Page 9 of 374
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key..........................12
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................14
mSentry Key Immobilizer System Ð If Equipped . .14
NImportant Note About Service.............15
NReplacement Keys......................15
NCustomer Key Programming..............16
NGeneral Information....................16
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........17NTo Manually Lock The Steering Wheel.......17
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........17
mIlluminated Entry........................17
mDoors And Door Locks....................18
NManual Door Locks.....................19
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........21
NAutomatic Door Locks Ð If Equipped.......21
NChild Protection Locks..................22
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................23
2
Page 72 of 374

NHead Restraints.......................92
NPower Seat Adjuster Ð If Equipped.........93
N65/35 Split Folding Rear Seat..............94
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............97
mTo Open And Close The Hood..............97
mLights................................98
NInterior Lights........................98
NFront Map/Reading Lights..............100
NMulti-Function Control Lever.............100
NParking Lights, Instrument Panel Lights, And
Headlights..........................101
NHigh Beam/Low Beam Select Switch.......101
NPassing Light........................101NTurn Signals.........................101
NLights-On Reminder...................102
NBattery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights.....102
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped...............102
NDaytime Running Lights Ð If Equipped.....102
NLight Bar Ð If Equipped................103
mWindshield Wipers And Washers............104
NWindshield Washers...................105
NMist Feature.........................106
NWindshield Wiper Operation.............106
NIntermittent Wiper System...............107
mTilt Steering Column....................107
72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 284 of 374

NPower Steering Fluid Check..............300
NDriveline And Steering Component
Lubrication..........................301
NBody Lubrication.....................301
NWindshield Wiper Blades................301
NWindshield Washers...................302
NExhaust System......................302
NCooling System.......................303
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......307
NBrake System........................308
NAutomatic Transmission................311
NHydraulic Clutch Fluid
Ð Manual Transmission................313
NManual Transmission..................313NTransfer Case........................313
NFront/Rear Axle Fluid..................315
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................315
mFuse Panel...........................320
NInterior Fuses........................320
N
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center). 323
mVehicle Storage........................324
mReplacement Bulbs......................324
mFluid Capacities........................326
mRecommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................327
NEngine.............................327
NChassis............................328
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 300 of 374

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Air Conditioning systems found to be contami-
nated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal
Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants not ap-
proved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty for the
Air Conditioning system.
Power Steering 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 areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
ªDaimlerChrysler Dealership.º
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only the manufacturer's recommended
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.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 308 of 374

Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
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 System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 309 of 374
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Often fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
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Page 328 of 374
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission MopartManual Transmission Lubricant (P/N 04874464)
Transfer Case MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Axle Differential (front-rear) MopartSAE 75W-140 (API GL5) Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
The 8.25 Corporate Rear Axle should use a SAE 75W-90 Gear Lubricant.
For trailer towing, the lubricant should be replaced with SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Gear Lubricant. Models equipped with Trac-LokŸ require a fric-
tion modifier additive.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Ball Joints, Prop Shafts, U-Joints,
Yokes, & Wheel BearingsMopartMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 EP, GC-LB
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 361 of 374

Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 297
Cruise Control.......................... 108
Cruise Light........................... 155
Cup Holder............................ 136
Customer Assistance..................... 348
Cylinder, Retest Requirements............... 102
Daytime Running Lights................... 102
Dealer Service.......................... 289
Defroster, Rear Window................... 204
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 287
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 101
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 290
Power Steering........................ 300
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 281
Disarming, Theft System................... 28
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 294Used Engine Fluids..................... 294
Door Locks............................. 18
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 21
Door Opener, Garage..................... 125
Doors................................. 18
Drive Belts............................ 294
Driving............................... 236
Off-Pavement......................... 236
On Hills............................ 237
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 237
When to Use Low Range................. 236
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 77
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary................. 133
Electrical Power Outlets................... 133
Electronic Speed Control................... 108
Electronic Vehicle Information Center.......... 112
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 272
INDEX 361
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