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All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 227
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.7L Engine..........................284
m3.5L Engine..........................285
m5.7L Engine..........................286
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......287
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................288
mReplacement Parts.....................289
mDealer Service........................289
mMaintenance Procedures.................290
NEngine Oil..........................290
NEngine Oil Filter......................295NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And
Tensioner...........................295
NSpark Plugs.........................295
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................295
NFuel Filter..........................296
NCatalytic Converter....................296
NMaintenance-Free Battery................297
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............299
NA/C Air Filter.......................300
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............300
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........301
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NSteering Linkage......................301
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............301
NBody Lubrication.....................301
NWindshield Wiper Blades................301
NWindshield Washers...................302
NExhaust System......................302
NCooling System.......................303
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......307
NBrakes.............................307
NBrake Fluid Level Check................309
NFuel System Hoses....................310
NAutomatic Transmission................310
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........311
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................311NCleaning The Center Console Cup
Holders Ð 300.......................315
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders Ð
300C, 300 Touring.....................315
mPower Distribution Centers...............315
NFront Power Distribution Center...........315
NRear Power Distribution Center...........318
mVehicle Storage........................321
mReplacement Light Bulbs................322
mBulb Replacement......................323
NLow Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
Park/Turn Lamp, Inner Park Lamp, And Outer
Park Lamp ± 300......................323
NLow Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
And Park/Turn Lamp ± 300C.............324
NBackup Lamp, Side Marker Lamp, And
Tail/Stop Turn Lamp Ð 300..............326
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Page 300 of 374

NOTE:NOTE: Air Conditioning systems found to be
contaminated with A/C System Sealers, Stop Leak Prod-
ucts, Seal Conditioners, Compressor Oil, or Refrigerants
not approved by the manufacturer, voids the warranty
for the Air Conditioning system.
A/C Air Filter
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.
Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).
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
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.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
308 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
²When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
²When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
Rear Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 60 Amp
ClearIgnition Off Draw
2 40 Amp
GreenBattery
Cavity Fuse Circuits
3ÐÐ
4 40 Amp
GreenBattery
5 30 Amp
PinkHeated Seat/Steering Column
6 20 Amp
YellowFuel Pump
7ÐÐ
8 15 Amp
Dk. BlueIgnition Start/Run - Start
9 20 Amp
YellowConsole Power Outlet
10 10 Amp
RedRear Fog Lamp Ð If Equipped
11 25 Amp
C/BRKRMemory Module/Door Locks
12 25 Amp
C/BRKRPassenger Power Seat
13 30 Amp
C/BRKRDoor Module Run/Acc/Delay
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
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Cavity Fuse Circuits
14 10 Amp
RedSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Cluster
15 20 Amp
YellowBrake Light (5.7L)
16 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet Trunk - if
equipped
17ÐÐ
18 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp
RedStop Lamp
20 20 Amp
YellowRear Wiper Ð If Equipped
21ÐÐ
22ÐÐ
23ÐÐ
24ÐÐ
25ÐÐ
26ÐÐ
27 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Occupant Classifica-
tion ModuleCavity Fuse Circuits
28 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if equipped
29 5 Amp
OrangeSentry Key/Remote Keyless
Entry/Powertrain Control
Module Ignition Feed
30 10 Amp
RedSteering Column Module/
Power Mirrors - if equipped
31ÐÐ
32ÐÐ
33ÐÐ
34ÐÐ
35 5 Amp
OrangePower Antenna/Garage Door
Opener/Ignition Delay
36 20 Amp
YellowRadio/Navigation
37 15 Amp
Dk. BlueTransmission
38 5 Amp
OrangeAnalog Clock/Garage Door
Opener
39 10 Amp
RedHeated Mirror
320 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Page 334 of 374
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle MopartSAE 75W140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant
334 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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