Page 301 of 464
A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.The system is always in the “ON” mode unless:
•The TRAC OFF switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
•The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC
OFF Light located in the instrument cluster.
Traction Control Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
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This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC OFF
light.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 354 of 464

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the
vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
354 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 445 of 464

Call Toll Free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
•www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
•www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 445
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        Page 446 of 464

on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Thegrade C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
446 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 456 of 464

Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 181
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 226
Fog ..........................183,227,409
Front Replacement..................... 408
Headlight Switch...................... 182
Headlights........................... 182
High Beam Indicator.................... 228
Instrument Cluster..................... 182
Interior............................. 180
Lights On Reminder.................... 182
Low Fuel............................ 227
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 224
Map Reading......................178,179
Oil Pressure.......................... 227
Rear Servicing........................ 410
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 226
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 36
Service.............................. 408
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 226Traction Control....................... 301
Turn Signal..................181,183,224,409
Voltage............................. 226
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 222
Loading Vehicle......................... 329
Tires ............................... 307
Locks
Child Protection........................ 23
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 20
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 212
Lumbar Support........................ 162
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 375
Maintenance, General..................... 367
Maintenance Procedures................... 367
456 INDEX 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 463 of 464

Recreational.......................... 340
Weight .............................. 332
Traction.............................. 354
Traction Control......................188,300
Traction Control Switch.................188,300
TrailerTowing .......................... 329
Cooling System Tips.................... 340
Hitches............................. 332
Minimum Requirements................. 334
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 333
Wiring .............................. 338
TrailerTowingGuide ..................... 332
TrailerWeight .......................... 332
Transaxle............................. 284
Automatic.................... 13,280,284,391
Autostick............................ 289
Manual........................ 14,280,290
Operation........................... 284
Overdrive........................... 288Selection of Lubricant................... 391
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 223
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................. 30,35
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 192
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................. 27,34
Transporting Pets...................... 79,113
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 317
Trip Odometer.......................... 223
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 228
Trunk Lid, Deck Lid (Convertible)............. 39
Tumbling Rear Seat (Convertible)............ 171
Tumbling Rear Seat (Sedan)................ 169
Turbo Cool Down....................... 282
Turn Signals.........................183,224
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 218
INDEX 463
10