Page 376 of 472

CAUTION!
•It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to
the negative post. Battery posts are marked (+)
positive and negative (-) and identified on the
battery case.
•If a “fast charger” is used while battery is in
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables
before connecting the charger to battery. Do not
use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage.
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!
•Use 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.
•The 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.
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 377 of 472

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.
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.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The ball joints and seals should be inspected whenever
the vehicle is serviced for other reasons. Damaged seals
should be replaced to prevent leakage or contamination
of the grease.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 377
7
Page 385 of 472

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7
Page 450 of 472

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............190,275
Adding Fuel........................... 316
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 373
Air Conditioner Maintenance............233,376
Air Conditioning........................ 233
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 246
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 237
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............376,377
Air Conditioning System................233,376
Air Filter........................362,363,373
Air Pressure, Tires....................298,306
Airbag.............................51,196
Airbag Light..........................59,73
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm).................17,190
Alignment and Balance................... 305
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 229
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........382,383,414Disposal............................ 384
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............275,279
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 190
Anti-Theft System.....................17,190
Appearance Care........................ 393
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............80,83
Automatic Door Locks..................... 28
Automatic Headlights.................... 133
Automatic Transaxle....................12,258
Automatic Transmission.............255,258,389
Adding Fluid......................... 389
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 390
Fluid Level Check...................... 389
Fluid Type........................390,416
Gear Ranges.......................... 258
Special Additives...................... 391
Torque Converter...................... 262
Axle Fluid............................. 416
450 INDEX