Page 296 of 455

2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure for passenger cars
is listed on either the face of the driver’s door or the
driver’s side“B”pillar. For vehicles other than passenger
cars, the cold tire inflation pressures are listed on either
the“B”pillar, the Certification Label or in the Tire
Inflation Pressures brochure in the glove compartment.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than themaximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the“Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information”section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
296 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 358 of 455

•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 32°C (90°F)
•Trailer towing
•Heavy Loading
•Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off-road or desert operation
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on scheduleAof theMainte-
nance Schedulessection of this manual.
Dusty Conditions
Driving through dust-laden air increases the problems of
keeping abrasive materials out of the engine. Under these
conditions, special attention should be given to the
engine air cleaner, the crankcase inlet air cleaner and the
crankcase ventilation system. Make sure that these units
are clean at all times. This will tend to reduce to a
minimum the amount of abrasive material that may enter
the engine.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacture only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 359 of 455

Engine Oil Identification (API) Symbol
There is a symbol to aid you in selecting the proper
engine oil.
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils that
meet the requirements of
DaimlerChrysler Material Stan-
dard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an
equivalent oil meeting the specifi-
cation MS-6395.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to your
engine oil filler cap for the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a number of engine oils being promoted as
either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you chose to use
such a product, useonlythose oils that are API Certified
and meet the SAE viscosity standard. Follow the service
schedule that describes your driving type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359
7
Page 440 of 455

Adding Fuel........................309,335
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 361,385
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 365
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............365,366
Air Conditioning System................203,365
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control........ 207
Air Pressure, Tires....................296,304
Airbag..............................47,53
Airbag Light.........................73,158
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 53
Airbag, Side............................ 56
Alarm..............................31,161
Alignment and Balance................... 303
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............374,406
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............162,284
Anti-Theft System.....................31,161
Appearance Care........................ 388
Ashtray............................... 140Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 380
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 382
Fluid Level Check...................... 380
Fluid Type........................382,408
Shift Indicator........................ 161
Shifting............................. 270
Special Additives...................... 383
Axle Fluid.......................320,378,408
Axle Lubrication.....................320,378
Ball Joints............................. 367
Battery............................... 364
Emergency Starting..................... 344
Bearings.............................. 383
Belts, Drive............................ 360
Belts, Seat.............................. 36
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 369
B-Pillar Location........................ 291
440 INDEX