Page 344 of 440

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
344 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 354 of 440

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter access door is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the
lock toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position).
Remove the access door and pull the filter downward. When installing a new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion. Align the black arrow on the bottom of the filter
frame with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
354 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 391 of 440

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice). \b
•Off-road or desert operation.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the
Maintenance Schedules section of this manual.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule B.
Second is Schedule “A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule B.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first. NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
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. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 391
8
M A I
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Page 426 of 440

Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 82
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 152
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 138
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 176
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 318
Jacking ............................. 320
Jump Starting ......................... 327
Overheating .......................... 319
Emission Control System Maintenance ......341,390
Engine ............................ 338,339
Air Cleaner .......................... 349
Air Cleaner Filter ...................... 349
Block Heater ......................... 260
Break-In Recommendations ................ 71
Checking Oil Level ..................... 344
Compartment ...................... 338,339
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 387
Cooling ............................. 358 Exhaust Gas Caution
.................. 31,299
Fails to Start .......................... 259
Fuel Requirements .................. 296,386
Oil ........................... 344,386,387
Oil Change Interval .................... 345
Oil Disposal .......................... 348
Oil Filler Cap ...................... 346,347
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 348
Oil Selection ....................... 346,386
Oil Synthetic ......................... 348
Overheating .......................... 319
Temperature Gauge ..................... 168
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............31,71,299,358
Exhaust System ......................... 357
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 44
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 80
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 349
426 INDEX
Page 432 of 440

Occupant Restraints....................... 33
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 296
Odometer ............................. 172
Oil, Engine ......................... 344,387
Capacity ............................ 386
Change Interval ....................... 345
Checking ............................ 344
Disposal ............................ 348
Filter ............................ 348,387
Filter Disposal ........................ 348
Identification Logo ..................... 346
Materials Added to ..................... 348
Recommendation ................... 346,386
Synthetic ............................ 348
Viscosity ....................... 346,347,386
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............340,341
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink ) ........... 142
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overdrive ............................. 264 Overhead Console
....................... 141
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 141
Overheating, Engine ................... 168,319
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,418
Panic Alarm ............................ 22
Parking Brake .......................... 266
Parking On Hill ......................... 267
Passing Light ........................... 130
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 137
Pets, Transporting ........................ 70
Phone, Cellular .......................... 83
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............. 83
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 278
Power Brakes .............................. 268
Distribution Center ..................... 377
Door Locks ........................... 17
Lift Gate ............................. 29
432 INDEX