NOTE:Do not operate the electric air pump for more
than eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump
may be used again once it has cooled down.
NOTE:Replace the TIREFIT sealant bottle once every
four years to assure optimum operation of the system.
NOTE:If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp
cloth will remove the material from the vehicle or tire and
wheel components. Once TIREFIT sealing material has
dried, it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.
Preparations for Jacking
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
facility where it can be raised on a lift.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to repair a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the
jack or repairing a tire.
Jacking the vehicle should only be necessary in the event
that a tire has been severely damaged, and must be
replaced. (See TIREFIT Tire Repair section for a descrip-
tion of cuts and punctures that may be repairable with
TIREFIT.)
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 177
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Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
In order to free a stuck vehicle you must turn off the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:ESP should be turned on again after freeing the
vehicle from a stuck condition.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
184 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
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Cooling System - Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals.
Engine Coolant Disposal
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent extended life coolant. Refer to the
recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant and water should be used.
Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if tempera-
tures below -34°F (-37°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water, such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types other than Moparprod-
ucts will decrease the life of the engine coolant and will
require more frequent coolant changes.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
Introduction..........................248
Warranty............................248
Emission Control System Maintenance......249
Maintenance Schedules..................249
▫Scope Of Work For “A” Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................250
▫Scope Of Work For “B” Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................251
FSS System...........................252
Regular Check-Ups.....................254
▫Additional Periodic Maintenance..........255
Special Maintenance Requirements.........256
▫Coolant............................256
▫Dust Filter For Heating/Ventilation
Replacement.........................256
Engine Oil Change And Filter Replacement...2568
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SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Coolant
Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in
the coolant checked before the onset of winter (once a
year in countries with high prevailing temperatures).
Have the coolant replaced every five years or 100,000
miles (161,000 km).
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replacement
The dust filter is replaced during routine maintenance
service. The filter element must be replaced with “B”
Schedule service or every 18,500 miles (30,000 km) to
maintain effectiveness. However, if operating conditions
are dusty, these filters should be replaced more fre-
quently. A cover in the HVAC unit that can be reached
from the passenger foot well provides access to the filter
element.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
The recommended oil and filter change interval is based
on FSS or 1 year. Please refer to the heading FSS System
in this section for a full description of the use and
interpretation of symbols in the FSS system. Only use
synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5,
such as Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an
oil change at the proper interval if an unapproved engine
oil is used; engine damage and reduced engine life may
result. Information is available from your authorized
dealer. The oil filter should always be changed when the
oil is changed.
256 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 204
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 205
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces................156,183
Electronic Speed Control.................. 88
Electronic Stability Program................ 86
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 172
Jump Starting........................ 181
Overheating......................... 172
Towing............................. 185
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....199,249
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 201
Compartment........................ 197
Oil .............................201,243
Oil Change Interval................... 202Oil Selection......................... 204
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 46
Exhaust System........................ 213
Exterior Lights......................... 235
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 205
Air Conditioning..................... 256
Engine Fuel......................... 205
Engine Oil.......................... 204
Fluid Capacities.....................241,243
Fluid Leaks............................ 47
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 221
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 172
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 184
Fuel................................. 164
Adding............................. 166
Additives........................... 166
Filler Cap........................... 166
Filter.............................. 205
Octane Rating........................ 164
Fuses................................ 228
276 INDEX
Oil, Engine........................... 201
Change Interval...................... 202
Checking........................... 201
Disposal............................ 204
Filter.............................. 204
Materials Added to.................... 204
Recommendation..................... 204
Oil Filter, Selection...................... 204
Onboard Diagnostic System............198,199
Overheating, Engine..................... 172
Owner’s Manual....................... 263
Paint Care............................ 222
Parking Brake......................... 142
Passing Light........................... 76
Pets.................................. 45
Pets, Transporting....................... 45
Power
Outlet.............................. 64
Steering.........................152,209
Steering, Checking.................... 209
Windows............................ 20
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 27Program Mode Selector Switch............. 140
Programming Transmitters...............95,96
Radial Ply Tires........................ 156
Radio................................ 112
Radio Antenna......................... 120
Radio Operation....................... 120
Rear Liftgate........................... 21
Rear Spoiler............................ 82
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 244
Reformulated Gasoline................... 164
Refrigerant............................ 209
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 14
Replacement Tires...................... 160
Reporting Safety Defects................. 262
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST) . . . 125,126
Restraints, Child........................ 39
Restraints, Infant........................ 39
Restraints, Occupant..................... 21
Rotation, Tires......................... 162
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 47
INDEX 279
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