Page 153 of 296

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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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher.................178
If Your Engine Overheats................178
TIREFIT Tire Repair And Jacking..........180
▫TIREFIT............................180
▫Preparations For Jacking................183
▫Jack Location And Instructions............184
Jump-Starting The Battery...............187
Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............189▫Traction............................190
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................190
Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............191
▫Towing Eyes.........................192
▫Tow-Away Alarm.....................194
Convertible Top Emergency Operation......195
▫Relieving Hydraulic Pressure.............196
▫Opening a Locked Decklid...............201
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Page 178 of 296

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located in the console. Push in
the flasher switch and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Press the flasher switch a second
time to turn the flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
area on the gauge.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red area. Doing so may cause serious
damage which is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler
Limited Warranty.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways –Slow down and use the highest
gear possible.
•In city traffic –While stopped, put the transmission in
Neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
•In city traffic –While moving, shift into the highest
gear possible to reduce engine RPM.
178 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 187 of 296
WARNING!
A loose jack or tool thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and tools in the
places provided.
JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start any time the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle
has a discharged (dead) battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow the procedure carefully.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 187
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Page 188 of 296
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immedi-
ately with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas that is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the
vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other
booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in Neutral and turn the ignition
OFF for both vehicles.
188 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 189 of 296

3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
jump-start attachment of the booster battery. Connect the
other end of the same cable to the positive jump-start
attachment of the discharged battery.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative jump-
start attachment of the booster battery and then to the
engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make
sure you have good contact on the engine.6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fans.
NOTE:If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest autho-
rized dealer.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. You could lose control of the vehicle and possi-
bly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, rain, mud, loose sand, etc.).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
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Page 195 of 296
CONVERTIBLE TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the convertible top cannot be closed using the convert-
ible top switch, check the following:
•Is the decklid closed properly?
•Is there sufficient battery voltage? Start the engine if
necessary.
•Is the rear cargo compartment divider secured in the
vertical position?
If the power convertible top operation does not function
properly, you can close the convertible top manually.
NOTE:The multifunction tool from the glovebox is
required for this job.CAUTION!
Manually closing the convertible top is a compli-
cated and technically demanding procedure. Closing
the convertible top manually should be performed
with great care by two people. Close the convertible
top manually in emergency cases only. Otherwise,
visit an authorized DaimlerChrysler Dealer.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 195
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Page 203 of 296

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.2L Engine..........................205
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......206
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................207
Replacement Parts.....................208
Dealer Service........................208
Maintenance Procedures.................209
▫Engine Oil..........................209
▫Ignition Wiring System.................215
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........215
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................215
▫Air Conditioner......................216▫Power Steering Fluid...................217
▫Chassis Lubrication....................218
▫Body Lubrication.....................218
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................219
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......219
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............220
▫Exhaust System......................221
▫Cooling System.......................222
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......225
▫Brakes.............................225
▫Automatic Transmission................228
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