Page 389 of 480

WARNING!• Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
• The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman. 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 filter MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
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Page 390 of 480

frame 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. WARNING!Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 405 of 480

CAUTION!Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is reseated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed on all
transmissions as follows:
Normal Usage — No change necessary
Severe Usage (fluid and filter) — Refer to Maintenance
Schedule “ B ”
Severe Usage is defined as: • Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect
seals. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
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Page 410 of 480

When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric. If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Cleaning The Instrument Panel and Underseat
Cup Holders
Removal
Remove the ash receiver from the convenience tray if
there is a smoker ’ s package in your vehicle. With your
index finger, locate the stop tab located at the rear of the
convenience tray.410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 426 of 480

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “ Scheduled ” maintenance services, listed in bold
type must be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
required service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule “ B ” . It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
• Day or night temperatures are below 32 ° F(0 ° C).
• Stop and go driving.
• Extensive engine idling.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90 ° F (32 ° C).
• Trailer towing. 426 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 429 of 480
SCHEDULE “ B ”
Follow schedule “ B ” if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions. Change
the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under
one or more of the conditions marked with an .
• Day or night temperatures are below 32 ° F(0 ° C).
• Stop and go driving.
• Extensive engine idling. • Driving in dusty conditions.
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90 ° F (32 ° C).
• Trailer towing.
• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
• Off-road or desert operation. SCHEDULE “ B ” 429
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Page 439 of 480
Miles 108, 000 111, 000 114, 000 117, 000 120, 000
(Kilometers) (173 000) (178 000) (182 000) (187 000) (192 000)
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing. Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts. SCHEDULE “ B ” 439
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Page 463 of 480

Temperature Gauge ..................... 200
Exhaust Gas Caution .............. 38,83,333,393
Exhaust System ......................... 393
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 52
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 93
Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... 384
Air Conditioning .................... 284,389
Automatic Transaxle .................... 405
Engine Oil ........................ 383,422
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 383
Flashers
Hazard Warning ....................... 344
Turn Signal ..................... 197,418,419
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 355
Fluid Capacities ......................... 421
Fluid Leaks ............................. 85 Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission ................. 404
Brake ............................... 401
Power Steering ........................ 390
Fog Light Service ........................ 419
Fog Lights .......................... 138,419
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 368
Fuel ................................. 330
Adding ............................. 334
Additives ............................ 332
Clean Air ............................ 331
Filler Cap ............................ 334
Gasoline ............................ 330
Gauge .............................. 196
Hoses .............................. 402
Light ............................... 197
Octane Rating ...................... 330,422
Requirements ...................... 330,421
Tank Capacity ........................ 421 INDEX 463
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