mCassette Tape And Player Maintenance......148
mCD/DVD Disc Maintenance..............149
mRadio Operation And Cellular Phones.......149
mClimate Controls......................149
NHeater Only Ð If Equipped..............150NAir Conditioning Ð If Equipped..........151
NOperating Tips.......................154
mRear Window Features Ð Hard Top Only....154
NRear Window Defogger.................154
NRear Window Wiper/Washer.............155
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
4
Bi-Level
Air comes from both instrument panel and floor
outlets. Also, a slight amount of airflow may be
noticed at the defrost outlet located at the base of the
windshield.
Floor
Air comes from the floor outlets. Also, a slight
amount of airflow may be noticed at the defrost
outlet located at the base of the windshield.
Mix
Air comes from the floor and defrost outlets with
air being directed through the demisters. This
mode works best in cold or snowy conditions. It
allows you to stay comfortable while keeping the
windshield clear.Defrost
Air comes from the windshield outlets with a
slight amount of air being directed through the
floor and demisters. Use this setting when necessary
to defrost or defog your windshield.
Air Conditioning Ð If Equipped
Blower Switch
The blower switch is the rotary knob to the left of the
controls. Turn the knob to the right to one of the four
positions to obtain the blower speed you desire.
NOTE:The blower motor will run until the system is
turned to the ªOffº (ªOº) position or the ignition is
turned OFF.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 151
4
Recirculation
Select this position when the outside air con-
tains smoke, odors, high humidity, or if rapid
cooling is desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only. Air flows through the
panel outlets in this mode. Also, a slight amount of
airflow may be noticed at the defrost outlet located at
the base of the windshield.
Panel
Outside air flows through the air conditioning
system, and then through the outlets located in
the instrument panel. Also, a slight amount of
airflow may be noticed at the defrost outlet located at
the base of the windshield.
Bi-Level
Outside air flows through the air conditioning
system, and then through the outlets located in
the instrument panel and those located on the floor.
Also, a slight amount of airflow may be noticed at the
defrost outlet located at the base of the windshield.Panel
Outside air comes from the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. Each of these outlets can be individu-
ally adjusted to direct the flow of air. Also, a slight
amount of airflow may be noticed at the defrost outlet
located at the base of the windshield.
Floor
Outside air comes from the floor outlets. Also, a
slight amount of airflow may be noticed at the
defrost outlet located at the base of the windshield.
Mix
Air comes from the floor and defrost outlets. This
mode works best in cold or snowy conditions. It
allows you to stay comfortable while keeping the
windshield clear.
Defrost
Air comes from the windshield outlets with a
small amount being directed through the floor
outlets. Use this setting when necessary to defrost
your windshield.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 153
4
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column, just
behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch and both
cluster indicators and all front and rear directional sig-
nals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn Hazard
Warning Flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transmission in N
(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
210 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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
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
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