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 249 of 296
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Specifications
Engine Size 195.2 CID (3.2 Liters)
Mode of Operation 4–stroke engine, gasoline
injection
No. of Cylinders 6
Horsepower (SAE J 1349) 215 hp (160 kW) @ 5700
rpm
Bore 3.54 in. (89.90 mm)
Stroke 3.30 in. (84.00 mm)
Torque (SAE J 1349) 229 ft. lbs. (310 N·m) @
3000 rpm
Firing Order 1–4–3–6–2–5
Compression Ratio 10:1
Spark Plugs Bosch F 8 DPER/ NGK
PFR 5–11
Spark Plug Gap 0.039 in. (1.0 mm)
Tightening Torque 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 N·m)
Maximum Engine Speed 6000 rpm
Accessory Drive Belt 94.1 in. (2390 mm)Performance Specifications (approximate)
Maximum Speed 150 mph (242 km/h)
Acceleration 0–60 mph 6.5 seconds
1/4 mile time 14.9 seconds at 96 mph
(154 km/h)
Gear Ratios - 6-Speed Manual Transmission
First 4.459
Second 2.614
Third 1.723
Fourth 1.245
Fifth 1.000
Sixth 0.838
Reverse 4.062
Gear Ratios - 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
First 3.95
Second 2.423
Third 1.486
Fourth 1.00
Fifth 0.833
Reverse 3.147/1.93
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 249
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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 288 of 296

Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 48
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 48
Safety Information, Tire.................. 159
Safety Tips............................. 47
Schedule, Maintenance................... 257
Seat Belts.............................. 22
And Pregnant Women.................. 28
Extender............................ 28
Inspection........................... 48
Maintenance......................... 234
Operating Instructions.................. 25
Reminder........................... 111
Seats................................. 69
Cleaning............................ 232
Service Assistance...................... 266
Service Contract........................ 268
Service Manuals........................ 270
Shift Speeds........................139,140
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 189
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 167
Snow Tires............................ 168
Soft Top............................... 52
Spark Plugs........................... 213Specifications.......................... 249
Standing Lights......................... 77
Starting.............................. 137
Cold Weather........................ 138
Emergency (Jump Starting).............. 187
Engine Fails to Start................... 138
Steering
Linkage............................ 218
Power............................. 158
Storage.............................. 247
Storage Bin............................ 63
Stuck, Freeing......................... 190
Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 172
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 29
Telescoping Steering Column............... 82
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......... 179
Theft Alarm............................ 18
Theft System........................... 18
Tire Safety Information................... 159
TIREFIT.............................. 180
Tires .............................159,271
Air Pressure......................... 159
288 INDEX