
62GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE  
Displacement Load Floor
To position the load from the lower to the upper 
position, proceed as follows:
1. Grab the load floor handle and lift up the load  floor.
2. Correctly place the load floor on the side panel  guides and on the rear cross member.
Access To Tire Service Kit Or Spare Tire
To access the Tire Service Kit or spare tire and 
container carrier, proceed as follows:
1. Grab the load floor handle and remove the  floor.
2. Pull the tab and lift up on the carpet. Anchoring Of The Load
The cargo tie-downs, located on the trim panels 
around the cargo area floor, should be used to 
safely secure loads when the vehicle is moving.
Tie-Downs
Cargo Box — If Equipped
The cargo area contains a preformed cargo box 
that can be used for the storage of objects that 
allows you to obtain a uniform level when loading.
 Cargo Box
NOTE:The cargo box is sized for a maximum capacity of 
distributed weight equal to 242 lb (110 kg).
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112STARTING AND OPERATING  
3. Fill the vehicle with fuel, and when the fuel  nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
NOTE:Wait five seconds before removing the fuel nozzle 
to allow fuel to drain from nozzle.
4. Pull the nozzle from the filler pipe and then close the door.
VEHICLE LOADING 
CERTIFICATION LABEL
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration regulations, your vehicle has a 
certification label affixed to the driver's side door or 
pillar  Ú page 273.
This label contains the month and year of 
manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 
(GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front 
and rear, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 
A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is included on 
this label and indicates the Month, Day and Hour of 
manufacture. The bar code that appears on the 
bottom of the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your 
vehicle including driver, passengers, vehicle, 
options and cargo. The label also specifies 
maximum capacities of front and rear axle systems 
(GAWR). Total load must be limited so GVWR and 
front and rear GAWR are not exceeded.
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 increased durability does not 
necessarily increase the vehicle'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 
WARNING!
Do not affix objects/plugs to the end of the 
filler neck other than what is provided on the 
car.
The use of objects/plugs do not comply with 
the vehicle and may cause pressure increases 
inside the tank, creating dangerous condi -
tions.
Do not approach the neck of the tank with 
open flames or lit cigarettes its an extreme fire 
hazard. Also, avoid close contact with the filler 
pipe with your face, do not inhale harmful 
vapors.
Do not use your mobile phone in the vicinity of 
the pump fuel nozzle, it can be a possible risk 
of fire.
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STARTING AND OPERATING113
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 ensure 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 limitations 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 information 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.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions will 
assist you in understanding the following 
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your 
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo 
and tongue weight. The total load must be limited 
so that you do not exceed the GVWR  Ú page 112.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight 
of all cargo, consumables and equipment 
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the 
trailer in its "loaded and ready for operation" 
condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put 
your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The 
entire weight of the trailer must be supported by 
the scale.
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  Úpage 112.
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.
4
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STARTING AND OPERATING117
(Continued)
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a 
compact spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to 
the safe and satisfactory operation of your 
vehicle  Ú page 276.
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  Ú page 276.
For the proper tire replacement procedures  
Úpage 276. 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 personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake 
controller is required when towing a trailer with 
electronically actuated 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 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers 
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And 
Wiring (If Equipped)
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer 
size, stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are 
required for motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and 
seven-pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved 
trailer harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles wiring 
harness.
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch 
utilized.
CAUTION!
Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is driven. 
The engine, axle or other parts could be 
damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that 
a trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph 
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full 
throttle. This helps the engine and other parts 
of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's 
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your 
brake system 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 
distance. 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 lb (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.
WARNING!
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272SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
Tire Terminology And Definitions
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits) 
01 means the year 2001
Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could 
represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
Term Definition
B-pillarThe vehicle B-pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the 
front door.
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. Inflation pressure is measured in 
units of PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire 
inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into 
the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown 
on the tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading 
capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire 
inflation pressures.
EXAMPLE:
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE273
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure  
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on 
the driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the 
driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including 
the spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and 
inflate to the recommended pressure for your 
vehicle.
Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)
Tire And Loading Information Placard
Tire And Loading Information Placard
 This placard tells you important information about 
the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the 
vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear,  and spare tires.
Loading 
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not 
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on your 
vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load carrying 
capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions, 
tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified 
on the Tire and Loading Information placard  
Úpage 112.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross 
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear 
axles must not be exceeded. 
For further information on GAWR, vehicle loading, 
and trailer towing  Ú page 112.8
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274SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE  
To determine the maximum loading conditions of 
your vehicle, locate the statement “The combined 
weight of occupants and cargo should never 
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading 
Information placard. The combined weight of 
occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue 
weight (if applicable) should never exceed the 
weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load 
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined 
weight of occupants and cargo should 
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your 
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of 
the driver and passengers that will be 
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the 
driver and passengers from XXX kg or 
XXX lbs. (4) The resulting figure equals the 
available amount of cargo and luggage 
load capacity. For example, if “XXX” 
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will 
be five 150 lb passengers in your 
vehicle, the amount of available cargo 
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. 
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of 
luggage and cargo being loaded on the 
vehicle. That weight may not safely 
exceed the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, 
load from your trailer will be transferred 
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the 
available cargo and luggage load 
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg and 
there will be five 68 kg passengers in your vehicle, 
the amount of available cargo and luggage load 
capacity is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as 
shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from 
your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. 
The following table shows examples on how to 
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing 
capacities of your vehicle with varying seating 
configurations and number and size of occu
-
pants. This table is for illustration purposes only 
and may not be accurate for the seating and 
load carry capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined weight 
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 
865 lb (392 kg).
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE275
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the 
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
8
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