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
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
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
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission Only use ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12. Synthetic Dexron III
Transmission Fluid may be substituted.
Brake Master Cylinder Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake fluid with: mini-
mum dry boiling point (ERBP) 500°F (260°C), minimum wet boiling point
(WERBP) 356°F (180°C), maximum viscosity 1500 mm
2/s, conforming to
FMVSS 116 and ISO 4925.
Power Steering Reservoir No fluid service required. Filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF 11S.
Steering noise and reduced component life may result if an unapproved
fluid is used.
Rear Axle Fluid Only use synthetic SAE 75W-85 axle lubricant that meets MB 231.1. Re-
duced axle durability may result if an unapproved product is used.
Tire Pressure Refer to label on driver’s door frame.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7
Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
Every 2 years:
•Inspect body for paint damage.
•Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
At approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4
years:
•Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
•Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4
years:
•Replace fuel filter.
•Replace air cleaner filter element.At approximately 80,000 miles (129,000 km):
•Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life.
At approximately every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5
years:
•Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5 years:
•Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
maintenance service, take your vehicle to a compe-
tent technician.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 247
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 102
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 209
Adding Fuel.......................... 160
Aiming Headlights...................... 231
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 199
Air Conditioning....................120,202
Air Conditioning Filter................... 248
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 203
Air Conditioning System................. 202
Air Pressure, Tires...................148,149
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment...................... 33
Airbag Light........................32,107
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Airbag On/Off Switch..................36,41
Alignment and Balance.................. 157
Antenna.............................. 119
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 235
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 102
Appearance Care....................... 215
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 13
Automatic Transmission...............131,214Fluid and Filter Changes................ 214
Fluid Level Check..................... 214
Fluid Type.......................... 214
Autostick............................. 134
Ball Joints............................ 204
Battery............................103,201
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 73
Belts, Drive........................... 199
Belts, Seat............................. 22
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 204
Brake Assist System...................... 82
Brake, Parking......................... 138
Brake System.......................139,211
Anti-Lock........................... 139
Hoses.............................. 212
Master Cylinder...................... 213
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle . . . 46,147
Bulbs, Light........................... 228
Capacities, Fluid....................... 233
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 162
Carbon Monoxide Warning................ 47
266 INDEX
Pressure Label....................... 149
Pressure Monitor System.............80,151
Quality Grading...................... 256
Replacement......................... 155
Rotation............................ 156
Safety............................... 48
Sizes............................... 256
Snow Tires.......................... 154
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 155
Tow-Away Alarm.....................18,181
Towing.............................. 178
Disabled Vehicle...................... 178
Trailering........................... 163
Towing Eyes.......................... 179
Traction.............................. 177
Trailer Towing......................... 163
Transmission
Automatic........................131,214
Fluid.............................. 214
Shifting............................ 131
Transporting Pets........................ 46
Tread Wear Indicators................... 155
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 19Turn Signals........................... 75
Umbrella Hook......................... 94
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 256
Universal Transmitter..................90,93
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 162
Vehicle Storage......................... 231
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 17
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 252
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 206
Washing Vehicle........................ 215
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 216
Windows
Power.............................. 21
Windshield Defroster..................... 48
Windshield Washers..................... 77
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 205
Windshield Wipers...................... 77
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 205
Wiring, Ignition........................ 201
INDEX 273
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