Suzuki XL7 (2007 year). Instruction — part 11

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

1273153

1273154

1273155

Item

Descripion

Total

Item

Descripion

Total

Item

Descripion

Total

Maximum Vehicle

Maximum Vehicle

Maximum Vehicle

1000 lbs

1000 lbs

1000 lbs

A

Capacity Weight for

A

Capacity Weight for

A

Capacity Weight for

(453 kg)

(453 kg)

(453 kg)

Example 1 =

Example 2 =

Example 3 =

Subtract Occupant

Subtract Occupant

Subtract Occupant

300 lbs

750 lbs

1000 lbs

B

Weight 150 lbs (68

B

Weight 150 lbs (68

B

Weight 200 lbs (91

(136 kg)

(340 kg)

(453 kg)

kg) x 2 =

kg) x 2 =

kg) × 5 =

Available Occupant

700 lbs

Available Occupant

250 lbs

Available Cargo

0 lbs

C

C

C

and Cargo Weight =

(317 kg)

Weight =

(113 kg)

Weight =

(0 kg)

Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading

information label for specific information

about your vehicle’s maximum vehicle

capacity weight and seating positions. The

combined weight of the driver, passengers,

and cargo should never exceed your vehi-

cle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight.

4-18

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

Certification Label

Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle

or the GAWR for either the front or rear

WARNING

axle.

Things you put inside your vehicle

can strike and injure people in a sud-

WARNING

den stop or turn, or in a crash.

Do not load your vehicle any heavier

•

Put things in the cargo area of your

than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

vehicle. Try to spread the weight

(GVWR), or either the maximum front

evenly.

or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating

•

Never stack heavier things, like

(GAWR). If you do, parts on your

suitcases, inside the vehicle so that

vehicle can break, and it can change

some of them are above the tops of

the way your vehicle handles. These

the seats.

could cause you to lose control and

•

Do not leave an unsecured child

crash. Also, overloading can shorten

restraint in your vehicle.

the life of your vehicle.

•

When you carry something inside

52D059

the vehicle, secure it whenever you

A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is

can.

found on the rear edge of the driver’s door.

WARNING

•

Do not leave a seat folded down

unless you need to.

The label shows the size of your original

Overloading your vehicle may cause

tires and the inflation pressures needed to

damage. Repairs would not be cov-

obtain the gross weight capacity of your

ered by your warranty. Do not over-

vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle

load your vehicle.

Weight Rating

(GVWR). The GVWR

includes the weight of the vehicle, all occu-

If you put things inside your vehicle - like

pants, fuel, and cargo.

suitcases, tools, packages, or anything

else - they will go as fast as the vehicle

The Certification/Tire label also tells you

goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or

the maximum weights for the front and rear

if there is a crash, they will keep going.

axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on

your front and rear axles, you need to go to

a weigh station and weigh your vehicle.

Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure

to spread out your load equally on both

sides of the centerline.

4-19

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

Towing

• How far will you tow? Some vehicles

wheel-drive vehicle, it can be towed with its

have restrictions on how far and how

two front wheels off the ground. See “Dolly

Towing Your Vehicle

long they can tow.

Towing” following.

Consult your dealer or a professional tow-

• Do you have the proper towing equip-

ing service if you need to have your dis-

ment? See your dealer or trailering pro-

Dolly Towing

abled vehicle towed.

fessional for additional advice and

If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it

equipment recommendations.

can be towed with the two front wheels off

If you want to tow your vehicle behind

• Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just

the ground. To dolly tow your vehicle, do

another vehicle for recreational purposes

as you would prepare your vehicle for a

the following:

(such as behind a motorhome), refer to

long trip, you’ll want to make sure your

“Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.

1) Put the front wheels on a dolly.

vehicle is prepared to be towed. Refer to

2) Put the vehicle in PARK (P).

“Before Leaving on a Long Trip” in this

Recreational Vehicle Towing

3) Set the parking brake and then remove

section.

Recreational vehicle towing means towing

the key.

your vehicle behind another vehicle - such

4) Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-

Dinghy Towing

as behind a motorhome. The two most

ahead position with a clamping device

common types of recreational vehicle tow-

designed for towing.

CAUTION

ing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing

5) Release the parking brake.

your vehicle with all four wheels on the

Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle

ground) and “dolly towing”

(towing your

with all four wheels or even only two

CAUTION

vehicle with two wheels on the ground and

wheels on the ground will damage

Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle

two wheels up on a device known as a

drivetrain or transmission compo-

with all four wheels or even only two

“dolly”).

nents. Towing a front-wheel-drive

wheels on the ground will damage

vehicle with all four wheels on the

With the proper preparation and equip-

drivetrain or transmission compo-

ground will damage drivetrain or

ment, many vehicles can be towed in these

nents. Towing a front-wheel-drive

transmission components. Do not

ways. See “Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Tow-

vehicle with all four wheels on the

tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with

ing”, following.

ground will damage drivetrain or

two or four wheels on the ground or a

transmission components. Do not

Here are some important things to con-

front-wheel-drive vehicle if all four

tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle with

sider before you do recreational vehicle

wheels will be on the ground.

two or four wheels on the ground or a

towing:

front-wheel-drive vehicle if all four

If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle or a

• What’s the towing capacity of the towing

wheels will be on the ground.

front-wheel-drive vehicle, it was not

vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehi-

designed to be towed with all of its wheels

cle manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it

on the ground. It can be towed with car

cannot be towed with any of its wheels on

carrier equipment. If you have a front-

4-20

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

the ground. It can be towed with car carrier

Towing a Trailer

cessful, safe trailering takes correct equip-

equipment.

ment, and it has to be used properly.

WARNING

That is the reason for this section. In it are

Level Control

If you do not use the correct equip-

many time-tested, important trailering tips

Your vehicle may have this feature. This

ment and drive properly, you can lose

and safety rules. Many of these are impor-

self-adjusting type of level control is fully

control when you pull a trailer. For

tant for your safety and that of your pas-

automatic and will provide a better leveled

example, if the trailer is too heavy,

sengers. So please read this section

riding position as well as better handling

the brakes may not work well - or

carefully before you pull a trailer.

under a variety of passenger and loading

even at all. You and your passengers

conditions. The system is activated when

could be seriously injured. Pull a

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

sufficient weight is added to the vehicle,

trailer only if you have followed all

If you do, here are some important points:

and will automatically adjust vehicle height

the steps in this section. Ask your

thereafter. A hydraulic pump inside each

•

There are many different laws, including

dealer for advice and information

rear shock absorber raises the rear of the

speed limit restrictions, having to do with

about towing a trailer with your vehi-

vehicle to the proper height, based on

trailering. Make sure your rig will be

cle.

inputs from the road surface, while the

legal, not only where you live but also

vehicle is being driven. It takes approxi-

where you will be driving. A good source

mately two miles (3.2 km) of driving for the

for this information can be state or pro-

CAUTION

leveling to complete, depending on the

vincial police.

road surface conditions.

Pulling a trailer improperly can dam-

•

Consider using a sway control. Refer to

age your vehicle and result in costly

“Hitches” later in this section.

If the loaded vehicle is not moved for

repairs that would not be covered by

•

Do not tow a trailer at all during the first

approximately twelve hours, the leveling

your warranty. Always follow the

500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is

system may bleed down to a lower height.

instructions in this section and check

driven. Your engine, axle or other parts

This can be especially apparent if a trailer

with your dealer for more information

could be damaged.

is left attached to a parked vehicle for long

about towing a trailer with your vehi-

•

During the first 500 miles (800 km) that

periods of time. The vehicle must be driven

cle.

you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50

to re-level the vehicle. If a self-equalizing

mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at

hitch is being used, the vehicle should be

To identify the trailering capacity of your

full throttle. This helps your engine and

driven approximately two miles (3.2 km)

vehicle, you should read the information in

other parts of your vehicle wear in at the

with the trailer prior to adjusting (leveling)

“Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in

heavier loads.

the hitch.

this section. Trailering is different than just

driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering

means changes in handling, acceleration,

braking, durability, and fuel economy. Suc-

4-21

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

Three important considerations have to do

Weight of the Trailer Tongue

cent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).

with weight:

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an

Do not exceed the maximum allowable

important weight to measure because it

tongue weight for your vehicle (400 lbs/181

• Weight of the trailer

affects the total or gross weight of your

kg).

• Weight of the trailer tongue

vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

• Weight on your vehicle’s tires

After you have loaded your trailer, weigh

includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any

the trailer and then the tongue, separately,

cargo you may carry in it, and the people

Weight of the Trailer

to see if the weights are proper. If they are

who will be riding in the vehicle. If you have

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

not, you may be able to get them right sim-

a lot of options, passengers, or cargo in

ply by moving some items around in the

Your vehicle can tow up to 2,900 lbs (1300

the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight

trailer.

kg) with up to five occupants or up to 3,500

your vehicle can carry, which will also

lbs (1575 kg) with up to two occupants. But

reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires

even that can be too heavy.

tow. And if you will tow a trailer, you must

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to

add the tongue load to the GVW because

It depends on how you plan to use your rig.

the upper limit for cold tires. You will find

your vehicle will be carrying that weight,

For example, speed, altitude, road grades,

these numbers on the Certification/Tire

too. Refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in this

outside temperature and how much your

Label at the rear edge of the driver’s door,

section for more information about your

vehicle is used pull a trailer are all impor-

or refer to “Loading Your Vehicle” in this

vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

tant. It can also depend on any special

section. Then be sure you do not go over

equipment that you have on your vehicle,

the GVW limit for your vehicle, including

and the amount of tongue weight vehicle

the weight of the trailer tongue.

can carry. Refer to “Weight of the Trailer

Tongue” later in this section for more infor-

Hitches

mation.

It is important to have the correct hitch

equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going

Maximum trailer weight is calculated

by and rough roads are a few reasons why

assuming only the driver is in the tow vehi-

you will need the right hitch. Here are

cle and it has all the required trailering

some rules to follow:

equipment. The weight of additional

optional equipment, passengers and cargo

• If you will be pulling a trailer that, when

in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from

loaded, will weigh more than 2000 lbs

the maximum trailer weight.

(900 kg), be sure to use a properly

mounted, weight-carrying hitch and sway

You can ask your dealer for our trailering

806596

control of the proper size. This equip-

information or advice, or you can write us

If you are using a weight-carrying or a

ment is very important for proper vehicle

at our Customer Assistance Offices.

loading and good handling when you’re

weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue

weight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 per-

driving.

4-22

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

• Will you have to make any holes in the

Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,

Driving with a Trailer

body of your vehicle when you install a

do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake

trailer hitch?

system. If you do, both brake systems will

WARNING

If you do, remember to seal the holes

not work well, or at all.

If you have the liftgate open and you

when you remove the hitch. If you do not

pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon

seal them, deadly carbon monoxide

monoxide (CO) could come into your

(CO) from your exhaust can get into your

vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO.

vehicle. Refer to

“Engine Exhaust” in

It can cause unconsciousness or

“Starting and Operating Your Vehicle” in

death. Refer to “Engine Exhaust” in

the “Features and Controls” section. Dirt

“Starting and Operating Your Vehi-

and water can, too.

cle” in the “Features and Controls”

section. To maximize your safety

Safety Chains

when towing a trailer:

You should always attach chains between

•

Have your exhaust system

your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the

inspected for leaks, and make nec-

safety chains under the tongue of the

essary repairs before starting on

trailer to help prevent the tongue from con-

your trip.

tacting the road if it becomes separated

•

Keep the liftgate closed.

from the hitch. Instructions about safety

•

If exhaust does come into your

chains may be provided by the hitch manu-

vehicle through a window in the

facturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Fol-

rear or another opening, drive with

low the manufacturer’s recommendation

your front, main heating or cooling

for attaching safety chains and do not

system on and with the fan on any

attach them to the bumper. Always leave

speed. This will bring fresh, out-

just enough slack so you can turn with your

side air into your vehicle. Do not

rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on

use the climate control setting for

the ground.

maximum air because it only recir-

culates the air inside your vehicle.

Trailer Brakes

Refer to “Automatic Climate Con-

If your trailer weighs more than 1000 lbs

trol System” in “Climate Controls”

(450 kg) loaded, then it needs its own

in the “Instrument Panel” section.

brakes, and they must be adequate. Be

sure to read and follow the instructions for

the trailer brakes so you will be able to

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount

of experience. Before setting out for the

install, adjust and maintain them properly.

open road, you will want to get to know

4-23

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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE

your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of

Backing Up

When towing a trailer, the arrows on your

handling and braking with the added

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with

instrument panel will flash for turns even if

weight of the trailer. And always keep in

one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the

the bulbs on the trailer are burned out.

mind that the vehicle you are driving is now

left, just move that hand to the left. To

Thus, you may think drivers behind you are

a good deal longer and not nearly as

move the trailer to the right, move your

seeing your signal when they are not. It’s

responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

hand to the right. Always back up slowly

important to check occasionally to be sure

and, if possible, have someone guide you.

the trailer bulbs are still working.

Before you start, check all trailer hitch

parts and attachments, safety chains, elec-

Making Turns

Driving On Grades

trical connector, lamps, tires and mirror

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear

adjustment. If the trailer has electric

CAUTION

before you start down a long or steep

brakes, start your vehicle and trailer mov-

downgrade. If you do not shift down, you

ing and then apply the trailer brake control-

Making very sharp turns while traile-

might have to use your brakes so much

ler by hand to be sure the brakes are

ring could cause the trailer to come

that they would get hot and no longer work

working. This lets you check your electrical

in contact with the vehicle. Your vehi-

well.

connection at the same time.

cle could be damaged. Avoid making

very sharp turns while trailering.

During your trip, check occasionally to be

Parking on Hills

sure that the load is secure, and that the

When you are turning with a trailer, make

lamps and any trailer brakes are still work-

WARNING

wider turns than normal. Do this so your

ing.

trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs,

You really should not park your vehi-

road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid

cle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If

Following Distance

jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in

something goes wrong, your rig

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle

advance.

could start to move. People can be

ahead as you would when driving your

injured, and both your vehicle and

vehicle without a trailer. This can help you

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

the trailer can be damaged.

avoid situations that require heavy braking

When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to

and sudden turns.

have extra wiring.

But if you ever have to park your rig on a

hill, do the following:

Passing

The arrows on your instrument panel will

You will need more passing distance up

flash whenever you signal a turn or lane

1) Apply your regular brakes, but do not

ahead when you are towing a trailer. And,

change. Properly hooked up, the trailer

shift into PARK (P) yet.

because you are a good deal longer, you

lamps will also flash, telling other drivers

2) Have someone place chocks under the

will need to go much farther beyond the

you are about to turn, change lanes or

trailer wheels.

passed vehicle before you can return to

stop.

3) When the wheel chocks are in place,

your lane.

release the regular brakes until the

chocks absorb the load.

4-24

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Service

California Proposition 65 Warning

Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before

Most motor vehicles, including this one,

attempting to do your own service work,

Your dealer knows your vehicle best and

contain and/or emit chemicals known to

refer to “Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped

wants you to be happy with it. We hope

the State of California to cause cancer and

Vehicle” in “Airbag System” in the “Seats

you will go to your dealer for all your ser-

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

and Restraint Systems” section.

vice and parts needs.

Engine exhaust, many parts and systems

You should keep a record with all parts

(including some inside the vehicle), many

Accessories and Modifications

receipts and list the mileage and the date

fluids, and some component wear by-prod-

When you add non-Suzuki accessories to

of any service work you perform. Refer to

ucts contain and/or emit these chemicals.

your vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s

“Maintenance Record” in

“Maintenance

performance and safety, including such

Schedule” in the “Maintenance Schedule”

Doing Your Own Service Work

things as, airbags, braking, stability, ride

section.

and handling, emissions systems, aerody-

WARNING

namics, durability, and electronic systems

Adding Equipment to the Outside of

like anti-lock brakes, traction control, and

You can be injured and your vehicle

Your Vehicle

stability control. Some of these accesso-

could be damaged if you try to do

Things you might add to the outside of

ries may even cause malfunction or dam-

service work on a vehicle without

your vehicle can affect the airflow around

age not covered by warranty.

knowing enough about it.

it. This may cause wind noise and affect

• Be sure you have sufficient knowl-

windshield washer performance. Check

Suzuki accessories are designed to com-

edge, experience, the proper

with your dealer before adding equipment

plement and function with other systems

replacement parts, and tools before

to the outside of your vehicle.

on your vehicle. Your Suzuki dealer can

you attempt any vehicle mainte-

accessorize your vehicle using genuine

nance task.

Suzuki accessories. When you go to your

• Be sure to use the proper nuts,

Suzuki dealer and ask for Suzuki accesso-

bolts, and other fasteners. English

ries, you will know that Suzuki-trained and

and metric fasteners can be easily

supported service technicians will perform

confused. If you use the wrong fas-

the work using genuine Suzuki accesso-

teners, parts can later break or fall

ries.

off. You could be hurt.

If you want to do some of your own service

work, you will want to use the proper ser-

vice instruction. It tells you much more about

how to service your vehicle than this man-

ual can.

5-1

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Fuels in Foreign Countries

CAUTION

If you plan on driving in another country

outside the United States or Canada, the

Your vehicle was not designed for

proper fuel might be hard to find. Never

fuel that contains methanol. Do not

use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not

use fuel containing methanol. It can

recommended in the previous text on fuel.

corrode metal parts in the fuel sys-

Costly repairs caused by use of improper

tem and also damage plastic and rub-

fuel would not be covered by your war-

ber parts. That damage would not be

ranty.

covered under your warranty.

To check the fuel availability, ask an auto

Some gasolines that are not reformulated

club, or contact a major oil company that

for low emissions may contain an octane-

does business in the country where you

enhancing additive called methylcyclopen-

will be driving.

tadienyl manganese tricarbonyl

(MMT);

1733916

ask the attendant where you buy gasoline

Filling the Tank

The tethered fuel cap is located behind a

whether the fuel contains MMT. We rec-

hinged fuel door on the passenger’s side

ommend against the use of such gaso-

WARNING

of the vehicle.

lines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce

Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel

the life of spark plugs and the performance

To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly coun-

fire can cause bad injuries. To help

of the emission control system may be

terclockwise. The fuel cap has a spring in

avoid injuries to you and others, read

affected. The malfunction indicator lamp

it; if the cap is released too soon, it will

and follow all the instructions on the

may turn on. If this occurs, return to your

spring back to the right.

pump island. Turn off your engine

dealer for service.

when you are refueling. Do not

WARNING

smoke if you are near fuel or refuel-

ing your vehicle. Do not use cellular

If you spill fuel and then something

phones. Keep sparks, flames, and

ignites it, you could be badly burned.

smoking materials away from fuel. Do

Fuel can spray out on you if you open

not leave the fuel pump unattended

the fuel cap too quickly. This spray

when refueling your vehicle. This is

can happen if your tank is nearly full,

against the law in some places. Do

and is more likely in hot weather.

not re-enter vehicle while pumping

Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for

fuel. Keep children away from the

any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew

fuel pump; never let children pump

the cap all the way.

fuel.

5-3

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

overfill the tank and wait a few seconds

CAUTION

after you have finished pumping before

WARNING

If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to

removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from

get the right type. Your dealer can get

Never fill a portable fuel container

painted surfaces as soon as possible.

one for you. If you get the wrong

while it is in your vehicle. Static elec-

Refer to “Washing Your Vehicle” in this

type, it may not fit properly. This may

tricity discharge from the container

section.

cause your malfunction indicator

can ignite the gasoline vapor. You

When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clock-

lamp to light and may damage your

can be badly burned and your vehicle

wise until it clicks. Make sure the cap is

fuel tank and emissions system.

damaged if this occurs. To help avoid

fully installed. The diagnostic system can

Refer to

“Malfunction Indicator

injury to you and others:

determine if the fuel cap has been left off

Lamp” in “Warning Lights, Gages,

• Dispense gasoline only into

or improperly installed. This would allow

and Indicators” in the

“Instrument

approved containers.

fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.

Panel” section.

• Do not fill a container while it is

Refer to “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in

inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s

“Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators” in

trunk, pickup bed, or on any sur-

the “Instrument Panel” section.

face other than the ground.

• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with

WARNING

the inside of the fill opening before

operating the nozzle. Contact

If a fire starts while you are refueling,

should be maintained until the fill-

do not remove the nozzle. Shut off

ing is complete.

the flow of fuel by shutting off the

• Do not smoke while pumping gaso-

pump or by notifying the station

line.

attendant. Leave the area immedi-

• Do not use a cellular phone while

ately.

pumping gasoline.

5-4

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Checking Things Under the

Hood Release

Before closing the hood, be sure all the

To open the hood, do the following:

filler caps are on properly. Then pull the

Hood

hood down and close it firmly.

WARNING

An electric fan under the hood can

start up and injure you even when the

engine is not running. Keep hands,

clothing, and tools away from any

underhood electric fan.

1617949

1)

Pull the handle with this symbol on it. It

is located inside the vehicle, to the left

WARNING

of the steering column.

Things that burn can get on hot

engine parts and start a fire. These

include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant,

brake fluid, windshield washer and

other fluids, and plastic or rubber.

You or others could be burned. Be

careful not to drop or spill things that

will burn onto a hot engine.

1733505

2) Then go to the front of the vehicle and

release the secondary hood release by

pushing the lever up.

3) Lift the hood.

5-5

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Engine Compartment Overview

When you open the hood, here is what you will see:

1708418

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.

F. Underhood Fuse Block.

Refer to “Engine Air Cleaner/Filter” in this section.

Refer to “Engine Compartment Fuse Block” in this section.

B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).

G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.

Refer to “Power Steering Fluid” in this section.

Refer to “Jump Starting” in this section.

C. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). Refer to “When to Add

H. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank.

Engine Oil” under “Engine Oil” in this section.

Refer to “Cooling System” in this section.

D. Engine Oil Dipstick.

I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. Refer to

“Adding

Refer to “Checking Engine Oil” under “Engine Oil” in this sec-

Washer Fluid” under “Windshield Washer Fluid” in this sec-

tion.

tion.

E. Brake Fluid Reservoir. Refer to “Brake Fluid” under “Brakes”

5-6

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Engine Oil

When to Add Engine Oil

Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check your engine oil

every time you get fuel. In order to get an

accurate reading, the oil must be warm

and the vehicle must be on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow

loop. Refer to “Engine Compartment Over-

view” in this section for the location of the

engine oil dipstick.

1)

Turn off the engine and give the oil sev-

eral minutes to drain back into the oil

pan. If you do not do this, the oil dip-

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stick might not show the actual level.

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SAE 5W-30 may not appear on all caps.

2)

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a

If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at

paper towel or cloth, then push it back

Refer to “Engine Compartment Overview”

the tip of the dipstick, you need to add at

in all the way. Remove it again, keeping

in this section for the location of the engine

least one quart/liter of oil. But you must

the tip down, and check the level.

oil fill cap.

use the right kind. This section explains

what kind of oil to use. For engine oil

Be sure to add enough oil to put the level

crankcase capacity, refer to

“Capacities

somewhere in the proper operating range

and Specifications” in this section.

in the cross-hatched area. Push the dip-

stick all the way back in when you are

CAUTION

through.

Do not add too much oil. If the engine

has so much oil that the oil level gets

above the cross-hatched area that

shows the proper operating range,

the engine could be damaged.

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

CAUTION

Recommended SAE viscosity grade

engine oils

Use only engine oil identified as

HOT WEATHER

meeting standard GM6094M and

showing the American Petroleum

Institute Certified For Gasoline

LOOK FOR THIS

Engines starburst symbol. Failure to

SYMBOL AND

STANDARD

use the recommended oil can result

GM6094M

in engine damage not covered by

your warranty.

SAE 5W-30

If you are in an area of extreme cold,

where the temperature falls below -20°F

DO NOT USE SAE 10W-40, SAE 20W-50

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(-29°C), it is recommended that you use

OR ANY OTHER VISCOSITY GRADE OIL

either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an

NOT RECOMMENDED

Oils meeting these requirements should

COLD WEATHER

SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide easier cold

also have the starburst symbol on the con-

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starting and better protection for the

tainer. This symbol indicates that the oil

engine at extremely low temperatures.

Look for two things:

has been certified by the American Petro-

leum Institute (API).

•

GM6094M

Engine Oil Additives

Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meet-

Look for this information on the oil con-

Do not add anything to the oil. The recom-

ing standard GM6094M. Look for and

tainer, and use only those oils that are

mended oils with the starburst symbol that

use only an oil that meets standard

identified as meeting standard GM6094M

meet standard GM6094M are all you need

GM6094M.

and have the starburst symbol on the front

for good performance and engine protec-

•

SAE 5W-30

of the oil container.

tion.

As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE

5W-30 is best for your vehicle.

Engine Oil Life System

These numbers on an oil container show

When to Change Engine Oil

its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use

Your vehicle has a computer system that

other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-

lets you know when to change the engine

50.

oil and filter. This is based on engine revo-

lutions and engine temperature, and not on

mileage. Based on driving conditions, the

mileage at which an oil change will be indi-

cated can vary considerably. For the oil life

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