Page 213 of 296

Drive Belts - Check Condition and Tension
At the distance shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Manual.
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the distance specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug. Check the
specifications section for the proper type of spark plug
for use in your vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
each interval called out by FSS.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary. See your
authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
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Page 251 of 296
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15.8 Gallons 60.0 Liters
Fuel Tank Reserve2 Gallons 7.5 Liters
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Engine 8.5 Qts. 8.0 Liters
Cooling System *
3.2 L Engine 11.8 Qts. 11.2 Liters
Manual Transmission1.9 Qts. 1.8 Liters
Automatic Transmission8.5 Qts. 8.0 Liters
Rear Axle1.4 Qts. 1.3 Liters
Power Steering Reservoir1.1 Qts. 1.0 Liters
Brake Reservoir.5 Qts. .5 Liters
Windshield Washer Reservoir(MAX fill when empty) 7.4 Qts. 7.0 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 251
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Page 252 of 296
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent
extended life coolant.
Engine Oil Only use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an oil change at the proper
interval if an unapproved engine oil is used; engine damage and reduced
engine life may result.
Engine Oil Filter Mopar5102905AA or equivalent
Spark Plugs Bosch F 8 DPER/NGK PFR 5-11
Spark Plug Gap 0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Fuel Selection Premium Unleaded 91 Octane
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 263 of 296

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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Page 282 of 296

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
Page 284 of 296

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