CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The 5R55N transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid should be
added by a qualified technician.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is indicated on the transmission fluid pan, extension housing
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
211
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Maintenance and care
245
Safety restraints .................117,119
120,121,122,123
belt minder .............................124
cleaning the
safety belts .......................127,245
extension assembly ................127
for adults ............119,120,121,122
for children .............................136
warning light
and chime ......................11,13,124
Safety seats for children ..........137
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............117
Seats ..........................................112
child safety seats ....................137
cleaning ............................245,246
easy access/easyout feature ..115
memory seat ....................106,116
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .........107,108,109
Select Shift Transmission
(SST) shifter .............................160
Servicing your vehicle ..............195
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................247,251
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................249,251
Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle .........144,146
jump starting ..........................188
Steering
speed sensitive .......................152
Steering wheel
controls ......................................74
tilting ...............................13,71,73
Tachometer .................................15
Tilt steering wheel ......................73
Tires .............................184,222,223
changing ...........................184,185
checking the pressure ............223replacing ..................................225
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............226
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ................................222
Towing ................................168,223
recreational towing .................172
trailer towing ..........................168
wrecker ....................................194
Traction control ........................152
active light ................................12
Transmission ...............................13
automatic operation ...............155
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................211
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................212
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
lubricant specifications ...249,251
manual operation ...............13,163
Trip odometer .............................16
Trunk .........................................110
remote release ...................30,103
Turn signal ........................10,14,72
Vehicle dimensions ...................251
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................253
Vehicle loading ..........................167
Ventilating your vehicle ...........147
Warning chimes ......................13,14
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Water, Driving through .............166
Windows
power .........................................98
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............220
operation ...................................72
replacing wiper blades ...........221
Wrecker towing .........................194
Index
270
