Page 229 of 322

NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle,
when safe. Turn the air conditioner off and wait until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. After
appropriate action has been taken, if the pointer
remains on the ªHº, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of
this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transaxle oil may
become too hot. If this happens, the transmission over-
heat indicator light will come on and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the automatic transaxle cools down
enough to allow a return to the requested speed. If the
high speed is maintained, the overheating will reoccur as
before in a cyclic fashion.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 229
6
Page 253 of 322

Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner should
be checked and serviced by an Authorized Dealer at the
start of each warm season. This service should include
cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at this time.
WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
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 Ð 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
7
Page 260 of 322

²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do 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, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing 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 cou-
plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
260 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 308 of 322

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 186
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 257
Adding Fuel.......................... 214
Adding Washer Fluid..................82,102
Additives, Fuel........................ 212
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 251
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 253
Air Conditioning Controls................ 164
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 168
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 253
Air Conditioning System..............164,253
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 199
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment...................... 48
Airbag Light......................50,61,112
Airbag Maintenance...................... 50
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Alarm System (Security Alarm)..........24,112
Alignment and Balance.................. 205
All Wheel Drive (AWD).................. 183
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 161
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........256,278,279Capacities........................... 278
Disposal............................ 258
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)...........86,186
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 265
Automatic Door Locks..................16,17
Automatic Transaxle...........9,174,176,229,263
Fluid Level Check..................... 263
Interlock System....................14,177
Overheating......................... 229
Selection Of Lubricant................. 263
Shifting............................ 177
Special Additives..................... 264
Autostick............................. 179
Ball Joints............................ 254
Battery............................... 251
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 23
Belts, Drive........................... 249
Beverage Cooler........................ 103
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 254
B-Pillar Location....................... 194
Brake Assist System...................... 87
308 INDEX