To determine the battery charge, check the battery test
indicator (if equipped) on top of the battery. Refer to the
illustration.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked (+) positive
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Also, if a ªfast chargerº is used while battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
ªfast chargerº to provide starting voltage.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
7
WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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 are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
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.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CAUTION!
When replacing plugs, do not overtighten. You could
damage them and cause them to leak.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer's recommended fluid, refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Front/Rear Axle FluidFluid Level Check
Lubricant should be at bottom edge of the oil fill hole.
Adding Fluid
Add lubricant only at the fill hole and only to the level
specified above.
Selection of Lubricant
Use only manufacturer's recommended fluid, refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for
correct fluid type.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Maintenance After Off-Road Driving
After extended operation in mud, sand or water, or
similar dirty conditions, have your brake drums, brake
linings, and axle joints inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible. This will prevent any abrasive material from
causing excessive wear or unpredictable braking action.
Following off-road usage, completely inspect the under-
body of your vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steer-
ing, suspension and exhaust system for damage. Check
threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the
chassis, drivetrain components, steering and suspension.
Retighten, if required, to torque values specified in the
Service Manual. Also check for accumulations of vegeta-
tion or brush that could become a fire hazard, or conceal
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and
propeller shafts. Check air conditioning drain tube on the
lower dash wall in the engine compartment for mud or
debris, and clean as required. A plugged tube will
adversely affect air conditioning performance.CAUTION!
Under frequent heavy-duty driving conditions,
change all lubricants, and lubricate body compo-
nents and steering linkage more often than in nor-
mal service to prevent excessive wear.
FUSE PANEL
Interior Fuses
The fuse panel is located behind the glove box.
254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
Your vehicle is equipped with an electrical power distri-
bution center located in the engine compartment near the
battery. This power center houses plug-in ªCartridgeº
fuses, ISO relays, and Mini (Micro) fuses.
A label inside the latching cover of the center identifies
each component for ease of replacement, if necessary.
Cartridge and mini (micro) fuses can be obtained from
your authorized dealer.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
²Remove Cartridge fuse #15 in the Power Distribution
Center labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD).
²Store the removed IOD fuse in the Power Distribution
Center location #11 labeled ªIOD Storage.º
²Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
²Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
256 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule(B(. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Excessive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Schedule ªBº
Follow this schedule if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Excessive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000)
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X
Inspect the engine air filter element, replace if
necessary.X
Lubricate the steering linkage tie rod ends. X X X X X
Lubricate the steering and suspension ball joints. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Drain and refill the front and rear axle fluid³ X
SCHEDULE ªBº 265
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
About Your Brakes...................... 177
Add-A-Trunk........................... 65
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 155
Air Cleaner, Engine..................... 234
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 235
Air Conditioning....................... 151
Air Conditioning Controls................ 152
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 154
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 236
Air Filter............................. 234
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 192
Airbag................................ 22
Airbag Deployment...................... 27
Airbag Light........................29,118
Airbag Maintenance...................... 29
Airbag On/Off Switch.................... 26
Alignment and Balance.................. 195
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 147
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 258
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 179
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 119
Appearance Care....................... 248Ashtray............................... 62
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 62
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 46
Automatic Transmission...............165,245
Adding Fluid........................ 246
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Fluid Type.......................... 245
Gear Ranges......................... 166
Shifting............................ 165
Special Additives..................... 246
Torque Converter..................... 170
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet................. 63
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 63
Battery............................... 234
Emergency Starting.................... 216
Voltmeter........................... 116
Belts, Drive........................... 231
Belts, Seat............................. 17
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 237
Brake System.......................... 243
Anti-Lock........................... 179
288 INDEX