Page 30 of 288

WARNING!
•Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you
have airbags.
•Being too close to the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel during airbag deployment could cause
serious injury.
•Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfort-
ably extending your arms to reach the steering
wheel or instrument panel.
•The side airbags also need room to inflate. Do not
lean against the door. Sit upright in the center of
the seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•Airbag control module and internal crash sensor
•AIRBAG readiness light
•Driver and passenger frontal airbag/inflator units
•Driver and passenger side airbag/inflator units
•Passenger airbag On/Off switch and indicator light
•Unique steering wheel and column
•Unique instrument panel
•Interconnecting wiring
•Knee impact bolster
•Side impact sensors
30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 38 of 288

To Turn On the Passenger Airbag:
•Place the ignition key in the on/off switch, turn the
key counterclockwise, and remove the key from the
switch. This will turn on the passenger airbag. The
Passenger Airbag Off light on the console will turn off,
or will not be illuminated when the ignition is turned
to the ON position.
WARNING!
The airbag may malfunction and serious injury
could result if key is left in the airbag shut off
switch. Always remove the key.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbag is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the airbag covers. Do not modify the
front bumper or vehicle body structure.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolster.
•You can be injured if you are too close to either
airbag cover when the airbags inflate. It is dan-
gerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Don’t try to repair the airbag
system. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your
vehicle that it has airbags.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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 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 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