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EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies
the following: the CHECK ENGINE Light is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD (Onboard Diagnostic) system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON/RUN
position, you will see your CHECK ENGINE light come
on as part of a normal bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The CHECK ENGINE light will flash for about 10
seconds and then return to being fully illuminated
until you turn off the ignition key or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed to the I/M
station.
b. The CHECK ENGINE light will not flash at all
and will remain fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
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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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•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a
battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
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Page 222 of 296

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
key is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the cool-
ant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.Check the front of the radiator and condenser for an
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the radiator core.
Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
Cooling System - Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 239 of 296
Underhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 5 Amp
BeigeGarage Door Opening Signal,
TPM and Seat Heater
2 5 Amp
BeigeOccupant Restraint Controller
Passenger Airbag Off
3 5 Amp
BeigeIndicator, Safety Restraint System
and Indicator, Passenger Airbag
Off
4 7.5 Amp
BrownHeated Mirror
5 15 Amp
BlueRadio (Coupe)
5 20 Amp
YellowRoof Control Module (Roadster)
6 5 Amp
BeigeExterior Mirror Adjustment, Left
And Right (Coupe)
6 40 Amp
OrangeRoof Hydraulic Unit (Roadster)
7 5 Amp
BeigeElectronic Transmission Control
(Park/Reversing Lock) and BCM
Cavity Fuse Circuits
8 15 Amp
BlueRadio
9 10 Amp
RedRoof Light, Horn, Anti-Theft
Alarm, Cargo Lamp and Tire
Pressure Control
10 5 Amp
BeigeSpeed Control
11 15 Amp
BlueIgnition Coil 6 Cyl.
12 10 Amp
RedHeated Washer Nozzles
13 Spare
14 10 Amp
RedDiagnostic Socket
15 5 Amp
BeigeResidual Engine Heat Utilization
16 10 Amp
RedSpoiler Motor
17 40 Amp
OrangeElectronic Stability Program
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
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Page 285 of 296

Fuses................................ 237
Garage Door Opener..................... 97
GasCap .............................. 173
Gasoline............................. 251
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 171
Gear Ratios........................... 249
General Information..................... 167
Glass Cleaning......................... 233
Glove Compartment..................... 66
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 178
Headlights
Aiming............................. 246
Cleaning............................ 233
Dimmer Switch....................... 79
Heater............................... 128
Hood Latch Maintenance................. 218
Hood Release.......................... 74
Hoses............................... 225
Ignition
Key ................................. 9Wiring System....................... 215
Illuminated Entry....................... 76
Infant Restraint......................... 40
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 67
Instrument Cluster...................... 105
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 104
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 233
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 234
Interior Appearance Care................. 232
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 184
Jack Operation......................... 180
Jump Starting......................... 187
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System..................... 14
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 29
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 23
Light Bulbs........................... 243
INDEX 285
10
Page 290 of 296
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 220
Washing Vehicle........................ 230
Wheel Alignment and Balance............. 165
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 231
Windows
Power.............................. 21
Windshield Defroster..................... 48
Windshield Washers..................... 80
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 219
Windshield Wipers...................... 80
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 219
Wiring, Ignition........................ 215
290 INDEX