The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions.
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light,
located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of
the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins
to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
into another gear that allows for quicker acceleration or
to slow the vehicle down is possible. Downshifts can also
be performed.
Press and hold the selector lever in the ªD-º direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to the best gear for acceleration.
NOTE:To avoid overrevving the engine when the
selector lever is moved in ªD-º direction, the transmis-
sion will not shift to a lower gear if the engine's revolu-
tions per minute limit would be exceeded.
Briefly press the selector lever in the ªD+º direction. The
transmission will shift from the current gear to the next
higher gear.
Press and hold the selector lever in the ªD+º direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to gear ªD.º
WARNING!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehi-
cle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
NOTE:With transmission in gear ªD,º ª4,º or ª3,º
upshifting from FIRST to SECOND to THIRD gear may
be delayed, depending on vehicle speed and engine
temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat
up more quickly to operating temperatures.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95ÉF (35ÉC). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or with
your vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmis-
sion will downshift when necessary to maintain en-
gine RPM within the best torque range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 153
5
system. As a result, it is possible that only partial engine
output will be available, and pressing the accelerator
pedal will require more effort.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP will be
disabled. In this condition, both malfunction indicator
lights come on while the engine is running. If the
malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have the
BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces wheel-
spin under various driving conditions. When ESP is
active, engine torque is limited and the ESP warning light
starts to flash.In winter operation, the effectiveness of the ESP can be
enhanced by equipping the vehicle with DaimlerChrysler
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5
illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en-
gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION!
Snow chains should never be used without the
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such
usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch
in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel
until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction
control engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
goes out).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steady
brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.
162 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km). The fluid is then
filled for life.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid
type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 inch (4.76 mm) below the
bottom of the hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 245
7
4. Replace the access door in the trim panel.
License Plate Light
1. Remove the two lens assembly mounting screws.
2. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
3. Replace the bulb and reattach the lens assembly.
4. Align and resecure the two lens assembly mounting
screws.
NOTE:Be sure not to over-torque the mounting screws
or permanent damage to the lens may occur.
NOTE:Always test the operation of all lights after
service operations have been performed to validate an
effective repair.
Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if carrying an
excessive amount of weight in the rear cargo area. To
readjust the headlights first mark the position of the
headlights on a wall prior to loading the vehicle. Load
262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Specifications
Engine Size 195.2 CID (3.2 Liters)
Mode of Operation 4±stroke engine, gasoline
injection
No. of Cylinders 6
Horsepower (SAE J 1349) 215 hp (160 kW) @ 5700
rpm
Bore 3.54 in. (89.90 mm)
Stroke 3.30 in. (84.00 mm)
Torque (SAE J 1349) 229 ft. lbs. (310 N´m) @
3000 rpm
Firing Order 1±4±3±6±2±5
Compression Ratio 10:1
Spark Plugs Bosch F 8 DPER/ NGK
PFR 5±11
Spark Plug Gap 0.039 in. (1.0 mm)
Tightening Torque 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 N´m)
Maximum Engine Speed 6000 rpm
Accessory Drive Belt 94.1 in. (2390 mm)Performance Specifications (approximate)
Maximum Speed 150 mph (242 km/h)
Acceleration 0±60 mph 6.5 seconds
1/4 mile time 14.9 seconds at 96 mph
(154 km/h)
Gear Ratios - 6-Speed Manual Transmission
First 4.459
Second 2.614
Third 1.723
Fourth 1.245
Fifth 1.000
Sixth 0.838
Reverse 4.062
Gear Ratios - 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
First 3.95
Second 2.423
Third 1.486
Fourth 1.00
Fifth 0.833
Reverse 3.147/1.93
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7
Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
Every 2 years:
²Inspect body for paint damage.
²Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
At approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4
years:
²Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
²Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4
years:
²Replace fuel filter.
²Replace air cleaner filter element.
At approximately 80,000 miles (129,000 km):
²Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life. The manual
transmission comes filled for life from the factory.
At approximately every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5
years:
²Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5 years:
²Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
maintenance service, take your vehicle to a compe-
tent technician.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 279
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S