The traction control system (TCS) warning
light is located in the instrument cluster. The
TCS light will flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin. This
indicates that the TCS system is active. If the TCS
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the TCS warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS, press the
TCS OFF button (the TCS warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
The TCS OFF button is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the TCS OFF button until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the TCS OFF
button.
To turn the system back ON, press the TCS OFF button a
second time until the traction control Indicator turns OFF.
TCS OFF button
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 99
3
The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor’s information varies from the
driver’s intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
ESP OFF Switch
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........232
▫Tire Spinning........................232
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................233
▫Replacement Tires.....................234
▫Alignment And Balance.................235
All Wheel Drive—If Equipped...........235
Self–Sealing Tires—If Equipped............236
Tire Pressure Monitor System—If Equipped. 236
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring—Base System.....236
▫Tire Pressure Monitoring—Premium System . 237
▫General Information...................240
Tire Chains...........................240
Snow Tires...........................241
Tire Rotation Recommendations...........242
Fuel Requirements.....................243
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................243▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............244
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................244
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................244
▫Materials Added To Fuel................245
▫Fuel System Cautions..................245
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............246
Adding Fuel..........................247
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............247
Vehicle Loading.......................249
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............249
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......249
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........249
▫Overloading.........................250
▫Loading............................250
Trailer Towing........................251
▫Warranty Requirements.................251
198 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires
and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Broken
chains can cause serious damage. Stop the vehicle
immediately if noise occurs that could indicate chain
breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the chain
before further use.
•Install chains on the rear wheels as tightly as pos-
sible and then retighten after driving about1⁄2mile
(0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
•Do not use on front wheels of All Wheel Drive
(AWD) and Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on
the method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the lower suggested
operating speed of the chain manufacturer if differ-
ent than the speed recommended by the manufacture.
NOTE:In order to avoid damage to tires, chains, and
your vehicle do not drive for a prolonged period of time
on dry pavement. Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s
instructions on method of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire side wall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 241
5
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 58
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 344
Safety, Exhaust Gas...................... 26
Safety Information, Tire.................. 220
Safety Tips............................. 57
Satellite Radio......................... 178
Satellite Radio Antenna.................. 180
Schedule, Maintenance................... 324
Seat Belt Maintenance................... 306
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 34
Seat Belts.............................. 29
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage...... 33
And Pregnant Women.................. 35
Child Restraint....................48,49,54
Extender............................ 36
Front Seat............................ 30
Operating Instructions.................. 30
Reminder........................... 137
Seats................................. 84
Heated.............................. 85
Lumbar Support....................... 85
Power.............................. 84
Rear Folding......................... 87Reclining............................ 85
Security Alarm......................... 24
Selection of Coolant..................... 320
Self-Sealing Tires....................... 236
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 340
Service Contract........................ 342
Service Engine Soon Light................ 140
Service Manuals........................ 344
Setting the Clock.................152,157,167
Settings, Personal....................... 148
Shift Speeds........................... 201
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 33
Side Airbag............................ 42
Signals, Turn.......................... 135
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 269
Snow Chains.......................... 240
Snow Tires............................ 241
Spare Tire.......................231,232,261
Spark Plugs........................... 287
Speed Control......................... 103
Speedometer.......................... 134
Starting.............................. 199
INDEX 359
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