MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintainthe oil level in the “SAFE” range. Adding one quart of oil
when the reading is at the bottom of the “SAFE” range
will result in an oil level at the top of the “SAFE” range
on these engines.
NOTE:Fill engine oil one quart at a time.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7
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:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
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 “Maintenance Schedules” section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
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.
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 manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 249
7
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.
Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 279
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Break-In Recommendations............... 56
Checking Oil Level.................... 241
Compartment........................ 237
Coolant (Antifreeze)................252,276
Cooling............................ 252
Exhaust Gas Caution................56,217
Fails to Start......................... 182
Fuel Requirements.................214,275
Oil ..........................241,275,276
Oil Change Interval................... 242
Oil Selection......................242,275
Overheating......................... 225
Temperature Gauge................... 137
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 243
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 243
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 46
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution...............56,217,251
Exhaust System........................ 251
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 64
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 244Air Conditioning..................177,249
Engine Fuel......................... 245
Engine Oil.......................243,276
Engine Oil Disposal................... 243
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 224
Turn Signal.......................... 134
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 101
Floor Console.......................... 126
Fluid Capacities........................ 275
Fluid Leaks............................ 58
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 258
Cooling System....................... 252
Engine Oil.......................... 241
Power Steering....................... 249
Fluids............................... 276
Fog Lights.........................101,134
Folding Rear Seat....................... 93
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 232
Fuel................................. 214
Adding............................. 218
Additives........................... 216
INDEX 307
10
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 99
Navigation System...................... 166
New Vehicle Break-In Period............... 56
Occupant Restraints...................... 28
Oil, Engine.........................241,276
Capacity............................ 275
Change Interval...................... 242
Checking........................... 241
Disposal............................ 243
Filter...........................243,276
Filter Disposal....................... 243
Materials Added to.................... 243
Recommendation..................242,275
Viscosity............................ 275
Onboard Diagnostic System............238,239
Opener, Garage Door.................... 115
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 114
Overheating, Engine..................137,225
Owner’s Manual......................4,299Panic Alarm........................... 20
Park Assist System, Rear.................. 85
Parking Brake......................... 191
Parking On Hill........................ 192
Passing Light.......................... 101
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 94
Personal Settings....................... 147
Pets.................................. 55
Phone, Cellular......................... 66
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 66
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 201
Power
Brakes............................. 193
Distribution Center.................... 264
Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 64
Outlet.............................. 123
Seats............................... 87
Steering............................ 196
Steering, Checking.................... 249
Sunroof............................ 120
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 106
Windows............................ 23
INDEX 311
10