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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.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage as battery
damage can result.
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 shouldinclude 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.
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
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 types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7
Page 298 of 360

•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.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 220
Accelerator Pedal....................... 213
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 295
Adding Fuel.......................... 252
Adding Washer Fluid.................108,133
Additives, Fuel........................ 250
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 288
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 290
Air Conditioning Controls................ 198
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 203
Air Conditioning Refrigerant...........290,291
Air Conditioning System..............198,290
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 234
Airbag................................ 39
Airbag Deployment...................... 49
Airbag Light...................... 52,62,145
Airbag Maintenance...................... 51
Airbag, Side........................... 47
Alarm System (Security Alarm).......... 24,145
Alignment and Balance.................. 240
All Wheel Drive (AWD).................. 217
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 195
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).........294,316,317
Capacities........................... 316
Disposal............................ 296
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).......... 117,220
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 24
Appearance Care....................... 303
Automatic Door Locks.................. 16,17
Automatic Transaxle........... 9,208,210,267,301
Fluid Level Check..................... 301
Interlock System.................... 14,212
Overheating......................... 267
Selection Of Lubricant................. 301
Shifting............................ 212
Special Additives..................... 301
Autostick ............................. 214
BallJoints ............................ 291
Battery ............................... 289
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 23
Belts,Drive ........................... 286
Beverage Cooler........................ 134
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 292
346 INDEX