Page 290 of 380

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m6.1L Engine Compartment...............291
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II......292
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap..................292
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................293
mReplacement Parts.....................294
mDealer Service........................294
mMaintenance Procedures.................295
NEngine Oil..........................295
NEngine Oil Filter......................298
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 298
NSpark Plugs.........................298NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................299
NFuel Filter..........................299
NCatalytic Converter....................299
NMaintenance-Free Battery................301
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............302
NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............303
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............304
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........304
NSteering Linkage......................304
NBody Lubrication.....................304
NWiper Blades........................305
7
Page 305 of 380

Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in this manual for
the recommended air conditioning filter replacement
intervals.
Power Steering Ð 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 manufacturer's recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from allsurfaces. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage or damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, liftgate hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
304 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 369 of 380

Oil Filler Cap........................ 297
Oil Selection......................297,331
Overheating......................... 276
Temperature Gauge................... 136
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 46
Ethanol.............................. 254
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution...........30,57,58,256,306
Exhaust System......................57,306
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 65
Exterior Lighting........................ 93
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 299
Air Conditioning..................195,303
Engine Fuel......................... 299
Engine Oil.......................298,332
Engine Oil Disposal................... 298
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 276
Turn Signal........................96,137
Flash-To-Pass........................... 96
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 205Floor Console.......................... 118
Fluid Capacities........................ 331
Fluid Leaks............................ 59
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 313
Cooling System....................... 307
Engine Oil.......................... 295
Power Steering....................... 304
Fluids............................... 332
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 332
Fog Lights..........................95,138
Folding Rear Seat....................... 91
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 285
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 304
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 315
Fuel................................. 253
Adding............................. 257
Clean Air........................... 254
Ethanol............................. 254
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 257
Filter.............................. 299
Gasoline............................ 253
Gauge............................. 135
368 INDEX