Page 274 of 394
11. Install the spare wheel with the nut's tapered end
facing inward, then tighten by hand until the wheel is no
longer loose.
CAUTION!
Never apply oil to either wheel bolts or nuts as it can
cause them to overtighten.
NOTE: Flange nuts can be temporarily used on the steel
wheel, but return to the original wheel and tire as soon as
possible.
If all four wheels are changed to steel wheels, use
tapered nuts.
N24A1410
Tapered nut
Flange nut
274 EMERGENCIES
Page 315 of 394

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
Page 327 of 394

Special additives
DaimlerChrysler does not recommend the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Add oil to maintain the proper level. Refill or change oil
according to the scheduled maintenance table.
Lubricant Gear Oil Classification GL-4
Viscosity range SAE75W-90 or 75W-85W
DISC BRAKE PADS, REAR DRUM BRAKE
LININGS AND REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS
Proper brakes are essential to safe operation of your
vehicle. Check brake pads and rear brake linings for
wear, and check rear wheel cylinders for leakage.
For proper braking performance, replace brake pads with
original equipment type pads.
BRAKE HOSES
Brake hoses and tubing should be checked for:
1. Severe surface cracking, scuffing or worn spots. If the
casing of the hose is exposed by cracks or abrasions in therubber hose cover, the hose should be replaced. Deterio-
ration of the hose could cause brake failure.
2. Faulty installation may cause twisting, or wheel, tire
or chassis interference.
BALL JOINT, STEERING LINKAGE SEAL AND
DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS
Check the following parts for damage and grease leak-
age:
1. Ball joint boots of the front suspension and steering
linkage
2. Bellows on both ends of the drive shaft
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
The entire SRS system must be inspected by an autho-
rized dealer 10 years after the vehicle manufacture date
shown on the certification label. [See ªSRS servicingº on
page 100.]
MAINTENANCE 327
9
Page 328 of 394

HOOD LOCK RELEASE MECHANISM AND
SAFETY CATCH
The hood lock release mechanism and hood safety catch
should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated as required
to maintain ease of operation and to provide protection
against rust and wear. Apply Multipurpose Grease NLGI
Grade 2 sparingly to all sliding contact areas of the hood
latch and release lever. Work lubricant into the hood lock
mechanism until all frictional surfaces are covered.
Also, apply a film of the same lubricant to the pivot
contact areas of the safety catch.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide gas found in the vehicle's exhaust
is poisonous. Inhalation of exhaust fumes can cause
unconsciousness or death.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle interior is a properly maintained engine
exhaust system.Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system; when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle; or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent technician inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts.
In addition inspect the exhaust system each time the
vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as
required.
Open seams or loose connections could permit danger-
ous exhaust fumes to seep into the trunk and passenger
compartments.
Do this service when performing underbody service.
Check for any of the following conditions:
1. Check for holes or exhaust gas leakage caused by
corrosion or damage.
2. Check the joints and connections for looseness or
exhaust gas leakage.
3. Check the rubber hangers and brackets for damage.
328 MAINTENANCE
Page 346 of 394
REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The content and mileage interval can vary depending on
model.
!6,000 Miles (10 000 km) or at 6 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!12,000 Miles (19 000 km) or at 12 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!18,000 Miles (29 000 km) or at 18 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
346 MAINTENANCE
Page 347 of 394

!24,000 Miles (38 000 km) or at 24 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck coolant hoses (radiator hose, heater hose).
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect ball joint and steering linkage seals for
grease leaks and damage.
NInspect suspension system for looseness and dam-
age.
NCheck and service exhaust system as required
(connection portion of muffler, muffler pipes and
converter heat shields).
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 347
9
Page 348 of 394

!30,000 Miles (48 000 km) or at 30 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!36,000 Miles (58 000 km) or at 36 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!42,000 Miles (67 000 km) or at 42 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!48,000 Miles (77 000 km) or at 48 months
NCheck automatic transaxle fluid level.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear.
NCheck brake hoses for deterioration or leaks.
NInspect drive shaft boots for grease leaks and
damage.
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
348 MAINTENANCE
Page 349 of 394
!54,000 Miles (86 000 km) or at 54 months
NChange engine oil and engine oil filter.
NRotate tires.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
!60,000 Miles (96 000 km) or at 60 months
NReplace air cleaner filter.
NReplace spark plugs, standard type.
NReplace timing belt.*1
*1: For California, Massachusetts and Vermont
this maintenance is recommended but not re-
quired.
NChange automatic transaxle fluid.
NCheck drive belts condition (for the generator,
water pump, power steering pump).
NCheck manual transaxle oil level.
NCheck fuel hoses condition.
NFlush and replace engine coolant.
NInspect rear drum brake linings and rear wheel
cylinders (except vehicles with disc brakes) for
wear and leaks of all wheels.
NInspect disc brake pads, rotors and calipers for
wear and leaks.
MILEAGE/
MONTHSDEALERSHIP
NAME/CODE DATEREPAIR
ORDER #
MAINTENANCE 349
9