
CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use aftermarket tire sealant or balance beads, as
damage to the sensors may result.
NOTE:The standard TIREFIT system (refer to What To
Do In Emergencies for more information) is specifically
designed to operate in conjunction with the TPM system,
and will not damage the sensors.
If your tire pressure is low, you should correct your tire
inflation pressure as soon as possible and inspect all of
your tires. Low tire pressure will cause the tire pressure
light to illuminate and the alert will sound. They will
remain on for the rest of the driving cycle, or until the tire
pressure is corrected.
In addition to monitoring tire pressures, the TPM system
also monitors faults within the system. If the TPM light
and alarm continue after the tire pressure has been
corrected, see your authorized dealer.
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
3

The malfunction indicator lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program is combined with the BAS. The yellow
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the yellow ESP warning light in the speed-
ometer dial come on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ON/RUN position. They should go out
with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either sys-
tem.
If the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3

The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light,
located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of
the ESP switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins
to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the
wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control
engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If the ESP warning light begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle
as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. When the ESP warning
light is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
in the speedometer dial goes out). Avoid spinning one
drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive
train and is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler war-
ranty.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 85
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Low Windshield Washer System Fluid Level
Warning Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the indicator light
comes on. It should go out when the engine
is running.
If the indicator light does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, the fluid reservoir
is less than
1⁄4filled.
The reservoir should be refilled at the next opportunity
with commercially available premixed windshield
washer solvent/antifreeze or water, depending on ambi-
ent temperature.
The reservoir for the windshield washer system is located
in the engine compartment and the cap is marked with
the above symbol.
WARNING!
Do not overfill the washer reservoir. Do not attempt
to fill to the top of the filler neck. Fluid may leak out
onto the floor or driveway causing a potential slip
and fall hazard. When the indicator light first illu-
minates, the maximum fill amount is 1 Gallon (4
Liters).
2. Low Tire Pressure Indicator Light
The tire pressure monitor (TPM) system uses
wireless technology to monitor tire pressure
levels. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as
part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
If the light is illuminated, the pressure in one of the tires
on the vehicle has dropped to at least 25% below the
recommended pressure on the vehicle’s tire label. Addi-
tionally, the indicator light will illuminate if a fault has
been detected in the TPM system.
98 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the pointer rises to the red (Hot) area, stop the vehicle
and turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
5. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is in the ON/RUN position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the tank.
The arrow to the right of the gas pump symbol shows
which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located on.
6. Turn Signal Indicators
To signal minor directional changes, such as
changing lanes, move the multifunction con-
trol lever to the point of resistance only and
hold it there. The arrows will flash in unison
with the corresponding exterior turn signal.
To operate the turn signals continuously, move the mul-
tifunction control lever past the point of resistance up or
down. The switch is automatically canceled when the
steering wheel is turned to a large enough degree.
The arrows in the instrument cluster will flash in unison
with the respective exterior turn signal.
7. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light
The yellow ESP indicator light in the speedom-
eter dial comes on with the key in the ignition
switch turned to the ON/RUN position. It
should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP indicator light flashes during acceleration,
apply as little throttle as possible. While driving, ease up
on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP.
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in miles-per-
hour and kilometers-per-hour.
100 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
In the event a malfunction of the airbag is indicated,
the airbag may not be operational. For your safety,
we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized
dealer immediately to have the system checked;
otherwise the airbag may not be activated when
needed in an accident, which could result in serious
or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
25. Telescoping Wheel Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indi-
cator light does not go out after starting the engine, the
telescoping steering column is not locked properly.
WARNING!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly
locked the steering column.
26. Check Engine Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system that monitors the emissions and en-
gine control systems. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, the Check Engine light will come on.
The light comes on and stays on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after the engine
is started. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
refuel.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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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