Page 282 of 361

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere. The manufacture recommends
that air conditioning service be done by facilities using
refrigerant recycling and recovery equipment that meets
SAE standard J1991.
A/C Air Filter
The filter access door is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the
lock toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position).
Remove the access door and pull the filter downward.
When installing a new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion. Align the black arrow on the bottom of the filter
frame with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 283 of 361

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints are permanently sealed. No
regular maintenance is required for these components.
Steering Shaft Seal
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated. Use only manufacturers recom-
mended lubricant, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts for correct lubricant type.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283
7
Page 292 of 361

Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
292 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 313 of 361
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Power Transfer Unit MopartGear Lubricant 75W-90.
AWD Overrunning Clutch MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
AWD Rear Carrier MopartGear Lubricant 75W-90.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 or DOT 4+ is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
7
Page 350 of 361

Oil ..............................272,312
Oil Change Interval.................... 274
Oil Selection.......................... 274
Oil Synthetic......................... 276
Overheating.......................... 251
Temperature Gauge..................... 138
Exhaust Gas Caution..............29,62,239,286
Exhaust System......................... 285
Exterior Folding Mirrors................... 70
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 277
Air Conditioning....................192,282
Automatic Transaxle.................... 297
Engine Fuel.......................... 277
Engine Oil........................276,312
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 276
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 250Turn Signal.....................139,309,310
Floor Console.......................... 126
Fluid Capacities......................... 311
Fluid Leaks............................. 63
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 296
Brake............................... 313
Power Steering.....................282,313
Fog Light Service........................ 309
Fog Lights.......................106,143,309
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 260
Fuel................................. 235
Adding............................. 240
Additives............................ 238
Clean Air............................ 236
Filler Cap............................ 240
Filter............................... 277
Gasoline............................ 235
Gauge.............................. 139
350 INDEX
Page 358 of 361

Shoulder Belts........................... 32
Side Airbag............................. 50
Signals, Turn.....................139,309,310
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 259
Snow Chains........................... 233
Snow Tires............................ 234
Spare Tire............................. 253
Spark Plugs............................ 277
Speed Control.......................... 111
Speedometer........................... 139
Starting............................... 198
Engine Fails to Start.................... 199
Starting and Operating.................... 198
Steering
Linkage............................. 283
Power........................... 211,282
Shaft Seal............................ 283
Tilt Column.......................... 110Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................. 178
Storage............................126,306
Storage, Vehicle......................192,306
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 306
Sulfur in Gasoline....................... 237
Sun Roof.............................. 121
Sun Visor Extension....................... 73
Sunglass Storage........................ 115
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 43
System, Navigation...................... 182
Tachometer............................ 142
Tape Player............................ 164
Temperature Control, Automatic............. 183
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......138,251
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint.............53,55
Theft Alarm............................ 24
Theft System............................ 24
358 INDEX