178STARTING AND OPERATING
VEHICLE LOADING
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.
PAYLOAD
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable weight
a vehicle 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 or GAWR.
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 axles.
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.
NOTE:
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse
effect on the way your vehicle steers and handles and
the way the brakes operate.
Air suspension vehicle may limit off-road heights if
loaded beyond recommended values for vehicle GVWR
and GAWR.
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.
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.
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 178
180STARTING AND OPERATING
RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION HITCH
ADJUSTMENT — QUADRA-LIFT AIR SUSPEN -
SION EQUIPPED VEHICLES
1. Verify that the vehicle is at the Normal Ride Height.
NOTE:The vehicle must remain in the RUN position with all doors
closed while attaching a trailer for proper leveling of the air
suspension system.
2. Position the vehicle on a level surface in preparation to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
3. For vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, use the touchscreen radio settings to
enable Tire/Jack mode. Tire/Jack mode will be
canceled and the procedure must be restarted if the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 5 mph (8 km/h).
When towing, the automatic Entry/Exit feature may
be disabled through the Uconnect Touchscreen Radio
to prevent vehicle and trailer movement when gear
selector is moved to PARK.
4. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground; this is height H1.
Measuring Height (H)
5. Attach the loaded trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
6. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground; this is height H2.
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the front
fender is approximately (H2-H1)/2+H1
(about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1 above
Normal Ride Height [H1]). 8. Use the touchscreen radio settings and switch off
Tire/Jack mode. Make sure the vehicle returns to
Normal Ride Height. Perform a visual inspection of
the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to confirm the
manufacturers’ recommendations have been met.
9. The vehicle can now be driven.
NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing with
TOW/HAUL mode engaged (if equipped).
Measurement Example Example Height (mm)
H1
925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/2 10.5
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 935.5
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 180
STARTING AND OPERATING181
RECOMMENDED DISTRIBUTION HITCH
ADJUSTMENT — NON-AIR SUSPENSION
EQUIPPED VEHICLES
1. Verify that the vehicle is at the normal ride height.
2. Position the vehicle on a level surface in preparation
to connect to the trailer (do not connect the trailer).
3. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground; this is height H1.
Measuring Height (H)
4. Attach the loaded trailer to the vehicle without the weight distribution bars connected.
5. Ensure the trailer is properly secured to the hitch, including the safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake
controls.
6. Cautiously drive the vehicle and trailer at 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) for approximately 3 miles (5 km) to
re-level the suspension.
7. Park the vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
8. Measure the height from the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground; this is height H2.
9. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars per the manufacturers’
recommendations so that the height of the front
fender is approximately (H2-H1)/2+H1
(about 1/2 the difference between H2 and H1 above
normal ride height [H1]). 10. Perform a visual inspection of the trailer and
weight-distributing hitch to confirm the manufac -
turers’ recommendations have been met.
11. The vehicle can now be driven.
NOTE:For all towing conditions, we recommend towing with
TOW/HAUL mode engaged (if equipped).
Measurement Example Example Height (mm)
H1
925
H2 946
H2-H1 21
(H2-H1)/2 10.5
(H2-H1)/2 + H1 935.5
4
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 181
STARTING AND OPERATING189
Seven-Pin Connector
TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and backing up
the trailer in an area located away from heavy traffic. If
equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension, the automatic
Entry/Exit feature may be disabled through the Uconnect
Touchscreen Radio to prevent vehicle and trailer
movement when gear selector is moved to PARK.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. However, if frequent shifting does occur
while in DRIVE, you can use the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle under heavy
loading conditions, will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat
build-up. This action will also provide better engine
braking.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 189
190STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable
state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.
Vehicles equipped with Quadra-Lift must be placed in
Transport Mode before tying them down (from the
body) on a trailer or flatbed truck
Úpage 132. If the
vehicle cannot be placed in Transport mode (for
example, engine will not run), tie-downs should be
fastened over the tires using specific straps (not to the
body). Failure to follow these instructions may cause
fault codes to be set and/or cause loss of proper
tie-down tension.
RECREATIONAL TOWING — TWO-WHEEL
D
RIVE MODELS
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will
result.
Recreational towing (for two-wheel drive models) is
allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This
may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If
using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following
the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with Quadra-Lift air suspension,
ensure the vehicle is set to Normal Ride Height.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Apply the Electric Park Brake. Shift the transmission into PARK.
4. Turn the ignition OFF.
Towing Condition Wheels OFF The Ground Two-Wheel Drive Models Four-Wheel Drive Models
Without 4WD LOW Range Four-Wheel Drive Models
With 4WD LOW Range
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDSee Instructions
Transmission in PARK
Transfer case in N (Neutral)
Tow in forward direction
Dolly Tow Front
NOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Rear OKNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOKOK
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 190
STARTING AND OPERATING193
Shifting Out Of N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage:
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it
connected to the tow vehicle.
2. Apply the Electric Park Brake.
3. Start the engine.
NOTE:
Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button, and
must continue to be met until the shift has been
completed. If any of these requirements are not
met before pushing the N (Neutral) button or are
no longer met during the shift, the N (Neutral) indi -
cator light will flash continuously until all require -
ments are met or until the N (Neutral) button is
released.
The ignition must be in the ON/RUN position for a
shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
A flashing N (Neutral) position indicator light indi-
cates that shift requirements have not been met.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL. 6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold
the recessed transfer case N (Neutral) button
(located by the selector switch) for two seconds.
N (Neutral) Button
7. When the N (Neutral) indicator light turns off, release the N (Neutral) button. After the N (Neutral) button
has been released, the transfer case will shift to the
position indicated by the selector switch.
8. Shift the transmission into PARK. Turn the engine off.
9. Release the brake pedal.
10. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
11. Start the engine.
12. Press and hold the brake pedal.
13. Release the Electric Park Brake.
14. Shift the transmission into REVERSE or DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle
operates normally.
DRIVING TIPS
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
conventional passenger cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. They
are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily in
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control
or vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Quadra-Lift — If Equipped
When off-roading, it is recommended that the lowest
useable vehicle height that will clear the current obstacle
or terrain be selected. The vehicle height should then be
raised as required by the changes in terrain.
The Selec-Terrain switch will automatically change the
vehicle to the optimized height based on the Selec-Terrain
switch position. The vehicle height can be changed from
the default height for each Selec-Terrain mode by normal
use of the air suspension switches
Úpage 129.
4
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 193
238MULTIMEDIA
SUSPENSION — IF EQUIPPED
The Suspension page displays information concerning the
vehicle’s suspension.
The following information is displayed:
Wheel Articulation
Current Ride Height Status
Off-Road 2
Off-Road 1
Normal
Aero
Entry/Exit
NOTE:The wheel articulation will be represented by a yellow color
in the Wheel Articulation. If Ride Height is adjusted, the
Ride Height indicator on the screen will switch to the
appropriate height and the Wheel Articulation will show
the movement and change in height.
Suspension Menu
RADIO OPERATION AND MOBILE PHONES
Under certain conditions, the mobile phone being on in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by repositioning the mobile phone within the vehicle. This
condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio
performance does not satisfactorily improve from
repositioning the mobile phone, it is recommended that
the volume be turned down or off during mobile phone
operation when not using the Uconnect system.
REGULATORY AND SAFETY
I
NFORMATION
US/CANADA
Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation
The radiated output power of the internal wireless radio is
far below the FCC and IC radio frequency exposure limits.
Nevertheless, the wireless radio will be used in such a
manner that the radio is 8 inches (20 cm) or further from
the human body.
The internal wireless radio operates within guidelines
found in radio frequency safety standards and
recommendations, which reflect the consensus of the
scientific community.
The radio manufacturer believes the internal wireless
radio is safe for use by consumers. The level of energy
emitted is far less than the electromagnetic energy
emitted by wireless devices such as mobile phones.
However, the use of wireless radios may be restricted in
some situations or environments, such as aboard
airplanes. If you are unsure of restrictions, you are
encouraged to ask for authorization before turning on the
wireless radio
Úpage 382.
1 — Wheel Articulation
2 — Current Ride Height
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 238
239
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically prevents wheel lock and enhances vehicle
control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that the
ABS is working properly each time the vehicle is started
and driven. During this self-check, you may hear a slight
clicking sound as well as some related motor noises.
The ABS is activated during braking when the system
detects one or more wheels are beginning to lock. Road
conditions such as ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad
tracks, loose debris, or panic stops may increase the
likelihood of ABS activation(s).
You also may experience the following normal
characteristics when the ABS activates:
ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you may continue
to hear for a short time after the stop).
Brake pedal pulsations.
A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of the stop. The ABS is designed to function with the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification may
result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
The yellow ABS Warning Light will turn on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN mode and may stay on for as long
as four seconds.
If the ABS Warning Light remains on or comes on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion of the brake
system is not functioning and that service is required.
However, the conventional brake system will continue to
operate normally if the ABS Warning Light is on.
If the ABS Warning Light is on, the brake system should be
serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of
Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS Warning Light does not come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode, have
the light repaired as soon as possible.
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip -
ment that may be susceptible to interference caused
by improperly installed or high output radio transmit -
ting equipment. This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by qualified
professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to a collision. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
WARNING!
6
23_WS_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 239