
WARNING!
•Use 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. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The 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 technician.
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, and Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 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 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 all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” 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.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the recommended transmission fluid and
filter change intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped
The all wheel drive system consists of a Transfer Case
and Front Differential. The exterior surface of these
components should be inspected for evidence of fluid
leaks. Confirmed leaks should be repaired as soon as
possible.
The transfer case fluid inspection plug is located in the
middle of the rear housing. To inspect the transfer case
fluid level, remove the inspection plug. The fluid level
should be even with the bottom of the hole. The transfer
case fill plug is located on the rear housing near the
output shaft.
The front differential fill plug is located on the outer
cover near the halfshaft attachment. To inspect the differ-
ential fluid level, remove the fill plug. The fluid level
should be even with or slightly below the bottom of the
hole.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
7

LIGHT BULBS —
Exterior (300C Models) Bulb Number
Low Beam Headlight (Standard Halogen).....9006XS
Low Beam Headlight – High Intensity Discharge
(HID).................. D1S(Serviced at Dealer)
High Beam Headlight.....................9005
Front Park/Turn Light..................3157AK
Front Fog Light........9145/H10 (Serviced at Dealer)
Front Sidemarker......... W5W(Serviced at Dealer)
Tail/Stop Light.........................3057
Tail Light.............................3057
Turn Signal Light.......................3757A
Backup Light...........................3057
Center High Mount Stop Light (CHMSL)....... LED
(Serviced at Dealer)
Outside Mirror Turn Signal & Approach Lights... LED
(Serviced at Dealer)
License.............................. W5WBULB REPLACEMENT
Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, Inner Park Light, and Outer Park
Light – 300 Models
1. Open the hood.
NOTE:Removal of the air cleaner filter housing may be
necessary prior to replacing bulbs in the headlight assem-
bly on the driver side of the vehicle.
2. Twist the appropriate bulb and socket assembly
counter-clockwise, and then pull it out of the headlight
assembly.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly into the head-
light assembly, and then turn it clockwise.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A transient high tension occurs at the bulb sockets of
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights when the
headlight switch is turned ON. It may cause serious
electrical shock or electrocution if not serviced prop-
erly. See your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with High Intensity Dis-
charge Headlights (HID), when the headlights are turned
on, there is a blue hue to the lights. This diminishes and
becomes more white after approximately 10 seconds, as
the system charges.
1. Open the hood.NOTE:Removal of the air cleaner filter housing may be
necessary prior to replacing bulbs in the headlight assem-
bly on the driver side of the vehicle.
2. Twist the appropriate bulb and socket assembly
counter-clockwise, and then pull it out of the headlight
assembly.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly into the head-
light assembly, and then turn it clockwise.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463
7

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the rear axle fluid. 18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 481
8
M
A
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N
A
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S
C
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E
D
U
L
E
S

About Your Brakes....................322,324
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 325
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 152
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 437
Adding Fuel........................... 369
Adding Washer Fluid...............141,143,434
Additives, Fuel......................... 367
Adjustable Pedals....................... 147
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 426
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 430
Air Conditioning.....................282,284
Air Conditioning Controls................. 282
Air Conditioning Filter.................291,431
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 292
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............430,431
Air Conditioning System.............282,284,430
Air Pressure, Tires....................210,345
Airbag................................ 52
Airbag Deployment.....................58,62Airbag Light.....................59,64,79,205
Airbag Maintenance....................... 64
Airbag, Side..........................53,60
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............53,60
Alarm, Panic............................ 25
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,209
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 352
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................319,445
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 269
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........436,437,473
Disposal............................ 439
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 325
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............204,326
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 209
Appearance Care........................ 446
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
496 INDEX

Electrical Power Outlets................... 187
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 330
Electronic Stability Program............... 331
Traction Control System................. 328
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 451
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 331
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 209
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 213
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 41
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 407
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 392
Jacking............................. 394
Jump Starting......................... 404
Overheating.......................... 393
Towing............................. 408
Emergency Trunk Release................... 41Emission Control System Maintenance......418,478
Engine........................76,414,415,416
Air Cleaner.......................... 426
Block Heater......................... 303
Break-In Recommendations................ 76
Checking Oil Level..................421,422
Compartment...................414,415,416
Coolant (Antifreeze).................436,475
Cooling............................. 435
Exhaust Gas Caution..................78,368
Fails to Start.......................... 302
Flooded, Starting...................... 302
Fuel Requirements..................... 365
Jump Starting......................... 404
Multi-Displacement..................... 328
Oil ...........................421,473,475
Oil Change Interval...............203,218,423
Oil Filler Cap......................423,424
Oil Filter............................ 425
INDEX 501
10