
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.
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”.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with
the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts,
and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7 

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is controlled
by both the temperature of the engine cooling
system and the pressure in the air conditioning
system and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the radiator for any accumu-
lation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 

•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 

•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
TThe manufacture strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives to the transaxle. The only excep-
tion to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in
detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers
should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
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 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life ofthe 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.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241
7 

•Use Mopar touch up paint or equivalent on scratches
or chips as soon as possible. Your dealer has touch up
paint to match the color of your vehicle.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•Aluminum wheels should be cleaned regularly with
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, select a non abrasive, non acidic cleaner. Do
not use scouring pads or metal polishes. Avoid auto-
matic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective fin-
ish.
•Your painted and chrome aluminum wheels should be
treated as you would treat the finish on your car.
Always use a soft non-abrasive cloth with a mild dish
washing soap and water when cleaning your wheels.
Never use scouring pads, steel wool or a bristle brush.Never use cleaners that contain acid, oven cleaners or
any abrasive metal cleaner as they will cause perma-
nent staining and/or corrosion.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
Interior Care
Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner or equivalent to clean fabric
upholstery and carpeting.
Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner or equivalent to clean vinyl or
leather upholstery.
Mopar Vinyl Cleaner or equivalent is specifically recom-
mended for vinyl trim.
Use mild (Ivory Flake) solution or equivalent to clean all
surfaces. Wipe with clear water and soft (lint free) cloth.
Do not use cleaners, conditioners and protectants con-
taining silicon or bleach as these may cause gloss level
increases and/or discoloration.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 243
7 

Cavity Fuse Circuit
11 10 Amp Red Instrument Cluster,
Transmission Control,
Park/Neutral Switch,
Body Control Module
12 10 Amp Red Left Low beam Headlight
13 20 Amp Yel-
lowRight Low Beam Head-
light, Fog Light Switch
14 10 Amp Red Radio
15 10 Amp Red Turn Signal and Hazard
Flashers, Wiper Switch,
Seat Belt Control Module,
Wiper Relays, Rear Win-
dow Defroster Relay
16 10 Amp Red Airbag Control Module
17 10 Amp Airbag Control Module
18 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Seat Switch, Re-
mote Trunk Release
19 30 Amp
C/BRKRPower WindowsCAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
•Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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About Your Brakes...................... 155
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 155
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 233
Adding Fuel.......................... 183
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 230
Additives, Fuel........................ 179
Aiming Headlights...................... 257
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 222
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 226
Air Conditioning....................129,136
Air Conditioning Controls................ 129
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........135,141
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 227
Air Conditioning System..............136,226
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 168
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment....................31,32
Airbag Light.....................32,34,43,89
Airbag Maintenance...................... 34
Alarm Light............................ 94
Alarm, Panic........................... 17
Alarm System (Security Alarm)...........19,94
Alignment and Balance.................. 174Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 125
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............233,257
Capacities........................... 257
Disposal............................ 234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 155
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 92
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 19
Appearance Care....................... 241
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks..................14,15
Automatic Headlights.................... 68
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 129
Automatic Transaxle.........149,151,209,239,259
Adding Fluid........................ 259
Filter.............................. 240
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 240
Fluid Level Check..................... 240
Interlock System.....................9,150
Reset Mode......................... 151
Selection Of Lubricant...............239,259
Shifting............................ 151
Special Additives..................... 241
288 INDEX