Page 158 of 280

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and optimum performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having an octane rating of 91 or
higher. DaimlerChrysler Corporation re-
quires the use of 91 octane or higher premium fuel to
minimize the potential for engine damage.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and should be reported to
your authorized dealer immediately. Engine damage
resulting from operating with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and stumble. If you experience these
problems, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 60 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to definefuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends the use of
gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel, referred to as“Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates and are spe-
cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation supports the use of refor-
mulated gasolines. Properly blended reformulated gaso-
lines will provide excellent performance and durability
of engine and fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.
158 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 159 of 280

CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and drivability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of DaimlerChrysler
Corporation and may not be covered by the Limited
Warranty. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol.
MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration recommends using gasolines without MMT. Sincethe MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.
In Canada, MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. For this reason, it is even
more important to look for gasolines without MMT in
Canada.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Sulfur in Gasoline
If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5
Page 236 of 280
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent
extended life coolant.
Engine Oil Only use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an oil change at the proper
interval if an unapproved engine oil is used; engine damage and reduced
engine life may result.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar5102905AA or equivalent
Spark Plugs NGK IFR 6D10
Spark Plug Gap 0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Fuel Selection Premium Unleaded 91 Octane
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 268 of 280

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