Page 390 of 492
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the ADD and SAFE markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the ADD mark will result in a SAFE reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7
Page 399 of 492

WARNING!
²Use 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.
²The 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.
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 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.9
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 414 of 492

Fluid Level Check ± 545RFE
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 82ÉC (180ÉF). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (Park).5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two (2) minutes for the oil to fully drain
into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7
Page 480 of 492

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 378
Front Axle (Differential)................... 411
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 415
Fuel................................. 335
Adding............................. 339
Filter............................... 394
Gauge.............................. 180
Octane Rating......................335,442
Requirements......................335,441
Tank Capacity........................ 441
Fuses................................ 425
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 139
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............341,385
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 335
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 335
Gauges............................... 173
Coolant Temperature.................... 175
Fuel................................ 180Oil Pressure.......................... 174
Speedometer......................... 174
Tachometer.......................... 173
Voltmeter............................ 173
Gear Ranges........................250,257
Gear Ratios............................. 78
General Information...................... 18
Glass Cleaning.......................... 424
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 346
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 345
GVWR............................... 342
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 87
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 366
Head Restraints......................... 112
Headlights............................ 431
High Beam........................... 124
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 124
Lights On Reminder.................... 122
INDEX 479
10