Page 255 of 382

Chrome parts
To prevent spots and corrosion of chrome parts, wash
with water, dry thoroughly, and apply a nonabrasive
automotive wax. If the chrome is severely damaged or
pitted use a commercially available chrome polish.
Aluminum wheels (if so equipped)
A protective coating is provided over aluminum wheels.
Clean aluminum wheels with a cleaner designed for use
on aluminum and apply an appropriate protection agent.
CAUTION!
²Do not use abrasive cleaners.
²Brushes may damage the aluminum wheel sur-
face. Be sure to use a sponge, chamois, etc.
²Do not apply hot water directly from a steam
cleaner to the wheel surface.
²Wheels exposed to sea water or road chemicals
should be cleaned as soon as possible.
Window glass
The window glass can be cleaned using only a sponge
and water. Glass cleaner can be used to remove wax, oil,
grease, dead insects, etc. After washing the glass, wipe
dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
Wiper blades
Use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove grease, dead
insects, etc., from the wiper blades.
Replace the wiper blades when they no longer clean the
windshield properly.
Cleaning the sunroof (if so equipped)
Clean the inside of the sunroof with a soft cloth. Hard
deposits should be wiped away with a cloth dipped in
warm, neutral detergent solution. Wipe away the solu-
tion with a sponge dipped in fresh water.
NOTE: The surface treatment on the inside of the glass
may be removed if a hard cloth or organic solvent is used.
Engine compartment
Never spray or splash water on the electrical components
in the engine compartment, as this may adversely affect
the electrical circuits.
VEHICLE CARE 255
7
Page 275 of 382

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Maintenance Section of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key is
in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
JUMP-STARTING THE ENGINE
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is
weak or dead, the battery from another vehicle can be
used with booster cables to start the engine.
EMERGENCIES 275
8
Page 303 of 382

MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
mView of engine compartment..............305
mService precautions.....................306
mEmission-control system maintenance.......307
mEmissions Testing......................308
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)........308
mReplacement Parts......................309
NFuel system (tank, filler tube, connections,
and fuel tank filler cap).................309
NFuel hoses...........................309
NAir cleaner filter......................310
NEvaporative emission control system
(except evaporative emission canister).......310
NSpark plugs..........................311
NIgnition cables........................311NDistributor cap and rotor................311
mGeneral maintenance....................312
NEngine oil and oil filter..................312
mEngine coolant.........................316
NTo check the coolant level................316
NTo add coolant........................316
mBrake fluid...........................317
mClutch fluid (manual transaxle)............318
NTo check the clutch fluid.................318
NTo replace the fluid....................318
mBattery..............................319
NDuring cold weather...................319
9
Page 305 of 382
VIEW OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil level dipstick
5. Battery
6. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transaxle only)7. Brake fluid reservoir
8. Windshield washer reservoir
9. Drive belt
10. Radiator cap
11. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
12. Air cleaner filter
Q02A2510
2.4 liter engine
Q02A2520
3.0 liter engine
MAINTENANCE 305
9
Page 311 of 382

Spark plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure proper engine
performance and emission-control.
Do not reuse spark plugs by cleaning or regapping. Spark
plugs should be replaced at the mileage specified on the
scheduled maintenance chart.
Your vehicle may be equipped with standard type spark
plugs or iridium tipped ones. Iridium tipped spark plugs
are identified by blue marks on the ceramic. They do notrequire replacement as frequently as the conventional
type spark plug and are designed to last much longer.
NOTE: Use the recommended or equivalent spark plugs
listed under ªEngine specificationsº on page 361.
Use of non-recommended plugs will cause engine dam-
age, loss of performance or radio noise.
Ignition cables
The ignition cables should be kept clean, properly con-
nected, and fully seated. Terminals should be fully seated
and should not be removed from the distributor or coil
towers unless they are damaged or cable testing indicates
high resistance or broken insulation. Cracked, damaged,
or faulty cables must be replaced.
Distributor cap and rotor
Check the distributor cap and rotor to maintain proper
function and good emission control.
P15A0340
Iridium tipped
type
MAINTENANCE 311
9
Page 312 of 382
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The following pages contain the maintenance service
recommended by DaimlerChrysler. In addition to the
general maintenance items for which fixed maintenance
intervals have been specified, there are other items which
are expected to operate satisfactorily without periodic
maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
See your authorized dealer for assistance, if you have any
questions.
Engine oil and oil filter
M03A0700
2.4 liter engine
Good
312 MAINTENANCE
Page 313 of 382

To check and refill engine oil
It is normal for an engine to consume some oil. You may
find it necessary to add oil between the recommended oil
change intervals. Before starting the engine, check the
engine oil level. Replenish if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off,
and gently insert it fully into the crankcase. Slowly
remove it again. The oil level must not exceed the range
of ªGoodº on the dipstick.
NOTE: The engine must be ªOFFº when performing oil
level checks.
If the level does not reach the range of ªGoodº, which
indicates minimum necessary quantity of oil, remove the
oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, and refill to within
the ªGoodº range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
WARNING!
²Used engine oil is contaminated, and can cause
skin problems: Avoid contact with the skin and
wash thoroughly after working with used oil.
²Keep used oil out of reach of children.
M03A0710
3.0 liter engine
Good
MAINTENANCE 313
9
Page 314 of 382
To replace the oil filter
The oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage
specified on the scheduled maintenance chart.
You should be sure that any replacement filter used on
this vehicle is a high quality filter. The manufacturer 's
specifications for Genuine DaimlerChrysler oil filters
require that the filter be capable of withstanding a
pressure of 256 psi (1.8MPa). A Genuine DaimlerChrysler
oil filter is recommended as a replacement filter.
Follow the installation instructions printed on the filter.
Engine oil identification mark
Use only engine oils displaying the ILSAC certification
symbol on the front of the container.
M03A0150
ILSAC certification mark
(ªStarburstº symbol)
314 MAINTENANCE