
SELF–SEALING TIRES—IF EQUIPPED
A non-hardening viscous sealant applied to the inner
liner of each tire fills punctures up to 0.19 in. (5 mm) to
minimize the loss of air pressure. This contributes to the
safety of the vehicle by significantly reducing the prob-
ability of a roadside stop due to a flat tire.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM—IF
EQUIPPED
Tire Pressure Monitoring—Base System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels (EXCLUDING THE SPARE
TIRE). Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Re-
ceiver Module.
NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or moretire pressures is low. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale Light will flash on and off for 10 to 60 seconds when
a system fault is detected. The flash cycle will repeat
every ten minutes or until the fault condition is removed
and reset.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System consists of the
following components:
•Receiver Module
•4 Wheel Sensors
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
NOTE:For vehicles with optional wheel/tire sizes and
significantly different tire placard pressures, the placard
pressure value and the low-pressure threshold value is
re-programmable at your authorized dealer to accommo-
date the customer selected wheel/tire combinations rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster, and an au-
dible chime will be activated when one or more
tire pressures is low. The Tire Pressure Monitoring Tell-
tale Light will flash on and off for 10 to 60 seconds when
a system fault is detected. The flash cycle will repeat
every ten minutes or until the fault condition is removed
and reset.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System consists of the
following components:
•Receiver Module
•4 Wheel Sensors
•4 Wheel Sensor Trigger Modules
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Messages in
the EVIC
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
The system consists of tire pressure monitoring sensors
attached to each wheel through the valve stem mounting
hole, a central receiver module, Wheel Sensor TriggerModules mounted in three of the four wheel wells,
various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Mes-
sages in the EVIC, and Telltale Light.
NOTE:For vehicles with optional wheel/tire sizes and
significantly different tire placard pressures, the placard
pressure value and the low-pressure threshold value is
re-programmable at your authorized dealer to accommo-
date the customer selected wheel/tire combinations rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler.
The followingwarningswill cause a text message to be
displayed, an audible chime to sound and the tire pres-
sure Telltale Light to illuminate. The audible chime will
occur once every ignition cycle for eachwarningde-
tected. The tire pressure Telltale Light will illuminate
continuously (solid) and will remain illuminated until
the warning condition is removed/reset.
When the appropriate conditions exist, the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays the following
messages.
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.7L Engines
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high quality unleaded gasoline having
an octane of 87.
3.5L and 5.7L Engines
The 3.5L and 5.7L engines are designed to
meet all emissions regulations and provide
satisfactory fuel economy and perfor-
mance when using high-quality unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 87 to 89.
The manufacturer recommends the use of
89-octane for optimum performance. The routine use of
premium gasoline is not recommended. The use of
premium gasoline will provide no benefit over high-
quality regular gasoline or mid-grade gasoline and in
some circumstances may result in poorer performance.
Spark Knock
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of“regular”gasoline be-
fore considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as“Reformulated Gasoline”.
STARTING AND OPERATING 241
5

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives are not needed under
normal conditions and would result in additional cost.
Therefore you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
or damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
5

NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap), and may result in a
malfunction indicator light on the instrument clus-
ter. A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the
fuel system.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel nozzle
“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
Gas Cap Tether Hook
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

NOTE:
•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a“clicking”sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light in the instrument cluster
will turn on. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened
each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap”message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)—if equipped. Refer
to“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”in
Section 4 of this manual. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. Refer to
“Onboard Diagnostic System”in Section 7 of this manual
for more information.
WARNING!
•Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
•The volatility of some gasolines may cause a
buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive. This pressure can result
in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when the cap
is removed from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch includes a receiver attached
to the tow vehicle, plus a removable hitch head and
spring bar assembly that fits into the receiver opening
and hook up brackets that connect the spring bars to the
trailer frame. See your authorized dealer for a trailer
hitch engineered specifically for your vehicle.
Trailer Hitch Classification
Your vehicle may be factory equipped for safe towing of
trailers weighing over 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with the optional
Trailer Tow Prep Package. See your authorized dealer for
package content and for a trailer hitch engineered spe-
cifically for your vehicle.
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification
Class Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.)
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty3,500 lbs (1587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle. See your authorized dealer for a trailer
hitch engineered specifically for your vehicle.
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer
weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5