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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
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Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
In order to free a stuck vehicle you must turn off the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:ESP should be turned on again after freeing the
vehicle from a stuck condition.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
190 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat
bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types
of towing.
CAUTION!
Important! If towing the vehicle, please note the
following: With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the key in the ignition switch turned to the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle doors lock if the left
front wheel and the right rear wheel are turning at
vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central locking.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels raised,
the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition
switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off the
tow-away alarm as well as the automatic central
locking system.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground and the transmission selector lever in the Neutral
position for distances up to 30 miles (48 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). The key must be
turned to the ON/RUN position in the ignition. To be
certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the transmis-
sion, however, we recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for any towing
beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Always comply with applicable state or local towing
ordinances.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 191
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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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▫Manual Transmission..................229
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................230
Convertible Top Care...................234
▫Washing............................235
▫General Cleaning.....................235
▫Weather Strip Care....................236
Fuses...............................237
▫Underhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses.....237
▫Relay Control Module Fuses.............241
▫Interior Fuses........................242
Replacement Bulbs.....................243
▫Interior Light Bulbs....................243
▫Exterior Light Bulbs...................243
Exterior Light Bulb Service...............244▫Headlights..........................244
▫Front Turn Signal And Parking/Standing
Lights.............................245
▫Front And Rear Sidemarker Lights.........245
▫Tail, Stop, Back Up And Turn Signal Lights . . . 245
▫License Plate Light....................246
▫Headlight Aiming.....................246
Vehicle Storage........................247
Specifications.........................249
Fluid Capacities.......................251
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And
Genuine Parts
.........................252
▫Engine.............................252
▫Chassis............................253
▫Body..............................254
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly serviced to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
If the CHECK ENGINE light is flashing, immediate
service is required.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the
event of engine malfunction, particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera-
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible
damage to the converter and the vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Automatic Transmission
The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron IIIAutomatic Transmission Fluid may
be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid
recommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km). The fluid is then
filled for life.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid
type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 inch (4.76 mm) below the
bottom of the hole.
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 seated properly.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operation conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
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 this may adversely affect
seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
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