brakes DODGE CHARGER 2023 Owners Manual

76
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The gear selector must be in the PARK position before you
can start the engine. Apply the brakes before shifting into
any driving gear.
NORMAL STARTING
To Turn On The Engine Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal while pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button once.
3. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 10 seconds. 4. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to
the engine starting, push the ENGINE START/STOP
button again.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or pressing the accelerator
pedal.
To Turn Off The Engine Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. Place the gear selector in PARK, then push and release the ENGINE START/STOP button.

2. The ignition will return to the OFF position.
3. If the gear selector is not in PARK, the ENGINE START/STOP button must be held for two seconds or
three short pushes in a row with the vehicle speed
above 5 mph (8 km/h) before the engine will shut off.
The ignition will remain in the ACC position until the
gear selector is in PARK and the button is pushed
twice to the OFF position. If the gear selector is not in
PARK and the ENGINE START/STOP button is pushed
once, the instrument cluster will display a “Vehicle
Not In Park” message and the engine will remain
running. Never leave a vehicle out of the PARK
position, or it could roll.
WARNING!
When exiting the vehicle, always make sure the igni -
tion is in OFF position, remove the key fob from the
vehicle and lock the vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Leaving children in a
vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously or fatally
injured. Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in
a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition (of a vehicle equipped with Keyless Enter
’n Go™) in the ACC or ON/RUN position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.
 Do not leave children or animals inside parked vehi -
cles in hot weather. Interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
 Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 76

STARTING AND OPERATING81
IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF position. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF position.
NOTE:The transmission is NOT locked in PARK when the ignition
is in the ACC position (even though the engine will be off).
Ensure that the transmission is in PARK, and the ignition
is OFF (not in ACC position) before exiting the vehicle.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
I
NTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with a BTSI that holds the
transmission gear selector in PARK unless the brakes are
applied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the engine
must be running and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when the vehicle is
stopped or moving at low speeds.
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The transmission gear range is displayed both on the gear
selector and in the instrument cluster. To select a gear
range, push the lock button on the gear selector and move
the selector rearward or forward. To shift the transmission
out of PARK, the engine must be running and the brake
pedal must be pressed. You must also press the brake
pedal to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE when
the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds. Select the
DRIVE range for normal driving.
NOTE:

The transmission electronics are self-calibrating; there -
fore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some -
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision
shifts will develop within a few hundred miles (kilome -
ters).
 In the event of a mismatch between the gear selector
position and the actual transmission gear (for example,
driver selects PARK while driving), the position indi -
cator will blink continuously until the selector is
returned to the proper position, or the requested shift
can be completed.
The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions.
Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears. The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and MANUAL (AutoStick) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward
(+) while in the MANUAL (AutoStick) position (beside the
DRIVE position) will manually select the transmission gear,
and will display the current gear in the instrument cluster
Úpage 83.

Automatic Transmission Gear Selector

NOTE:
If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,
REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward) it
is probably in the MANUAL (AutoStick, +/-) position (beside
the DRIVE position). In MANUAL (AutoStick) mode, the
transmission gear is displayed in the instrument cluster
(as M1, M2, M3, etc.). Move the gear selector to the right
(into the DRIVE [D] position) for access to PARK, REVERSE,
and NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
 Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop.
 Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or
DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.
 Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING87
(Continued)
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while traveling on
highways and major roadways. However, it is not a safety
system and not designed to prevent collisions. The Cruise
Control function performs differently
Úpage 85.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged in light
to moderate traffic conditions without the constant need
to reset your Cruise Control. ACC utilizes a radar sensor
and a forward facing camera designed to detect a vehicle
directly ahead of you.
NOTE:
 If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC will
apply limited braking or acceleration (not to exceed the
original set speed) automatically to maintain a preset
following distance, while matching the speed of the
vehicle ahead.
 Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifications to
the vehicle will affect the performance of the Adaptive
Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning systems.
 Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled) will not
detect vehicles directly ahead of you. Always be aware
of the feature selected
Úpage 277.
WARNING!
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience
system. It is not a substitute for active driver involve -
ment. It is always the driver’s responsibility to be
attentive of road, traffic, and weather conditions,
vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and,
most importantly, brake operation to ensure safe
operation of the vehicle under all road conditions.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving to maintain safe control of your vehicle.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in a colli -
sion and death or serious personal injury.
 The ACC system:
 Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehi -
cles, and stationary objects (e.g., a stopped
vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
 Cannot take street, traffic, and weather condi -
tions into account, and may be limited upon
adverse sight distance conditions.
 Does not always fully recognize complex driving
conditions, which can result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.Will bring the vehicle to a complete stop while
following a vehicle ahead and hold the vehicle
for two seconds in the stop position. If the
vehicle ahead does not start moving within two
seconds, the ACC system will display a message
that the system will release the brakes and that
the brakes must be applied manually. An
audible chime will sound when the brakes are
released.
You should switch off the ACC system:
 When driving in fog, heavy rain, heavy snow, sleet,
heavy traffic, and complex driving situations (i.e., in
highway construction zones).
 When entering a turn lane or highway off-ramp; when
driving on roads that are winding, icy, snow-covered,
slippery, or have steep uphill or downhill slopes.
 When towing a trailer up or down steep slopes.
 When circumstances do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
WARNING!
4

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88STARTING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Operation
The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel operate
the ACC system.

Adaptive Cruise Control Buttons

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Menu
The instrument cluster display will show the current ACC
system settings. The information it displays depends on
ACC system status. Push the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button until
one of the following appears in the instrument cluster
display:
Adaptive Cruise Control Off
When ACC is deactivated, the display will read “Adaptive
Cruise Control Off.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Ready
When ACC is activated, but the vehicle speed setting has
not been selected, the display will read “Adaptive Cruise
Control Ready.”
Adaptive Cruise Control Set
When the SET (+) or the SET (-) button is pushed, the
display will read “ACC SET.”
When ACC is set, the set speed will show in the instrument
cluster display.
The ACC screen may display once again if any of the
following ACC activity occurs:

System Cancel
 Driver Override
 System Off
 ACC Proximity Warning
 ACC Unavailable Warning
The instrument cluster display will return to the last
display selected after five seconds of no ACC display
activity.
Activating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The minimum set speed for the ACC system is 20 mph
(32 km/h).
When the system is turned on and in the ready state, the
instrument cluster displays “ACC Ready.”
When the system is off, the instrument cluster display will
read “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
NOTE:You cannot engage ACC under the following conditions:
 When the brakes are applied
 When the parking brake is applied
 When the transmission is in PARK, REVERSE or
NEUTRAL
 When the vehicle speed is below the minimum speed
range
 When the brakes are overheated
 When the driver’s door is open at low speeds
 When the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled at low speeds
 When there is a stationary vehicle in front of your
vehicle in close proximity
To Activate/Deactivate
Push and release the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on/off
button. The ACC menu in the instrument cluster displays
“ACC Ready.”
To turn the system off, push and release the Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) on/off button again. At this time, the
system will turn off and the instrument cluster displays
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Off.”
1 — CANC/Cancel
2 — Fixed Speed Cruise Control On/Off
3 — Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On/Off
4 — Distance Setting Decrease
5 — SET (+)/Accel
6 — RES/Resume
7 — SET (-)/Decel
8 — Distance Setting Increase

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90STARTING AND OPERATING
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph (0 km/h)
when ACC is active.
NOTE:
While in ACC mode, when the vehicle comes to a
complete stop longer than two seconds, the system will
cancel. The driver will have to apply the brakes to keep
the vehicle at a standstill.
 ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary vehicle
in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set speed by
pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease speed by pushing
the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
 Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 mph. 
If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 5 mph increments until the button
is released. The new set speed is reflected in the instru -
ment cluster display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
 Pushing the SET (+), or SET (-) button once will result in
a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each subsequent tap of
the button results in an adjustment of 1 km/h.
 If the button is continually pushed, the set speed will
continue to adjust in 10 km/h increments until the
button is released. The new set speed is reflected in
the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:When you override and push the SET (+) button or SET (-)
button, the new set speed will be the current speed of the
vehicle.
When ACC Is Active:
 When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if the
engine’s braking power does not slow the vehicle suffi -
ciently to reach the set speed, the brake system will
automatically slow the vehicle.
 The ACC system applies the brake down to a full stop
when following the vehicle in front. If your vehicle
follows the vehicle in front to a standstill, your vehicle
will release the brakes two seconds after coming to a
full stop.
 The ACC system maintains set speed when driving
uphill and downhill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting may
occur while climbing uphill or descending downhill. This is normal operation and necessary to maintain set
speed. When driving uphill and downhill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature exceeds
normal range (overheated).
Setting The Following Distance In ACC
The specified following distance for ACC can be set by
varying the distance setting between four bars (longest),
three bars (long), two bars (medium) and one bar (short).
Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed, ACC
calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead. This
distance setting appears in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Settings

WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if traffic and
road conditions permit. Resuming a set speed that is
too high or too low for prevailing traffic and road
conditions could cause the vehicle to accelerate or
decelerate too sharply for safe operation. Failure to
follow these warnings can result in a collision and death
or serious personal injury.
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)

23_LD_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 90

STARTING AND OPERATING91
To increase the distance setting, push the Distance
Setting Increase button and release. Each time the button
is pushed, the distance setting increases by one bar
(longer).
To decrease the distance setting, push the Distance
Setting Decrease button and release. Each time the
button is pushed, the distance setting decreases by one
bar (shorter).
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the
set speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the
same lane, the instrument cluster display will show the
ACC Set With Target Detected Indicator Light, and the
system will adjust the vehicle speed automatically to
maintain the distance setting, regardless of the set speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the
set speed.
 The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of the
sensor.
 The distance setting is changed.
 The system disengages
Úpage 88.
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; however,
the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC system
applies the brakes. A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC predicts that
its maximum braking level is not sufficient to maintain the
set distance. If this occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE!” will
flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will
sound while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking
capacity.
NOTE:The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster display is a
warning for the driver to take action and does not neces
-
sarily mean that the Forward Collision Warning system is
applying the brakes autonomously.
Overtake Aid
When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged
and following a vehicle, the system will provide an
additional acceleration up to the ACC set speed to assist
in passing the vehicle. This additional acceleration is
triggered when the driver utilizes the left turn signal and
will only be active when passing on the left hand side.
ACC Operation At Stop
In the event that the ACC system brings your vehicle to a
standstill while following the vehicle in front, if the vehicle
in front starts moving within two seconds of your vehicle
coming to a standstill, your vehicle will resume motion
without the need for any driver action.
If the vehicle in front does not start moving within two
seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, the ACC
with Stop system will cancel and the brakes will release. A
cancel message will display on the instrument cluster
display and produce a warning chime. Driver intervention
will be required at this moment. While ACC with Stop is holding your vehicle at a standstill,
if the driver seat belt is unbuckled or the driver door is
opened, the ACC with Stop system will cancel and the
brakes will release. A cancel message will display on the
instrument cluster display and produce a warning chime.
Driver intervention will be required at this moment.
Display Warnings And Maintenance
“WIPE FRONT RADAR SENSOR IN FRONT OF
VEHICLE” WARNING
The “ACC/FCW Unavailable Wipe Front Radar Sensor”
warning will display and a chime will sound when
conditions temporarily limit system performance.
This most often occurs at times of poor visibility, such as
in snow or heavy rain. The ACC system may also become
temporarily blinded due to obstructions, such as mud, dirt
or ice. In these cases, the instrument cluster display will
display the above message and the system will deactivate.
This message can sometimes be displayed while driving in
highly reflective areas (i.e. ice and snow, or tunnels with
reflective tiles). The ACC system will recover after the
vehicle has left these areas. Under rare conditions, when
the radar is not tracking any vehicles or objects in its path
this warning may temporarily occur.
WARNING!
When the ACC system is resumed, the driver must
ensure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles or
objects in the path of the vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision and death or serious
personal injury.
4

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STARTING AND OPERATING93
OFFSET DRIVING
ACC may not detect a vehicle in the same lane that is
offset from your direct line of travel, or a vehicle merging
in from a side lane. There may not be sufficient distance
to the vehicle ahead. The offset vehicle may move in and
out of the line of travel, which can cause your vehicle to
brake or accelerate unexpectedly.

Offset Driving Condition Example

TURNS AND BENDS
When driving on a curve with ACC engaged, the system
may increase or decrease the vehicle speed for stability,
with no vehicle ahead detected. Once the vehicle is out of
the curve, the system will resume your original set speed.
This is a part of normal ACC system functionality.
NOTE:On tight turns ACC performance may be limited.
USING ACC ON HILLS
ACC performance may be limited when driving on hills.
ACC may not detect a vehicle in your lane depending on
the speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions, and the
steepness of the hill.

ACC Hill Example

LANE CHANGING
ACC may not detect a vehicle until it is completely in the
lane in which you are traveling. In the following lane
changing example, ACC has not yet detected the vehicle
changing lanes and it may not detect the vehicle until it's
too late for the ACC system to take action. ACC may not
detect a vehicle until it is completely in the lane. There
may not be sufficient distance to the lane-changing
vehicle. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes
if necessary.

Lane Changing Example

NARROW VEHICLES
Some narrow vehicles traveling near the outer edges of
the lane or edging into the lane are not detected until they
have moved fully into the lane. There may not be sufficient
distance to the vehicle ahead.

Narrow Vehicle Example

4

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94STARTING AND OPERATING
STATIONARY OBJECTS AND VEHICLES
ACC does not react to stationary objects or vehicles. For
example, ACC will not react in situations where the vehicle
you are following exits your lane and the vehicle ahead is
stopped in your lane. It will consider this stopped vehicle a
stationary object as it did not previously detect movement
from it. Always be attentive and ready to apply the brakes
if necessary.

Stationary Object And Stationary Vehicle Example

PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST — IF
EQUIPPED
The ParkSense Rear Park Assist system provides visual
and audible indications of the distance between the rear
fascia/bumper and a detected obstacle when backing up
(e.g. during a parking maneuver).
For limitations of this system and recommendations, see
Úpage 97.
ParkSense will retain the system state (enabled or
disabled) from the previous ignition cycle when the
ignition is changed to the ON/RUN position.
ParkSense can be active only when the gear selector is in
REVERSE. If ParkSense is enabled at this gear selector
position, the system will remain active until the vehicle
speed is increased to approximately 7 mph (11 km/h) or
above. The system will become active again if the vehicle
speed is decreased to less than approximately 6 mph
(9 km/h).
PARKSENSE SENSORS
The four ParkSense sensors, located in the rear fascia/
bumper, monitor the area behind the vehicle that is within
the sensors’ field of view. The sensors can detect
obstacles from approximately 12 inches (30 cm) up to
79 inches (200 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper. These
distances depend on the location, type and orientation of
the obstacle in the horizontal direction.
PARKSENSE DISPLAY
The warning display will turn on indicating the system
status when the vehicle is in REVERSE and an obstacle
has been detected.
The system will indicate a detected obstacle by showing a
single arc in the left and/or right front or rear regions
based on the object’s distance and location relative to the
vehicle.
If an object is detected in the left and/or right rear region,
the display will show a single arc in the left and/or right
rear region and the system will produce a tone. As the
vehicle moves closer to the object, the display will show
the single arc moving closer to the vehicle and the tone will
change from a single 1/2 second tone to slow, to fast, to
continuous.

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100STARTING AND OPERATING
When the LaneSense system senses the lane has been
approached and is in a lane departure situation, the
left lane line flashes yellow (on/off). The LaneSense
telltale changes from solid yellow to flashing yellow. At
this time torque is applied to the steering wheel in the
opposite direction of the lane boundary.
For example, if approaching the left side of the lane the
steering wheel will turn to the right.

Lane Approached With Flashing Yellow Line/Flashing Yellow
Telltale

NOTE:
The LaneSense system operates with similar behavior for
a right lane departure.
CHANGING LANESENSE STATUS
The LaneSense system has settings to adjust the intensity
of the torque warning and the warning zone sensitivity
(early/med/late) that you can configure through the
Uconnect system
Úpage 112.
NOTE:
 When enabled the system operates above 37 mph
(60 km/h) and below 112 mph (180 km/h).
 The warnings are disabled with the use of the turn
signal.
 The system will not apply torque to the steering wheel
whenever a safety system engages (Anti-Lock Brakes,
Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control,
Forward Collision Warning, etc.).
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera allows you to see an
on-screen image of the rear surroundings of your vehicle
whenever the gear selector is put into REVERSE. The
image will be displayed on the Navigation/Multimedia
radio display screen along with a caution note to “Check
Entire Surroundings” across the top of the screen. After
five seconds this note will disappear. The ParkView Rear
Back Up Camera is located on the rear of the vehicle
above the rear license plate.
NOTE:
The ParkView Rear Back Up Camera has programmable
modes of operation that may be selected through the
Uconnect system
Úpage 112.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE with camera
delay turned off, the rear camera mode is exited and the
previous screen appears. When the vehicle is shifted out
of REVERSE with camera delay turned on, the camera
image will continue to be displayed for up to 10 seconds
unless the following conditions occur: The vehicle speed exceeds 8 mph (13 km/h), the vehicle
is shifted into PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the
OFF position, or the touchscreen X button is pressed.
When manually activated, a counter will be initiated after
the vehicle speed is above 8 mph (13 km/h). The rear
view camera image will turn off when this counter reaches
10 seconds. The counter will be reset when the vehicle
speed is 8 mph (13 km/h) or below. If the vehicle speed
remains below 8 mph (13 km/h), the rear view camera
image will continue to be displayed until the transmission
is shifted into PARK, the vehicle’s ignition is placed in the
OFF position, or the touchscreen X button is pressed.
When enabled, active guidelines are overlaid on the image
to illustrate the width of the vehicle and its projected
backup path based on the steering wheel position.
Different colored zones indicate the distance to the rear of
the vehicle. The following table shows the approximate
distances for each zone:
Zone
Distance To The Rear Of The
Vehicle
Red 0 - 1 ft (0 - 30 cm)
Yellow 1 ft - 6.5 ft (30 cm - 2 m)
Green 6.5 ft or greater (2 m or
greater)

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STARTING AND OPERATING103
OVERLOADING
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the front and
rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your vehicle
is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's
GVWR.
LOADING
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as evenly
as possible. Stow all loose items securely before driving. If
weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you have
exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within the
specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
NOTE:
Refer to the Vehicle Certification Label affixed to the
rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR.
 Refer to the Tire And Loading Information Placard for
your vehicle's proper tire pressure
Úpage 252.
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
Úpage 102.
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 102.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose control
of the vehicle and have a collision.
4

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