To reset the trip odometer, press the knob/button once
with the key in the ON/RUN position. Press the knob/
button twice with the key removed or in the OFF/LOCK
or ACC position.
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is directly
related to the operating conditions of the vehicle.
There are two symbols which will appear in the
main odometer display field prior to the next
suggested service. This symbol represents Ser-
vice A.
This second symbol represents Service B.
Depending on operating conditions through-
out the year, the next service is calculated and
displayed next to this symbol in days remain-
ing before the next service is required.
Likewise, the next service may be calculated
and displayed next to this symbol as distance
remaining before the next service is required.The counter can also be reset by any individual after the
indicated service has been performed. To do so:
1. Turn key to the ON/RUN position.
2. Within one second press the knob/button twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is dis-
played. Within 10 seconds turn the key to OFF/
LOCK.
4. Press and hold the knob/button, while turning
the key to ON/RUN again. The present status for
days or distance is displayed once more. Continue
to hold the knob/button.
After approximately 10 seconds, a signal sounds and
the display shows 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km) for
approximately 10 seconds.
5. Release the knob/button.
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have an
authorized dealer correct it.
The message is displayed for approximately 10 sec-
onds when turning the key to the ON/RUN position,
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
or while driving when reaching the service warning
threshold. It can be canceled manually by pressing the
knob/button.
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus
either the symbol for Service A or the symbol for
Service B preceded by a – (minus symbol) blinks for
approximately 30 seconds and a signal sounds every
time when turning the key to the ON/RUN position.
The FSS display can also be called up for approxi-
mately 10 seconds with the display illuminated by
pressing the knob/button twice within one second.
Following a completed A or B service your authorized
dealer sets the counter to 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000
km).
NOTE:When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or
more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any
such days not counted by FSS can be added by your
authorized dealer.
The interval between services is determined by the type
of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and coldstarts combined with short distance driving in which the
engine does not reach normal operating temperature,
reduce the interval between services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet must
be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
23. Outside Temperature Display
The temperature display is located on the left side of the
instrument cluster, below the fuel and engine tempera-
ture gauges.
The sensor for the outside temperature indicator is
located in the front fascia area. Due to its location, the
sensor can be affected by road or engine heat during
idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of
the displayed temperature can only be verified by com-
parison to a thermometer placed next to the sensor, not
by comparison to external displays (e.g., bank signs, etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and- go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of
temperature change.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
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WARNING!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly
locked the steering column.
26. Check Engine Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system that monitors the emissions and en-
gine control systems. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, the Check Engine light will come on.
The light comes on and stays on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after the engine
is started. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
refuel.
If the Check Engine light remains on continuously and
the vehicle is driving normally, you may still drive the
vehicle. In most situations, the vehicle will not require
towing. However, we recommend that you have the
system checked at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.If the vehicle is not driving normally, and the Check
Engine light flashes or remains on continuously, it is an
alert to serious conditions that could lead to loss of power
or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should
be serviced at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
27. Brake Wear Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the brake wear indicator
light comes on. The light goes out when the
engine is running.
If the indicator light comes on during braking, this
indicates the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
28. Oil Level Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the oil level indicator
light comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running. If the light does
not go out, or comes on while driving, the engine oil
level has dropped to approximately the minimum
mark on the dipstick.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
position, an ISO oil level icon appears in the trip odom-
eter window and a “clock” icon in the cumulative
odometer display. Pressing the knob to the left of the
speedometer twice within one second displays one of the
following messages:
•OK
•-1.0 Q (-1.0L)
•-1.5 Q (-1.5L)
•-2.0 Q (-2.0L)
•HIThe indicated amount of oil must be added to the engine
if the message -2.0 Q (-2.0L) blinks and a signal sounds.
The HI message indicates that the excess oil must be
removed from the pan to avoid possible engine or
catalytic converter damage. If the ISO oil level icon and
“clock” icon remain on when attempting to check oil
level and no message follows, or if the low engine oil
level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction in the
engine oil level system is indicated. A conveniently
located dipstick allows manual checking of the oil level.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
29. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (7.5
liters), this symbol will light and remains lit until
fuel is added.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Press the button again to keep the received program. If
the selected station does not transmit a PTY identifica-
tion, the display will show NO PTY. If all criteria for
evaluating RDS are not met, the unit will only display the
frequency.
The following are examples of program types displayed:
•NEWS – News Service
•SOFT – Soft Music
•INFORM – Information Programs
•NOSTALGA – Nostalgia
•SPORTS – Sports Reports
•JAZZ – Jazz Music
•TALK – Talk Programs
•CLASSICL – Classical
•ROCK – Rock Music
•RB–R&B
•CLS ROCK – Classic Rock
•SOFTRB–Soft R&B
•ADLT HIT – Adult Hits
•LANGUAGE – Language Program
•SOFT RCK – Soft Rock
•REL MUSC – Religious Music
•TOP 40 – Top 40
•REL TALK – Religious Talk
•COUNTRY – Country Music
•PERSNLTY – Personality
•OLDIES – Oldies Format
•PUBLIC – Public Radio
•WEATHER – Weather Forecast
•PTY 24-28 – Not Specified
•NO PTY – No Program Type
122 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CAUTION!
Before inserting a CD, assure that a CD is not already
in the player. Press the CD button; if the display
shows NO CDS, a new CD can be inserted. If a CD
is already loaded, press and release the EJT button
and allow time for the current CD to be ejected.
Loading a new CD into the player while another CD
is already loaded can result in a jammed mechanism
which may require service at an authorized dealer.
Insert the CD into the slot with the printed side up. The
unit will display the number of tracks and total playback
time. After the last track has been played back, the unit
automatically begins to play the first track again.
To eject a disc, briefly press and release the
EJT button.
If the power is turned off, the disc will remain in the CD
slot for protection.Features of the CD player:
•Skipping Tracks
Turn the right rotary control/push button. Turn fur-
ther to the left or right to skip multiple tracks. If a track
was played for less than eight seconds, the system will
skip to the next track.
•Scan Tracks (SC)
Push the right rotary control/push button until the
display shows SC. All tracks are played back for eight
seconds each. Press the button again to cancel this
feature.
•Fast Forward/Rewind (<<, >>)
Press and hold the multifunction button >> for audible
fast forward play. Press and hold the multifunction
button << for audible fast rewind play. The relative
time is displayed during this operation and continues
for an additional eight seconds after releasing the
function button.
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
Limp Home Mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission.
This condition may be accompanied by the CHECK
ENGINE light in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the SECOND gear or REVERSE gear
can be activated.
To engage SECOND gear or REVERSE:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the selector lever to the DRIVE position (for
SECOND gear), or move the selector lever to the RE-
VERSE position (for REVERSE gear).Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
PARKING BRAKE
When you apply the parking brake with engine
running, the brake system warning light in the
instrument cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light, when illuminated with parking brake
application, shows only that the parking brake is on. It
does not show the degree of brake application.
NOTE:If the light remains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunction is indicated. Have
the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer im-
mediately.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. For manual transmission vehicles,
place the gear selector in REVERSE. For vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions, place the gear
selector in the PARK position.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
the What To Do In Emergencies section in this
manual), the engine must be shut off (key in the
ignition switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
NOTE:When the ESP warning light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler Limited Warranty.
NOTE:If the ESP warning light flashes during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator.
NOTE:ESP should not be switched off during normal
driving. Disabling of the system under normal operating
conditions will eliminate the benefits of the ESP system.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
STARTING AND OPERATING 153
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