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Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The yellow BAS malfunction indicator light
comes on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ªONº position. The light should
go out with the engine running. If the BAS
malfunction indicator light comes on continuously with
the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in
either the BAS or the ESP system. If this light stays
illuminated, have the BAS and ESP checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. The
yellow BAS malfunction indicator light and the
yellow ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster both come on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ªONº position. They should go out with the
engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the BAS or the
ESP system. If this light stays illuminated, have the BAS
and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)Ð IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3
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The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor's information varies from the
driver's intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP OFF switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP OFF
switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
ESP OFF Switch
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 212 of 374

3 (Third)
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The trans-
mission will operate normally in First, Second and
Third while in this range. The ª3º position should also
be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:
Using the ª3º range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
L (Low)
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts
will occur only to prevent engine overspeed while
downshifts occur earlier than other gear range selec-
tions.
CAUTION!
²Never race the engine with the brakes on and the
vehicle in gear, and never hold the vehicle on an
incline without applying the brakes. These prac-
tices can cause overheating and damage to the
transmission.
²When ªrockingº a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween ªFirstº and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.
212 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 272 of 374

7. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and
tire. Remove the cover by hand, do not pry off.
8. Mount the spare tire. For vehicles equipped with
wheel covers, see the wheel cover installation instruc-
tions. Do not attempt to install a wheel cover on a
compact spare.
9. Tighten all the lug nuts on the mounting studs.
10. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
11. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque the wheel lug nuts
to 100 ft/lb. (135N. m).
12. Store the flat tire, jack and tools.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Compact Spare Tire
The compact spare tire is for temporary emergency use
with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
²Keep tire inflated to 60 PSI (414 KPa) Cold Inflation
Pressure.
²Avoid driving more than 50 miles (80 km) before
replacing tire and wheel.
²This tire is designed as an emergency spare only-do
not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) speed.
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES