Page 134 of 280

the tool from the opening, the cover will not close fully.
Only after moving the selector lever to the“D+”and
“D-”positions does the cover return to its closed posi-
tion.
Reverse
Shift into REVERSE gear only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch position
“S”or“W,”the maximum speed in the REVERSE gear is
different. However, it is not possible to change the
program mode while in REVERSE.
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage in
NEUTRAL position while driving except to coast when
the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
NOTE:Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other
reason with selector lever in NEUTRAL can result in
transmission damage that is not covered by the Limited
Warranty.
Drive
The transmission automatically upshifts through fifth
gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
AutoStickGear selection
The transmission gear can be selected by pressing the
selector lever to the right or the left with the selector lever
in the DRIVE position. The gear currently selected is
indicated in the instrument cluster display. Briefly press
selector lever in the“D-”direction. The transmission will
shift from the current gear to the next lower gear. Shifting
134 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 135 of 280

into another gear that allows for quicker acceleration or
to slow the vehicle down is possible. Downshifts can also
be performed.
Press and hold the selector lever in the“D-”direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to the best gear for acceleration.
NOTE:To avoid overrevving the engine when the
selector lever is moved in“D-”direction, the transmis-
sion will not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s revolu-
tions per minute limit would be exceeded.
Briefly press the selector lever in the“D+”direction. The
transmission will shift from the current gear to the next
higher gear.
Press and hold the selector lever in the“D+”direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to gear“D.”
WARNING!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehi-
cle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
NOTE:With transmission in gear“D,”“4,”or“3,”
upshifting from FIRST to SECOND to THIRD gear may
be delayed, depending on vehicle speed and engine
temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat
up more quickly to operating temperatures.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or with
your vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmis-
sion will downshift when necessary to maintain en-
gine RPM within the best torque range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 135
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For standard mode, press the“S”symbol on the switch.
Use this mode for all regular driving. The vehicle starts
out in FIRST gear.
Depressing the accelerator pedal rapidly or nearly to the
floor while driving (kickdown position), rather than
depressing the accelerator pedal in slow, small move-
ments, will cause the automatic transmission to shift
down into a lower gear. Rapid release of the accelerator
pedal will normally result in an upshift. This gear shift-
ing process is dependent on the current vehicle speed.
For Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode, press the“W”
symbol on the switch. The vehicle starts out in SECOND
gear, unless FIRST gear has been selected, or the accel-
erator pedal is in the kickdown position. The“W”mode
helps to improve traction and driving stability of the
vehicle. The gear shifting process occurs at lower vehicle
and engine speeds than in the“S”program mode.CAUTION!
Never change the program mode when the selector
lever is out of the PARK position. It could result in a
change of driving characteristics for which you may
not be prepared.
Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
Limp Home Mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission.
This condition may be accompanied by the CHECK
ENGINE light in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the SECOND gear or REVERSE gear
can be activated.
To engage SECOND gear or REVERSE:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn off the engine.
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
5
Page 178 of 280

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.
178 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 189 of 280

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.2L SRT Engine.......................191
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......192
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................193
Replacement Parts.....................194
Dealer Service........................194
Maintenance Procedures.................195
▫Engine Oil..........................195
▫Ignition Wiring System.................201
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........201
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................201
▫Air Conditioner......................202▫Power Steering Fluid...................203
▫Chassis Lubrication....................204
▫Body Lubrication.....................204
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................205
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......205
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............206
▫Exhaust System......................207
▫Cooling System.......................208
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......211
▫Brakes.............................211
▫Automatic Transmission................214
7
Page 214 of 280

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.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km). The fluid is then
filled for life.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 234 of 280

Performance Specifications (approximate)
Maximum Speed 158 mph (255 km/h)
Acceleration 0–60 mph
(0-96 km/h)5.3 seconds
0-100 mph-0 (0-161 km/
h-0)< 16 seconds
Gear Ratios - 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
First 3.595
Second 2.186
Third 1.405
Fourth 1.00
Fifth 0.831
Reverse 3.16/1.93
Body Specifications
Overall Length 159.8 in. (4058 mm)
Maximum Width 69.5 in. (1766 mm)
Maximum Width With
Mirrors76.9 in. (1954 mm)
Overall Height
Coupe: 51.5 in. (1307 mm)
Roadster: 51.8 in. (1315 mm)
Front Track 58.8 in. (1493 mm)
Rear Track 59.1 in. (1502 mm)
Wheelbase 94.5 in. (2400 mm)
Front Overhang 32.4 in. (822 mm)
Rear Overhang 32.9 in. (836 mm)
Front Ground Clearance 5.0 in. (127 mm)
Rear Ground Clearance 5.8 in. (147 mm)
Turning Radius 32.2 ft. (9.8 m)
Weight
Coupe: 3240 lbs. (1469 kg)
Roadster: 3328 lbs. (1509 kg)
Maximum Vehicle Load 415 lbs. (188 kg)
Luggage Capacity
Coupe: 7.6 cu. ft. (215 l)
Roadster: 6.5 cu. ft. (190 l) - Top Up
3.6 cu. ft. (104 l) - Top
Down
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 235 of 280
FLUID CAPACITIES
Metric U.S.
Fuel (Approximate)60.0 Liters 15.8 Gallons
Fuel Tank Reserve8.0 Liters 2.1 Gallons
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Supercharged Engine 8.0 Liters 8.5 Qts.
Cooling System *
3.2 L Supercharged Engine 14.5 Liters 15.3 Qts.
Automatic Transmission8.0 Liters 8.5 Qts.
Rear Axle1.3 Liters 1.4 Qts.
Power Steering Reservoir1.0 Liters 1.1 Qts.
Brake Reservoir.5 Liters .5 Qts.
Windshield Washer Reservoir7.0 Liters 7.4 Qts.
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
7