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Opening The Fuel Filler Door
To refuel proceed as follows:
1. Open fuel filler door by pushing on the point shown by the arrow.
Fuel Door
The label indicates the fuel type (UNLEADED
FUEL = gasoline).
Fuel Door Label 2. Remove the fuel filler cap.
3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe.
4. When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off,
before removing the nozzle, wait for at least
10 seconds in order for the fuel to flow inside
the tank.
5. Remove the fuel filler nozzle, tighten the gas cap about a quarter turn until you hear one
click. This is an indication that the cap is prop -
erly tightened.
Emergency Fuel Door Opening
In the event of an emergency, the fuel filler door
can be opened from inside the trunk.
Proceed as follows:
1. Open the trunk and locate the emergency fuel filler release cap on the inside lining.
Fuel Door Release Cap
2. Open the cap, and pull the cord inside to unlock the fuel filler door.
3. Open the fuel filler door by pushing on it (see the previous instructions).
NOTE:
If the filler compartment is washed with a pres -
sure washer, keep it at a distance of at least
8 inches (20 cm).
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.
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).
WARNING!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle.
You could be burned. Always place gas
containers on the ground while filling.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not
“top off” the fuel tank after filling.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
126
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 do 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 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
Trailer towing is not recommended for this
vehicle.
SUGGESTIONS FOR
DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
The following are some suggestions which may
help you save fuel and lower the amount of
harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle Maintenance
Checks and operations should be carried out in
accordance with the Maintenance Plan
Ú
page 182.
Tires
Check the tire pressures at least once every four
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consumption
levels increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
WARNING!
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. Overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
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