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the black arrow on the bottom of the filter frame with the
direction of airflow (away from the blower motor and
towards the center of the car).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
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 front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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• 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 those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which 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 they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brakes
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 Schedules. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 439
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Front And Rear Wheel Bearings
Front and rear wheel bearings are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection. The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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The Heated Mirrors, Lower Instrument Panel Power
Outlet and Removable Floor Console, when in the front
position are fused with self resetting fuses that are only
serviceable by an authorized dealer. The power seats are
fused by a 30 Amp circuit breaker located under the
driver’s seat. The Power Windows are fused by a 25 Amp
circuit breaker located under the instrument panel near
the steering column. If you experience temporary or
permanent loss of these systems see your authorized
dealer for service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
• Remove the 20 Amp mini fuse in the Integrated Power
Module labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD).
• Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery. • Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the
air conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Light .................. 578
Center & Rear Reading Lights ............... 578
Front Door Courtesy Light .................. 578
Front Header Reading Lights — If Equipped ..... 578
Instrument Cluster Lights ................. PC74
Liftgate Light(s) .......................... 578
Overhead Console Reading Lights .......... PC579
Removable Console Light — If Equipped ....... 194
Visor Vanity Lights .................... 6501966MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 455
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed in bold
type must be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
required service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule “B” . It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
• Day or night temperatures are below 0° C (32° F).
• Stop and go driving.
• Extensive engine idling.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles).
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 32° C (90° F).
• Trailer towing. 466 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 3, 000 6, 000 9, 000 12, 000 15, 000 18, 000
(Kilometers) (5 000 ) (10 000 ) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires XX X
Inspect the brake linings. XX
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. XXXX X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X470 SCHEDULE “B”
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Miles 21, 000 24, 000 27, 000 30, 000 33, 000 36, 000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires XX X
Inspect the brake linings. XX
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. XXX X X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Replace the spark plugs 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary. X
Inspect the PCV valve and replace as neces-
sary. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. XX SCHEDULE “B” 471
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Miles 39, 000 42, 000 45, 000 48, 000 51, 000 54, 000
(Kilometers) (65 000) (70 000) (75 000) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX X
Rotate Tires XX X
Inspect the brake linings. XX
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace if
necessary. XX XX X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. X
Inspect and adjust the power steering pump
belt tension on 2.4 liter engines. X
Inspect the generator belt on 2.4 liter engines,
replace if necessary. X
Replace the air conditioning filter. X472 SCHEDULE “B”
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