
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
Your vehicle is equipped with the instrument cluster
described on the following pages.
1. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank. When
the fuel gauge pointer initially moves to E, for your
safety, approximately 2 U.S. Gallons (7.6L) of fuel remain.
NOTE:When the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the
fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure and temperature
gauges may not show accurate readings. When the
engine is not running, turn the ignition switch to ON to
obtain accurate readings.
2. Charging System Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on for three
seconds when the ignition is first turned ON. If the light
comes back on immediately or comes on while driving, it
means that there is a problem with the charging systemor the battery is low. Also, a chime will sound if the light
comes back on. See your authorized dealer immediately.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are on.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2 U.S.
Gallons (7.6L) this light will come on and remain on
until fuel is added. The “Low Fuel Warning Light”
may turn on and off again, especially during and after
hard braking, accelerations, or turns. This occurs due to
the shifting of the fuel in the tank.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
•If equipped for and operating with E–85 (ethanol) fuel
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.
370 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (3.8L Engines)
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 shows the recommended engine oil viscosity
for your vehicle.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturerstrongly recommendsagainst the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7

are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the appropriate “Maintenance Schedule” in
Section 8 for suggested service intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses for evidence of heat and me-
chanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears,
cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deteriora-
tion of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to
examining those hose surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil
change.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180° F (82° C). This occurs after at
least 15 mi (25 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To properly check the automatic transmission fluid level,
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 parking brake.
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 HOT
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that a 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 dipstick 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 transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with
the fluid at approximately 70° F (21° C) (room tempera-
ture). If the fluid level is correctly established at room
temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper)
reference holes when the transmission reaches 180° F (21°
C). Remember it is best to check the level at the normal
operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

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” 419
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 100
Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 369
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 359
Disarming, Theft System................... 19
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 371
Used Coolant (Antifreeze)................ 383
Door Locks...........................29,30
Doors................................. 26
Drive Belts............................ 372
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt..................... 88
Driving............................... 289
Off-Pavement......................... 290
Off-Road............................ 290
Dual Top.............................. 120
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 116
Electrical Power Outlets................... 116Electronic Brake Control System............. 107
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 107
Brake Assist System.................... 108
Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 109
Electronic Stability Program............... 110
Traction Control System................. 108
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 109
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 104
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 110
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 210
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 210
Emergency Brake........................ 295
Emergency, In Case of
Brake Warning Light.................... 204
Coolant Temperature Gauge.............. 205
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 350
Jacking............................. 352
Jump Starting......................... 356
Tow Hooks.......................... 358
INDEX 453
10

Emission Control System Maintenance......366,416
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 375
Block Heater......................... 269
Break-In Recommendations................ 77
Compartment......................... 364
Compartment Identification............... 364
Exhaust Gas Caution..................78,324
Fails to Start.......................... 266
Flooded, Starting...................... 266
Fuel Requirements..................321,412
Jump Starting......................... 356
Oil ..............................369,412
Oil Disposal.......................... 371
Oil Filter............................ 372
Oil Selection.......................... 412
Overheating.......................... 351
Starting............................. 265
Temperature Gauge..................... 205Engine Oil Viscosity...................... 371
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 371
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution...................78,324
Exhaust System......................... 380
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 46
Exterior Finish Care...................... 394
Fabric Care.........................396,398
Fabric Top............................. 398
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 375
Engine Fuel.......................... 375
Engine Oil........................... 372
Finish Care............................ 394
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 350
454 INDEX