Page 70 of 448

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the bulb is not lit during starting, have it
replaced. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should feel the air
directed against the windshield.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of all exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 294 of 448

Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull left or right.
Alignment will not correct this problem. See your autho-
rized dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS)
Base System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver 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 more
tire pressures is low. The“Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale 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 Monitor System (TPMS) consists of the
following components:•Receiver Module
•5 Wheel Sensors (including Full Size Spare Tire)
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
294 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 295 of 448

The system will consist of tire pressure monitoring
sensors attached to each wheel through the valve stem
mounting hole, a central receiver module and a“Ti re
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.”A sensor is located in
the spare wheel if the vehicle is equipped with a match-
ing full size spare wheel and tire assembly.
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 Corporation.CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have
been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using replacement equip-
ment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
After-market wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to
the sensors may result.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5
Page 296 of 448

CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the wheel rim sensor.
NOTE:
•The TPMS can inform the driver of a low tire pressure
condition.
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, nor to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module. The wheel sensors
monitor tire pressure, and status for all four active road
tires and the spare tire. The spare tire pressure is moni-
tored, but not displayed.
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 more
tire pressures is low. The“Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light”will flash on and off for 10 to 60 seconds
296 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 297 of 448

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 Monitor System (TPMS) consists of the
following components:
•Receiver Module
•5 Wheel Sensors (including Full Size Spare Tire)
•4 Wheel Sensor Trigger Modules
•Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Messages in
the EVIC
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale LightThe system consists of tire pressure monitoring sensors
attached to each wheel through the valve stem mounting
hole, a central receiver module, Wheel Sensor Trigger
Modules mounted in three of the four wheel wells,
various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Display Mes-
sages in the EVIC, and a“Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light.”A sensor shall be installed in the spare
wheel if the vehicle is equipped with a matching full size
spare wheel and tire assembly.
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 Corporation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
5
Page 332 of 448

Spare Tire Removal
Fit the jack handle extension over the drive nut. Use the
Lug Wrench to rotate the nut counter clockwise until the
spare is on the ground with enough slack in the cable to
allow to pull the tire out from under the vehicle.
CAUTION!
The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or
other power tools is not recommended and can
damage the winch.
When the spare is clear, tilt the retainer at the end of the
cable and pull it through the center of the wheel.
Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in P (Park). Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.
•Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
•Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site of the jacking position.
332 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 333 of 448
For example, if changing the right front tire, block the
left rear wheel.
•Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
1. Remove the spare tire, jack, and tools from storage.
2. Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by
turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still
on the ground.3. Assemble the jack and jacking tools as shown. Connect
jack handle driver (A) to two extensions (B), then to the
lug wrench (C).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 333
6
Page 334 of 448
4. Locate the jack as shown. For the front axle, place it
under the front lower control arm as shown. For the rear
axle, place it under the axle near the wheel to be changed.
Ensure the jack is closest to the inside of the wheel when
jacking on the rear axle.Do not raise the vehicle until
you are sure the jack is fully engaged.
5. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw clockwise.
Raise the vehicle only until the tire just clears the surface
and enough clearance is obtained to install the spare tire.
Minimum tire lift provides maximum stability.
Front Jacking Location
Rear Jacking Location
334 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES