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If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control 0 237.
{ Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle 0 385.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may show how much weight it may properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and the Certification label.
{ Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles.
This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping distance, damage the tires, and shorten the life of the vehicle.
212 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of
the original equipment tires (3)
and the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation see Tires 0 348 and Tire Pressure
0 356.
There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear
axle. See “Certification Label” later
in this section.
“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 the "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 (5 x 150) =
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
DRIVING AND OPERATING 213
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing (PLUG-IN Only)
0 301 or Trailer Towing (Gasoline
Only) 0 301 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 =
136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lbs).
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 =
340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs).
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information label for specific information about the vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined