NOTE: When the mode selection dial is set to the ªº
or ª
º position, the air conditioning compressor will
operate automatically. The outside air position will also
be selected automatically. (In this case, the air condition-
ing indicator will not change.) This is done for optimum
performance.
Changing air selection
Normally use the ªoutsideº position to keep the wind-
shield and side windows clear and, also to quicklyremove fog or frost from the windshield.
When air conditioning is selected, the air selection will be
controlled automatically for optimum performance.
When the air conditioning is turned off, the air selection
will be set to the outside position.
The air selection indicator will show the selected posi-
tion.
If desired, you can change the air selection. Every time
the air selection switch is pushed, the mode for ªoutsideº
(Indicator OFF) and ªrecirculationº (Indicator ON) will
alternate.
If high cooling performance is desired, or if the outside
air is dusty or otherwise contaminated, use the ªrecircu-
lationº position. Although, switch to the outside position
periodically to prevent window fog up.
CAUTION!
Using the ªrecirculationº position for extended time
periods causes the windows to fog up.H23A2880
242 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
Air conditioning switch
The air conditioning can be operated while the engine is
running.
Push the switch and the air conditioning (cooling/
dehumidifying function) will operate. When ªONº, the
operation indicator lamp (A) will illuminate.
Push the switch again and the air conditioning will stop.
CAUTION!
When using the air conditioning, the idle speed is
slightly increased. Therefore, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal when shifting the trans-
mission to drive.
For the 3.0 liter engine model, if the air conditioning
indicator (A) blinks, it is suspected that something is
wrong with the air conditioning. Move the vehicle to
a safe place and stop the engine. Then run the engine
again and see the air conditioning indicator (A). If
the indicator goes out, there is nothing wrong with
the air conditioning. If it blinks again, have the
system checked by the authorized dealer.
H23A3260
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 243
6
Combination of unheated air and heated air
Set the mode selection dial to the position shown in the
illustration and set the air selection switch (A) to the
outside position.
The air will be directed to the leg area and the upper part
of the passenger compartment. Select the desired blower
speed.
Warm air flows to the leg area and unheated or slightly
warm air flows to the upper part of the passenger
compartment.
Cooling
Set the mode selection dial to the ªº position shown in
the illustration.
Set the air selection switch (A) to the outside position and
push the air conditioning switch (B).
1. Setting for ordinary cooling
2. Setting for cooling the leg area
H03C0680H04F0970
246 FOR PLEASANT DRIVING
Adjust the temperature by turning the temperature con-
trol dial clockwise or counterclockwise.
Select the desired blower speed.
NOTE: If the outside air is dusty or otherwise contami-
nated, or if maximum cooling performance is desired, set
air selection switch (A) to the recirculation position and
the temperature control dial all the way to the left.
Introduce outside air from time to time for proper
ventilation.
Important operation tips for air conditioning
1. Park the vehicle in the shade whenever possible.
Parking under the hot sun makes the vehicle interior
extremely hot, which requires more time to cool the
interior. If it is necessary to park in the sun, open the
windows for the first few minutes of air conditioning
operation to expel hot air.
2. Close the windows when the air conditioning is in use.
The entry of outside air through open windows will
reduce cooling efficiency.
3. When operating the system, make sure the air intake,
which is located in front of the windshield, is free of
obstructions such as leaves. Leaves collected in the
air-intake plenum may reduce air flow and plug the
plenum water drains.
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations
If the air conditioning seems less effective than usual, the
cause might be a refrigerant leak.
Have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
H04F0980
FOR PLEASANT DRIVING 247
6
ENGINE OVERHEATING
If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator enters
the ªHº (hot) position, the engine may be overheated.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Maintenance Section of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
EMERGENCIES 277
8
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key
to the OFF position. The fan is temperature con-
trolled and can start at any time the ignition key is
in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
JUMP-STARTING THE ENGINE
If the engine cannot be started because the battery is
weak or dead, the battery from another vehicle can be
used with booster cables to start the engine.
WARNING!
When using jumper cables to start a vehicle, follow
procedures exactly and exercise extreme caution.
CAUTION!
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or towing.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle can-
not be started this way. Pushing or towing a vehicle
equipped with a manual transaxle may overheat and
damage the catalytic converter. Also, there is a
greater risk of an accident when a vehicle is being
pushed or towed.
1. Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or
bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical con-
tact.
2. Position the vehicles close enough together so the
booster cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't
touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
278 EMERGENCIES
6. Connect one end of the other jumper cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the booster battery (B), and the
other end to the engine block of the vehicle with the
discharged battery (A) at the point farthest from the
battery.WARNING!
²Be sure to observe the connecting sequence of¬
!!®!¯.
²Make sure that the connection¯is made to the
engine properly. If the connection is directly made
to the negative side of the battery, the flammable
gases generated from the battery might catch fire
and explode.
²When connecting the booster cable, do not con-
nect the positive (+) cable to the negative (-)
terminal. Otherwise sparks might cause explosion
of the battery.
²Use care not to have the booster cable caught in
the cooling fan or other rotating parts in the
engine compartment.
7. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. After the engine is started, disconnect the cables in the
reverse order.
EMERGENCIES 281
8
ENGINE COOLANT
To check the coolant level
The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual
method for determining the coolant level. When the
engine is cold, the level of the coolant in the reserve tank
should be between the FULL and LOW marks. The
radiator normally remains completely full so there is no
need to remove the radiator cap except for checking the
coolant freeze point or replacing the antifreeze coolant.
To add coolant
Use DaimlerChrysler Genuine Coolant or an equivalent.
Genuine Coolant provides excellent protection against
corrosion and rust formation of all metals, including
aluminum, and prevents clogs in the radiator, heater,
cylinder head, engine block, etc.
If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level
in the reserve tank does not drop when the engine cools,
the system should be pressure-tested for leaks. Take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer for inspection of the
cooling system.
CAUTION!
²Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can
cause corrosion of aluminum components.
²When additional coolant is needed to maintain
the proper level, a minimum of 50% concentration
of ethylene-glycol antifreeze in water should be
added to the reserve tank. Do not overfill. A
higher concentration (not to exceed 60%) should
be used if a lower freezing point is required. The
concentration level can be checked using instru-
ments available at automotive supply stores, or
can be done by your authorized dealer or service
station. Use only high quality ethylene-glycol
antifreeze coolant formulated to prevent corrosion
of all cooling system metals.
²Do not top off with water only. Water by itself
reduces the rust-protective and anti-freeze quali-
ties of the coolant and has a lower boiling point. It
can also cause damage to the cooling system if it
should freeze. Do not use tap water, as it may
cause corrosion and rust formation.
318 MAINTENANCE