Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights 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 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after
you have traveled
50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (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.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and transmission
cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a
trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the transmission in park (P). 4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of
the trailer wheels. Chocks are not
included with your vehicle.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise
above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than
6 in (15 cm)
above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
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Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime you
submerge the rear axle in water. Water may
contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which is
not a normal maintenance inspection item
unless there is a possibility of a leak or other
axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the ignition
is in the accessory or on position when
being towed. You can flat-tow (all wheels on the ground,
regardless of the powertrain/transmission
configuration) your disabled vehicle (without
access to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,
or flatbed transport vehicle) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so you tow
it in a forward direction.
• You place the transmission in neutral (N).
If you cannot place the transmission in
neutral (N), you may need to override the
gear shifter.
See Automatic
Transmission (page 178).
• Maximum speed is
35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 135). Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example of
recreational towing would be towing your
vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are to make sure you do not
damage the transmission during towing.
Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles
CANNOT
be flat-towed (all wheels on the ground) as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
You must place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by the
equipment provider.
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground), as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
all four (4) wheels off the ground such as
when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,
you cannot tow your vehicle.
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Vehicles Equipped with a 3.0L Engine
You can tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground using the Stay in Neutral
mode feature, or with all four wheels off the
ground using a vehicle transport trailer. If you
are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow
the instruction specified by the equipment
provider.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground:
•
Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place the vehicle in Stay in Neutral mode.
See Automatic Transmission (page 178).
• Do not exceed
65 mph (105 km/h).
Note: If the parking brake is applied, a
message appears in the information display.
Note: Start the engine and allow it to run for
a few minutes at the beginning of each day,
and every six hours or fewer. With the engine
running and your foot on the brake, shift into
drive (D) and then into reverse (R) before
shifting back into neutral (N). BEFORE
CONTINUING TO TOW, YOU MUST
RE-ENABLE STAY IN NEUTRAL MODE.
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The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow of fuel
to the engine in the event of a moderate to
severe crash. Not every impact causes a
shutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,
you may restart your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch to start position.
3. Switch off the ignition.
4. Switch on the ignition to re-enable the
fuel pump.
5. If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps
1 through 4.
If your vehicle has a push button start
system:
1. Press START/STOP to switch off your
vehicle.
2. Press the brake pedal and
START/STOP
to switch on your vehicle.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal and press
START/STOP to switch off
your vehicle. 4. You can attempt to start the vehicle by
pressing the brake pedal and
START/STOP
, or press START/STOP
without pressing the brake pedal.
5. If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps
1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNING:
Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide correct
ventilation. WARNING:
Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately
with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention. If acid is
swallowed, call a physician immediately. WARNING:
Use only adequately
sized cables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic
transmission vehicle.
Note: Attempting to push-start a vehicle with
an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
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Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 322).
E
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick.
See Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 313).
F
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 306).
G
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 306).
H
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 318).
I
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.0L MINA
MAXB ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.0L
MINA
MAXBENGINE OIL CHECK
To check the engine oil level consistently
and accurately, do the following:
1.
Make sure the parking brake is on. Make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N).
2. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
3. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
4. Switch the engine off and wait 15 minutes
for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
Checking the engine oil level too soon
after you switch the engine off may result
in an inaccurate reading.
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AB
You may notice a reduction in vehicle speed
caused by reduced engine power in order
to manage the engine coolant temperature.
Your vehicle may enter this mode if certain
high-temperature and high-load conditions
take place. The amount of speed reduction
depends on vehicle loading, grade and
ambient temperature. If this occurs, there is
no need to pull off the road. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically turn
on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant temperature
decreases to the normal operating
temperature, the air conditioning turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves fully
into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine soon
messages appear in your information display,
do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
park (P). 2. Leave the engine running until the
coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. If the
temperature does not drop after several
minutes, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
6F35 Transmission
(If Equipped)
Note: Transmission fluid should be checked
by an authorized dealer. If required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission does
not consume fluid. However, the fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is not
properly working. For example, if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 475).
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid
additives, treatments or cleaning agents. The
use of these materials may affect
transmission operation and result in damage
to internal transmission components.
6F55 Transmission
(If Equipped) WARNING:
The dipstick and
surrounding components are hot. Use
gloves when moving components and
checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury.
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Note:
Automatic transmission fluid expands
when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid
check, drive the vehicle approximately 20 mi
(30 km) until it is warmed up. If your vehicle
has been operated for an extended period
at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be switched off until normal operating
temperatures are reached to allow the fluid
to cool before checking. Depending on
vehicle use, cooling times could take up to
30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission does
not consume fluid. However, the fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly. For example, if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
1. Drive the vehicle
20 mi (30 km) or until it
reaches normal operating temperature
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. 3.
With the parking brake engaged and your
foot on the brake pedal, start the engine
and move the gearshift lever through all
of the gear ranges. Allow a minimum of
10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) and leave the engine running.
Note: You will need to move the air filter
assembly to access the transmission
dipstick.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with
a clean, dry lint free rag. If necessary,
refer to Under hood overview in this
chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by turning it to
the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid
level. The fluid should be in the
designated areas for normal operating
temperature. Moving the Air Filter Assembly (Accessing
the Dipstick) WARNING:
Do not start the engine
with the air filter removed. This can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle
Warranty and can result in serious injury. 1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamps that
connect the air filter assembly to the
rubber hoses (A).
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High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX range of
the dipstick, remove fluid to reach the
hashmark level.
Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift or engagement concerns or
possible damage. High fluid levels can be
caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, in city traffic during
hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be switched off until normal operating
temperatures are reached. Depending on
vehicle use, cooling times could take up to
30 minutes or longer. Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid
Levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the
correct type is used. The type of fluid used
is normally indicated on the dipstick and also
in the Technical Specifications section in this
chapter.Note:
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid
additives, treatments or cleaning agents. The
use of these materials may affect
transmission operation and result in damage
to internal transmission components.
Reinstall the air filter assembly. After the fluid
level has been checked and adjusted as
necessary, do the following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees
clockwise without disconnecting the
sensor.
4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the
grommets by pushing down on the air
filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front of the
vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
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