Page 9 of 280
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys only from an authorized
dealer. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them
in a safe place.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
NOTE:To avoid discharging the battery, the key must
be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is parked.
Keys
Included with your vehicle are two remote controls with
folding keys. The remote control operates all locks on the
vehicle, including the locking fuel filler door.
To release the key from the folded position, press the
button. The key unfolds from the fob.
The transmitter for the remote control is located in the
key fob.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2
Page 14 of 280

3. Make sure that the hood, rear liftgate/decklid and
door switches are in adjustment.
Perform the quick system check which follows: Use
the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the parking
lamps flash three times, the system is operating prop-
erly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your authorized dealer for service.
Emergency Unlocking Feature
In the case of an accident, the doors unlock automatically
a short time after a strong deceleration is detected, such
as in a collision (this is intended to aid rescue and exit).
However, the key must still be in the ignition.
Start Lockout
Removing the key from the ignition switch activates the
start lockout. The engine cannot be started. Turning the
key to the ON/RUN position deactivates the start lock-
out. If the engine cannot be started, and the messages
START and ERROR are shown in the odometer display
field, the system is not operational. Contact an autho-
rized dealer.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This feature allows you to lock or unlock the vehicle from
remote locations using a hand-held transmitter located in
the key fob. You don’t have to point the transmitter at the
vehicle to activate the system. The vehicle doors, rear
liftgate/decklid, fuel filler door, and center console (road-
ster only) can be locked and unlocked using the remote
control.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the unlock button on the key fob.
NOTE:If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the key
fob, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted in the
ignition switch, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
Press the Unlock transmit button on the key fob once to
unlock driver’s door, rear liftgate/decklid, fuel filler
door, and center console (roadster only). Press the Unlock
transmit button twice to unlock both doors, rear liftgate/
decklid, fuel filler door, and center console (roadster
only).
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 160 of 280

states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels, which may affect the performance of
the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the
CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate. DaimlerChrysler
Corporation recommends that you try a different brand
of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel-related prior to returning your vehicle
to an authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the CHECK ENGINE Light is flashing, immediate
service is required. See the Onboard Diagnostic
System (OBDII) paragraph in the Maintaining Your
Vehicle section of this manual.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located under the fuel filler door, on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle. To open the door, be sure
it is unlocked, then gently press the rear edge of the door
until a click can be heard, then release. The door rear
edge will spring open enough to grasp and pull it
completely open. If the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler door, see your authorized dealer for
service. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap has been designed for use with this
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper gas cap.
A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel
system. The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if
the gas cap is not properly secured.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 198
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 199
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 204
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces................151,176
Electronic Speed Control.................. 86
Electronic Stability Program................ 83
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 166
Jump Starting........................ 174
Overheating......................... 166
Towing............................. 178
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....193,241
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 195
Compartment........................ 191
Oil .............................195,235Oil Change Interval................... 197
Oil Selection......................... 198
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 47
Exhaust System........................ 207
Exterior Lights......................... 228
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 199
Air Conditioning..................... 248
Engine Fuel......................... 199
Engine Oil.......................... 198
Fluid Capacities.....................233,235
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 166
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 177
Fuel................................. 158
Adding............................. 160
Additives........................... 159
Filler Cap........................... 160
Filter.............................. 199
Octane Rating........................ 158
Fuses................................ 221
268 INDEX