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
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
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. See the procedure de-
scribed in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under
Engine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section.
Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or
MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
•Inspect wiper blade condition.
•Check operation of lighting systems.
•Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
•Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
•
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
Every 2 years:
•Inspect body for paint damage.
•Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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At approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4
years:
•Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
•Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4
years:
•Replace fuel filter.
•Replace air cleaner filter element.
At approximately 80,000 miles (129,000 km):
•Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life. The manual
transmission comes filled for life from the factory.At approximately every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5
years:
•Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5 years:
•Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
maintenance service, take your vehicle to a compe-
tent technician.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 263
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 111
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 223
Adding Fuel.......................... 173
Aiming Headlights...................... 246
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 213
Air Conditioning....................128,216
Air Conditioning Filter................... 264
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 216
Air Conditioning System................. 216
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 160
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment...................... 33
Airbag Light........................32,116
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Airbag On/Off Switch..................37,41
Alignment and Balance.................. 165
Antenna.............................. 127
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 251
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 111
Appearance Care....................... 230
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 64
Automatic Door Locks.................... 13
Automatic Transmission...............141,228Fluid and Filter Changes................ 228
Fluid Level Check..................... 228
Fluid Type.......................... 228
Special Additives..................... 229
Autostick............................. 145
Ball Joints............................ 218
Battery............................ 112,215
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 75
Belts, Drive........................... 213
Belts, Seat............................. 22
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 218
Brake Assist System...................... 89
Brake, Parking......................... 148
Brake System.......................150,225
Anti-Lock........................... 150
Hoses.............................. 226
Master Cylinder...................... 227
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle . . . 47,158
Bulbs, Light........................... 243
Capacities, Fluid....................... 249
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 175
282 INDEX
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 212
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 213
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 218
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 189
Electronic Speed Control.................. 94
Electronic Stability Program................ 91
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 178
Jump Starting........................ 187
Overheating......................... 178
Towing............................. 191
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....207,257
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 209
Compartment........................ 205
Oil .............................209,251
Oil Change Interval................... 211Oil Selection......................... 212
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 47
Exhaust System........................ 221
Exterior Lights......................... 243
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 213
Air Conditioning..................... 264
Engine Fuel......................... 213
Engine Oil.......................... 212
Fluid Capacities.....................249,251
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 229
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 252
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 178
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 190
Fuel................................. 171
Adding............................. 173
Additives........................... 172
Filler Cap........................... 173
Filter.............................. 213
Octane Rating........................ 171
284 INDEX
Lights
Airbag...........................32,116
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 111
Back-Up............................ 245
Daytime Running...................... 77
Exterior............................. 76
Exterior Check........................ 48
Fog ................................ 77
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 178
Headlights........................... 76
Instrument Cluster..................... 76
Interior...........................75,243
License............................. 246
Lights On Reminder.................... 77
Malfunction Indicator.................. 117
Map Reading......................... 75
Park.............................76,245
Rear Tail............................ 245
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 111
Turn Signal.......................... 245
Loading Vehicle........................ 276
Capacities........................... 175
Tires ............................... 276Lubrication, Body....................... 218
Maintenance Free Battery................. 215
Maintenance Procedures.................. 209
Maintenance Schedules.................. 257
Malfunction Indicator Light............ 117,207
Manual Override, Convertible Top.......... 195
Manual, Service........................ 270
Manual Transmission.................139,229
Fluid Level Check..................... 229
Frequency of Fluid Change.............. 229
Lubricant Selection.................... 229
Marker Lights, Side..................... 245
Master Cylinder........................ 227
Mirrors............................... 67
Electric Powered....................... 68
Electric Remote....................... 67
Exterior Folding....................... 67
Heated.............................. 67
Outside............................. 67
Rearview............................ 67
Vanity.............................. 69
Monitor, Tire Pressure System...........83,165
286 INDEX