Page 190 of 288

Relieving Hydraulic Pressure
NOTE:
The hydraulic pressure must be relieved before
the top can manually be raised or lowered.
1. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
2. Push down on the convertible top switch and hold in
that position.
3. Turn the ignition “OFF” and continue to push down
on the switch for 5 seconds.
4. After 5 seconds the hydraulic system pressure will be
relieved.
WARNING!
It is important that a second person assist you to
close the convertible top manually to prevent inju-
ries.
1. Lower the windows and open the doors.
2. Turn the ignition key off.
CAUTION!
Ensure that the decklid is closed while raising the
convertible top manually to prevent the possibility
of contact between the decklid and the tonneau
cover.
WARNING!
Do not place your hands near the convertible top
frame, upper windshield area, or the convertible top
storage compartment while the convertible top is
being raised and locked. Serious personal injury
may occur.
190 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 195 of 288

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 199 of 288

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies
the following: the CHECK ENGINE Light is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD (Onboard Diagnostic) system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON/RUN
position, you will see your CHECK ENGINE light come
on as part of a normal bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The CHECK ENGINE light will flash for about 10
seconds and then return to being fully illuminated
until you turn off the ignition key or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed to the I/M
station.
b. The CHECK ENGINE light will not flash at all
and will remain fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199
7
Page 207 of 288

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
7
Page 214 of 288

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
key is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the cool-
ant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.Check the front of the radiator and condenser for an
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the radiator core.
Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 231 of 288
Cavity Fuse Circuits
9 10 Amp
RedRoof Light, Horn, Anti-Theft
Alarm, Cargo Lamp and Tire
Pressure Control
10 5 Amp
BeigeSpeed Control
11 15 Amp
BlueIgnition Coil 6 Cyl.
12 10 Amp
RedHeated Washer Nozzles
13 Spare
14 10 Amp
RedDiagnostic Socket
15 5 Amp
BeigeResidual Engine Heat Utilization
16 30 Amp
GreenWiper Motor
17 40 Amp
OrangeElectronic Stability Program
18 40 Amp
OrangeElectronic Stability ProgramCavity Fuse Circuits
19 40 Amp
OrangePower Window, Front
20 10 Amp
RedSpoiler Motor
21 30 Amp
GreenSeat Adjustment Right Side
22 30 Amp
GreenSeat Adjustment Left Side
23 15 Amp
BlueSound Booster (Amplifier)
24 30 Amp
GreenSeat Heater
25 20 Amp
YellowPneumatic Control Unit, Rear
Window Defroster
26 20 Amp
YellowCentral Locking
30 Spare (Coupe)
30 15 Amp
BlueRadio (Roadster)
31 15 Amp
BlueCigar Lighter, Glove Compart-
ment Light
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231
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Page 277 of 288

Garage Door Opener..................... 92
GasCap .............................. 166
Gasoline............................. 243
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 165
Gear Ratios........................... 241
Glass Cleaning......................... 225
Glove Compartment..................... 65
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 172
Headlights
Aiming............................. 238
Cleaning............................ 225
Dimmer Switch....................... 76
Heater............................... 121
Hood Latch Maintenance................. 211
Hood Release.......................... 70
Hoses............................... 217
Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System....................... 207
Illuminated Entry....................... 72
Infant Restraint......................... 39Inside Rearview Mirror................... 66
Instrument Cluster....................... 99
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 98
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 225
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 226
Interior Appearance Care................. 224
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 178
Jack Operation......................... 174
Jump Starting......................... 181
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System..................... 14
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 28
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 22
Light Bulbs........................... 235
Lights
Airbag...........................31,109
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 103
Back-Up............................ 237
INDEX 277
10
Page 282 of 288
Windshield Defroster..................... 47
Windshield Washers..................... 77
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 211Windshield Wipers...................... 77
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 212
Wiring, Ignition........................ 207
282 INDEX