Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
Never stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in the vehicle's open storage compartments, on the luggage compartment cover, or on the top of the instrument
panel.
Always remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and stow them securely in the luggage compartment.
Passengers must never ride in an incorrect seating position because objects are being transported in the vehicle.
Never let anybody sit in a seat that is blocked by objects being carried in the vehicle.
Never let anyone ride in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change and increases braking distances. Heavy loads which are not properly
stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause serious personal injury.
Transporting heavy items causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change by shifting the vehicle's center of gravity.
Always distribute luggage evenly and as low as possible within the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in
the vehicle (passengers and luggage).
Always stow luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment as far forward of the rear axle as possible and secure them with appropriate straps to
the tie-downs provided.
Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
Never exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Axle Weight Ratings, which are printed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the door jamb of the driver door. Exceeding the permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and behave differently.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to accommodate your payload and its weight distribution within your vehicle.
Be especially cautious and gentle when stepping on the accelerator pedal and avoid sudden braking and other maneuvers.
Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
NOTE
The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub against them.
The ventilation slots in the luggage compartment must not be blocked so that stale air can escape from the vehicle.
If applicable, please review the information on loading a trailer ⇒ Trailer towingꢀ and a roof rack ⇒ Roof rackꢀ.
Luggage compartment cover
Fig. 179 In the luggage compartment: Installing and removing the luggage compartment cover.
When you open or close the trunk lid, the supporting cords, when attached, will automatically raise or lower the luggage compartment cover.
You can put light articles of clothing on the luggage compartment cover. But remember that your view through the rear window must not be obstructed.
Removing the luggage compartment cover
Unhook the supporting cords from each side of the trunk lid ⇒ Fig. 179ꢀ (top arrows).
Push the luggage compartment cover upward from below ⇒ Fig. 179ꢀ (bottom arrows) until it releases from the side brackets.
If necessary, stow the luggage compartment cover under the variable luggage compartment floor ⇒ Variable luggage compartment floorꢀ. Remove one or both
of the side panels in the luggage compartment to make more room, if necessary ⇒ Other storage compartmentsꢀ.
Installing the luggage compartment cover
Press the luggage compartment cover into the side brackets from above ⇒ Fig. 179ꢀ (bottom arrows).
Hook the supporting cords onto the trunk lid ⇒ Fig. 179ꢀ (top arrows).
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