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Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
ESP Control switch
The ESP control switch is located in the center console.
When the ESP is switched off, the warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on. When the ESP is switched
on, the warning light goes out.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously
STARTING AND OPERATING 161
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher.................194
mIf Your Engine Overheats................194
mTIREFIT Tire Repair And Jacking..........195
NTIREFIT............................195
NPreparations For Jacking................198
NJack Location And Instructions............200
mJump-Starting The Battery...............203
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces.............205NTraction............................205
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle.................206
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle...............206
NTowing Eyes.........................208
NTow-Away Alarm.....................210
mConvertible Top Emergency Operation......211
NRelieving Hydraulic Pressure.............212
NOpening a Locked Decklid...............217
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Page 194 of 299

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located in the console. Push in
the flasher switch and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Press the flasher switch a second
time to turn the flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
area on the gauge.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red area. Doing so may cause serious
damage which is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler
Limited Warranty.
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways ±Slow down and use the highest
gear possible.
²In city traffic ±While stopped, put the transmission in
Neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
²In city traffic ±While moving, shift into the highest
gear possible to reduce engine RPM.
194 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start any time the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle
has a discharged (dead) battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow the procedure carefully.
WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush contaminated area immediately with
large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas that is flammable
and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the
vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any other
booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 203
6
Page 204 of 299
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in Neutral and turn the ignition
OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
jump-start attachment of the booster battery. Connect the
other end of the same cable to the positive jump-start
attachment of the discharged battery.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative jump-
start attachment of the booster battery and then to the
engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make
sure you have good contact on the engine.
204 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fans.
NOTE:If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest autho-
rized dealer.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly
have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, rain, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 205
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CONVERTIBLE TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the convertible top cannot be closed using the convert-
ible top switch, check the following:
²Is the decklid closed properly?
²Is there sufficient battery voltage? Start the engine if
necessary.
²Is the rear cargo compartment divider secured in the
vertical position?
If the power convertible top operation does not function
properly, you can close the convertible top manually.
NOTE:The multifunction tool from the glovebox is
required for this job.CAUTION!
Manually closing the convertible top is a complicated
and technically demanding procedure. Closing the
convertible top manually should be performed with
great care by two people. Close the convertible top
manually in emergency cases only. Otherwise, visit
an authorized DaimlerChrysler Dealer.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 211
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.2L Engine..........................221
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......222
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................223
mReplacement Parts.....................224
mDealer Service........................224
mMaintenance Procedures.................225
NEngine Oil..........................225
NIgnition Wiring System.................231
NCrankcase Emission Control System........231
NMaintenance-Free Battery................231
NAir Conditioner......................232NPower Steering Fluid...................233
NChassis Lubrication....................234
NBody Lubrication.....................235
NWindshield Wiper Blades................235
NWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......236
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............236
NExhaust System......................237
NCooling System.......................238
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......241
NBrakes.............................242
NAutomatic Transmission................244
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