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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat
bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types
of towing.
CAUTION!
Important! If towing the vehicle, please note the
following: With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the key in the ignition switch turned to the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle doors lock if the left
front wheel and the right rear wheel are turning at
vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central locking.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels raised,
the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition
switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off the
tow-away alarm as well as the automatic central
locking system.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground and the transmission selector lever in the Neutral
position for distances up to 30 miles (48 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). The key must be
turned to the ON/RUN position in the ignition. To be
certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the transmis-
sion, however, we recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for any towing
beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Always comply with applicable state or local towing
ordinances.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 185
6
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.2L Engine..........................197
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......198
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................199
Replacement Parts.....................200
Dealer Service........................200
Maintenance Procedures.................201
▫Engine Oil..........................201
▫Ignition Wiring System.................207
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........207
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................207
▫Air Conditioner......................208▫Power Steering Fluid...................209
▫Chassis Lubrication....................210
▫Body Lubrication.....................211
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................211
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......212
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............212
▫Exhaust System......................213
▫Cooling System.......................214
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......217
▫Brakes.............................217
▫Automatic Transmission................220
7
Page 217 of 288

•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain a coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol Extended Life Coolant and high qual-
ity water with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine cooling system
that contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor fuel
economy, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance section.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
7
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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 System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily 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 done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake
fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP) 500°F,
minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) 356°F, maximum
viscosity 1500 mm 2/s, conforming to FMVSS 116 and
ISO 4925.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign mat-
ter. Use of contaminated fluid may result in reduced
brake performance or a sudden brake failure. You
could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
7
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CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transmission
The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron IIIAutomatic Transmission Fluid may
be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid
recommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
220 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Wet Cleaning
Wash with clear water or with a mild detergent and an
ample supply of luke warm water by wiping with a
soft-bristled brush or sponge from front to rear. Then
rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Allow the top to dry before lowering. Vacuuming the top
with a wet/dry shop vacuum will decrease the top’s
drying time, ensure removal of all dirt, and delete streaks
in the material. Multiple cleanings may be necessary to
remove stubborn stains. If stains persist, contact your
local dealership for further suggestions.
Weather Strip Care
Lubricate all top and door glass weather strips periodi-
cally with Mopar Weather Strip Lubricant (part number
4773427), to keep them soft and pliable.
FUSES
Underhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses
The underhood accesseory fuse block fuses are located
under the hood on the driver’s side, between the brake
master cylinder and the left front fender.
To remove the lid, squeeze the tabs together located at the
front of the fusebox. Then lift the lid up by the tabs. The
lid will then slide off the top of the fuse box. To replace
the lid, place the two hinge-like tabs at the rear of the lid
under the tabs on the fusebox. Push down on the front of
the lid until the tabs at the front click.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 234 of 288
The fuse access door is located on the end of the
instrument panel on the driver’s side behind the trim
panel cover. Use a coin or flat blade screwdriver to open
and close this access door.
Interior Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 Not Assigned
2 15 Amp
BlueBrake Lamp/Speed Control
3 7.5 Amp
BrownRight High Beam, High Beam
Indicator Light
Cavity Fuse Circuits
4 15 Amp
BlueReverse/Turn signal Light
5 7.5 Amp
BrownLeft High Beam
6 15 Amp
BlueRight Low Beam
7 7.5 Amp
BrownRight Parking/Tail Light Side
Marker
8 15 Amp
BlueLeft Low Beam
9 15 Amp
BlueFog Light
10 7.5 Amp
BrownLeft Parking/Tail Light Side
Marker
11 7.5 Amp
BrownLicense Plate/Instrument Cluster
Lighting/Symbol Lighting
12 7.5 Amp
BrownRear Fog Light (European Mar-
kets Only)
13 Not Used - Spare Fuse
14 Not Used - Spare Fuse
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE