1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 200

NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperlycan damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs covered by not your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advicein this part,and see your Pontiac dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle equipped with a is 2.2L (Code 4) engine. You also cannot tow a trailerif your vehicle is equipped with a manual a three-speed or automatic transaxle, or is a convertible model. That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and thatof your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies and tiresare forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engineis required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generatingextra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig willbe legal, not only where you live but also where you'll bedriving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles (1 600 k ) m your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with proper trailer towingequipment. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacityis for your vehicle, you should readthe information in "Weightof the Trailer" that appears laterin this section. But trailering is different thanjust driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. 4-36