop in fluid
level may be caused by a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica
-
tions” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly
a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding on
the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Speci -
fications” for further information. Using the wrong
type of brake fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The proper type
of brake fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or mois -
ture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has been in
a tightly closed container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in a open
container absorbs moisture from the air resulting in a
lower boiling point. This may cause it to boil unexpect -
edly during hard or prolonged braking, resulting in
sudden brake failure. This could result in a collision.
7
682
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ......................... 255, 498
Entry System, Illuminated ....................................................... 76
Ethanol...................................................................................... 568
Exhaust Gas Cautions .................................................... 286, 570
Exhaust System ............................................................... 286, 520
Exterior Lighting ....................................................................... 67 Exterior Lights ................................................................... 67, 289 F
Filters Air Cleaner ........................................................................... 509Air Conditioning ........................................................... 93, 512
Engine Oil..................................................................... 509, 572
Engine Oil Disposal ............................................................ 508
Flashers Turn Signals ........................................................... 71, 191, 289
Flash-To-Pass ............................................................................. 69
Flat Tire Changing .................................................. 469, 531, 548
Flat Tire Stowage .................................................... 483, 531, 548
Fluid Capacities ....................................................................... 571
Fluid Leaks ............................................................................... 289
Fluid Level Checks Brake ..................................................................................... 527
Fluid, Brake .............................................................................. 574
Fluids And Lubricants ........................................................... 572
Fog Lights........................................................................... 71, 451
Fold Flat Load Floor ............................................................... 119 Fold-Flat Seats ...........................................................................40
Forward Collision Warning................................................... 216
Four Wheel Drive .................................................................... 309
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .....................................................440
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle .........................................................494
Front Axle (Differential) .........................................................529
Fuel ............................................................................................567 Adding ..................................................................................408
Additives ..............................................................................568
Clean Air...............................................................................568
Ethanol ..................................................................................568
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............................................................ 410
Gasoline ................................................................................567Light ...................................................................................... 186
Materials Added ..................................................................568
Methanol...............................................................................568
Octane Rating...............................................................567, 572Requirements ...............................................................567, 571Tank Capacity ......................................................................571
Fuses..........................................................................................457 G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........................................104
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) .......................................................410
Gasoline, Clean Air .................................................................568
Gasoline, Reformulated..........................................................568
General Information ...............................................................230
690
Tire Stowage ............................................................................ 483
Tires................................................................... 289, 541, 548, 555 Aging (Life Of Tires)........................................................... 545
Air Pressure ......................................................................... 541
Chains ................................................................................... 552Compact Spare..................................................................... 549
Dual ............................................................................... 554, 565
General Information ................................................... 541, 548
High Speed........................................................................... 543Inflation Pressure ................................................................ 542
Life Of Tires ......................................................................... 545
Load Capacity .............................................................. 537, 538
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ....................... 186, 220
Quality Grading .................................................................. 555
Radial .................................................................................... 543Replacement......................................................................... 546
Rotation ................................................................................ 553
Safety............................................................................. 531, 541
Sizes....................................................................................... 533
Snow Tires ............................................................................ 548
Spare Tires .................................................................... 548, 550
Spinning................................................................................ 544
Trailer Towing ..................................................................... 420
Tread Wear Indicators ........................................................ 545
Wheel Nut Torque .............................................................. 565
To Open Hood ......................................................................... 101 Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ............................................418
Tonneau Cover ................................................................147, 558
Tonneau Cover Cleaning .......................................................558
Towing ..............................................................................411, 495 Disabled Vehicle ..................................................................495
Guide .....................................................................................418
Recreational ..........................................................................430
Weight ...................................................................................418
Towing Behind A Motorhome ..............................................430
Traction .....................................................................................436
Traction Control ......................................................................200
Traction Control Switch .........................................................200
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................................................... 205
Trailer Towing .........................................................................411 Cooling System Tips ........................................................... 426Hitches ..................................................................................417
Minimum Requirements ....................................................418
Mirrors ....................................................................................62
Tips ........................................................................................426Trailer And Tongue Weight...............................................418Wiring ...................................................................................424
Trailer Towing Guide .............................................................418
Trailer Weight ..........................................................................418
Transfer Case ...........................................................................530 Electronically Shifted ..........................................................309
Fluid ...................................................................................... 574