Page 69 of 420

Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6
to 8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the LED is not lit
during starting, have it checked. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2
Page 133 of 420
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS—IF EQUIPPED
This feature allows both the brake and accelerator pedals
to move toward or away from the driver to provide
improved position with the steering wheel. The adjust-
able pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of
driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position.
The switch is located on the drivers door trim panel next
to the power seat switches.
Press the switch forward to move the pedals forward
(toward the front of the vehicle).
Press the switch rearward to move the pedals rearward
(toward the driver).
•The pedals can be adjusted with the ignition OFF.
Adjustable Pedal Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3
Page 171 of 420

The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
16. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the Multi-Function lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
17. Navigation Screen—If Equipped
The navigation system provides maps, turn identifica-
tion, selection menus and instructions for selecting a
variety of destinations and routes. Refer to your“Navi-
gation User’s Manual”for detailed operating instruc-
tions.
18. Front Fog Light Indicator—If Equipped
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.19. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
continuous chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
20. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb check.
During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or
when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled,
the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on
continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Re-
minder System (BeltAlert™)in the Occupant Restraints
section for more information.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171
4
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Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer willremain active for up to 45 seconds after the ignition
switch has been turned off. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
CASSETTE TAPE AND PLAYER MAINTENANCE
To keep the cassette tapes and player in good condition,
take the following precautions:
1. Do not use cassette tapes longer than C-90; otherwise,
sound quality and tape durability will be greatly dimin-
ished.
2. Keep the cassette tape in its case to protect from
slackness and dust when it is not in use.
3. Keep the cassette tape away from direct sunlight, heat
and magnetic fields such as the radio speakers.
4. Before inserting a tape, make sure that the label is
adhering flat to the cassette.
220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 245 of 420
STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................248
▫Normal Starting......................248
Engine Block Heater—If Equipped.........250
Automatic Transmission..................251
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......251
▫Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System.............................252
▫Four Speed Automatic Transmission........252
AutoStick............................254▫AutoStick Operation...................254
▫AutoStick General Information............254
All Wheel Drive—If Equipped............255
Parking Brake.........................256
Brake System..........................258
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................258
Power Steering........................261
Traction Control—If Equipped............262
Tire Safety Information...................263
5
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POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
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▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............335
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............336
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........337
▫Steering Shaft Seal....................337
▫Steering Linkage......................337
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............337
▫Body Lubrication.....................338
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................338
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....339
▫Exhaust System......................339
▫Cooling System.......................340
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......345
▫Brakes.............................346▫Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake Fluid
Level Check.........................347
▫Fuel System Hoses....................349
▫Automatic Transmission................349
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped.....352
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........354
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................354
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 358
Integrated Power Module (IPM)............359
Vehicle Storage........................362
Replacement Light Bulbs.................363
Bulb Replacement......................364
▫Standard Quad Headlights...............364
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 336 of 420

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter access door is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the
lock toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position).
Remove the access door and pull the filter downward.
When installing a new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion. Align the black arrow on the bottom of the filterframe with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).
Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE