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. The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
. The frame mounted hitch must be compatible with aluminum.
. Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so, seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust can get into the vehicle. See Engine Exhaust 0 228.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer
to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Leave
enough slack so the rig can turn.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own brakes? State and local regulations may also require the trailer to have its own
braking system if loaded above a
certain threshold. These requirements vary from state to state.
Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or at all.
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{ Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0 141.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the vehicle’s systems.
304 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always check with your dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 95 and Adding Equipment to the