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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
CONTENTS
mInstrument cluster......................106
NMeter cluster.........................106
NIndicator and warning light package........107
NSpeedometer.........................108
NTachometer..........................108
NFuel gauge..........................109
NOdometer/Trip odometer................110
NEngine coolant temperature gauge..........111
NTurn signal indicators/hazard warning lights . . 112
NHigh beam indicator...................112
NTheft-alarm indicator...................112
NDoor-ajar warning light and chime.........112NAnti-lock braking system warning light
(if so equipped).......................113
NCruise/speed control indicator............189
NLow-fuel warning light and chime..........113
NFront fog light indicator.................114
NCharging system warning light............114
NOil pressure warning light...............114
NMalfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)...............115
NSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)-air bag
warning light.........................116
NBrake warning light....................117
NSeat belt reminder/warning light...........118
4
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11. High beam indicator!P. 1 1 2
12. Cruise control indicator!P. 1 1 3
13. Theft-alarm indicator!P. 1 1 2
14. Malfunction indicator light
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)!P. 1 1 5
15. Oil pressure warning light!P. 1 1 4
16. Charging system warning light!P. 1 1 4
17. Overheating warning light!P. 1 1 6
18. Traction control system warning light
(if so equipped)!P. 1 1 9
19. Automatic transaxle indicator
(Vehicles with Autostick automatic transaxle-if so
equipped)!P. 1 1 9
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
·The outer scale indicates miles per hour.
·The inner scale indicates kilometers per hour.
Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine revolutions per minute.
This allows the driver to determine the most efficient
gear range and engine speed combinations.
D04A0500
2.4 liter
engine3.0 liter
engine
108 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
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CAUTION!
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level;
running out of fuel could cause damage to the
catalytic converter.
Front fog light indicator
This indicator illuminates while the fog
lights are on.
NOTE:Fog lights will not be operational when high
beam (headlights) are selected.
Charging system warning light
This light illuminates in the event of a
malfunction in the charging system.
This light illuminates when the ignition key
is turned to the ªONº position (engine off). When the
engine is started, the light should go off. Always be sure
that the light goes out before beginning to drive.
CAUTION!
If the charging light remains on after the engine has
started, the battery charging system may be malfunc-
tioning. In this case, take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer and have the system checked.
Oil pressure warning light
This light illuminates when the engine oil
pressure is below normal. If the light stays
on while driving, stop the engine as soon as possible and
do not drive until the cause of the low oil pressure is
corrected.
114 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
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Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (including spare
tire) for proper pressure. Maintain specified tire inflation
pressures. Replace tires before they are excessively worn.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you activate the controls. Check the turn signals
and highbeam indicators on the instrument panel.
Fluid leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Make sure all fluid
levels are at the proper levels. Also, if fuel leaks are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected
immediately.
Driver
Do not drive if you are tired or sleepy. Do not drive if you
have been drinking or taking drugs. Unless you are alert
and able to concentrate on your driving, you could have
an accident, resulting in serious or fatal injury to yourself
and others.
SAFE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Even this vehicle's safety equipment, and your safest
driving, cannot guarantee that you can avoid accident or
injury. However, we recommend that you give extra
attention to the following, to help maximize the safety of
you and your passengers:
1. Drive defensively. Be aware of traffic, road and
weather conditions. Leave adequate stopping distance
for your vehicle.
2. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and flash
the proper turn-signal light.
3. While driving, watch the behavior of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. During an emergency stop, switch on the hazard
warning flasher.
5. When leaving the vehicle, set the parking brake and
place the gearshift lever into low gear.
In vehicles with an automatic transaxle, place the selector
lever in the ªPº (PARK) position. Remove the key.
200 STARTING AND DRIVING
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over curbs or parking stop blocks. Always use caution
when traveling up or down sharp inclines as your
bumper may contact the road surface.
2. Maintain specified tire inflation pressures. Replace
tires before they are excessively worn.
3. If you plan to drive in another country, comply with
the vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability
of the correct fuel.
OPERATION DURING COLD WEATHER
1. Check the battery, including terminals and cables.
During extremely cold weather, the battery capacity will
decrease. Also, the battery power level may drop because
more power is needed for cold starting and operation.
Before driving the vehicle, check to see if the engine runs
at the proper speed and if the headlights are at their usual
intensity. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
During cold weather, it is possible that a discharged
battery could freeze.
WARNING!
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas. Any
spark or flame can cause the battery to explode,
which could seriously injury or kill you.
Always wear protective clothes and a face shield
when doing battery maintenance, or let a skilled
technician do it.
2. Manual transaxles may be more difficult to shift
during cold weather operation. This is normal and shift
effort will become easier as the transaxle reaches a
normal operating temperature.
Maintain low-speed operation at first to allow the trans-
axle oil to be distributed to all lubrication points.
3. Check the engine antifreeze.
If there is a shortage of coolant due to leakage or engine
overheating, add high-quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water. The recommended ratio is about 50% water
and 50% anti-freeze. This ratio provides adequate corro-
sion, boiling, and freeze protection.
202 STARTING AND DRIVING
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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
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To check and refill engine oil
It is normal for an engine to consume some oil. You may
find it necessary to add oil between the recommended oil
change intervals. Before starting the engine, check the
engine oil level. Replenish if necessary.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off,
and gently insert it fully into the crankcase. Slowly
remove it again. The oil level must not exceed the range
of ªGoodº on the dipstick.
NOTE: The engine must be ªOFFº when performing oil
level checks.
If the level does not reach the range of ªGoodº, which
indicates minimum necessary quantity of oil, remove the
oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, and refill to within
the ªGoodº range.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
WARNING!
²Used engine oil is contaminated, and can cause
skin problems: Avoid contact with the skin and
wash thoroughly after working with used oil.
²Keep used oil out of reach of children.
M03A0710
3.0 liter engine
Good
MAINTENANCE 315
9
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To replace the oil filter
The oil filter should be replaced at the time or mileage
specified on the scheduled maintenance chart.
You should be sure that any replacement filter used on
this vehicle is a high quality filter. The manufacturer 's
specifications for Genuine DaimlerChrysler oil filters
require that the filter be capable of withstanding a
pressure of 256 psi (1.8MPa). A Genuine DaimlerChrysler
oil filter is recommended as a replacement filter.
Follow the installation instructions printed on the filter.
Engine oil identification mark
Use only engine oils displaying the ILSAC certification
symbol on the front of the container.
M03A0150
ILSAC certification mark
(ªStarburstº symbol)
316 MAINTENANCE