Over Temperature Mode
The transmission electronics constantly monitor the
transmission oil temperature. If the transmission gets too
hot, the transmission will change the way it shifts to help
control the condition. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
D (Drive) position. If the transmission becomes hot
enough the TRANS TEMP warning light in the instru-
ment cluster will come on. After the transmission cools
down, it will return to normal operation.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
added to the automatic transmission of this vehicle. A
clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly differ-
ent feeling or response during normal operation in high
gear. When the vehicle speed drops or during accelera-
tion, the clutch automatically and smoothly disengages.NOTE:
•The torque converter clutch (TCC) will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm (usually after 1–3 miles (1.6–4.8 km) of driving)
and the vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h). To understand the difference in operation,
drive the vehicle so that TCC engagement conditions
are correct, and then press and release the “O/D OFF”
button once to disengage the TCC. Wait a few seconds,
and then press and release the “O/D OFF” button
again to engage the TCC. You will notice that the
engine runs at a higher RPM when driving at vehicle
speeds above approximately 30 mph (48 km/h) with
the TCC not engaged. This is a normal condition.
•If the vehicle has not been driven for several days, the
first few seconds of operation after shifting the trans-
mission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to the
transmission fluid partially draining from the torque
converter into the transmission. This is considered a
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions as well as your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following to determine if any apply to you:
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Trailer towing
•Off-road or desert driving
IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown in schedule “B” of the “Mainte-
nance Schedules” section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule “A” of the “Main-
tenance Schedules” section of this manual
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321
7
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only 0recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission into P
(Park).
5. The fluidMUSTbe checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70° F (21°
C) fluid temperature.
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.
NOTE:To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any additives to the transmission. Exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks.
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Schedule “B”
Follow this schedule if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Excessive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Trailer towing
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service)
•Off-road or desert driving
•If equipped for and operated with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow “Schedule B” of the
“Maintenance Schedules” section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace your engine coolant/anti-freeze every 102,000
miles (170 000 km) or 60 months, whichever comes first,
and follow “Schedule B” of the “Maintenance Schedules”
section of this manual.
SCHEDULE “B” 373
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Radiator Cap......................... 336
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........334,366
Temperature Gauge..................... 169
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 327
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 123
CruiseLight ........................... 170
CupHolder ............................ 152
Customer Assistance..................... 392
Daytime Running Lights................... 118
Dealer Service.......................... 319
Defroster, Rear Window................... 158
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 121
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 317
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 119
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 320
Power Steering........................ 330
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 311Disarming, Theft System................... 20
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 323
Used Engine Fluids..................... 323
Door Locks........................... 26,28
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 143
DriveBelts ............................ 323
Driving ............................... 235
Off-Pavement......................... 235
Off-Road............................ 235
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 83
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 150
Electrical Power Outlets................... 150
Electronic Brake Control System............. 125
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 123
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 129
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 174
INDEX 403
10
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 135
Emergency Brake........................ 240
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 302
Jacking............................. 304
Jump Starting......................... 308
Tow Hooks........................... 311
Emission Control System Maintenance......318,370
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 324
Block Heater......................... 215
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Checking Oil Level..................... 320
Compartment......................... 316
Compartment Identification............... 316
Cooling ............................. 333
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 276
Fails to Start.......................... 213
Flooded, Starting...................... 213Fuel Requirements..................273,366
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 168
Oil ..............................320,366
Oil Change Interval.................... 321
Oil Disposal.......................... 323
OilFilter ............................ 323
Oil Filter Disposal...................... 323
Oil Selection.......................322,366
Oil Synthetic......................... 322
Overheating.......................... 303
Starting............................. 211
Temperature Gauge..................... 169
Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 322
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 322
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 62
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 21
Exhaust Gas Caution................... 74,276
Exhaust System......................... 333
ExteriorFinishCare ...................... 348
404 INDEX