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Check the battery every four to six weeks to ensure that
the voltage is above 12.4 volts. Voltage will drop more
rapidly in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops
below 12.4 volts, follow the battery recharge procedure in
the Service Manual.
²Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20ÉF (-29ÉC).
²Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
²Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
²Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
²For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
²Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the rear liftgate/decklid, hood, and
doors are completely closed.
2. Make sure that the remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, rear liftgate and door
switches are in adjustment.
4. Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15.8 Gal 60.0 L
Fuel Tank Reserve2 Gal 7.5 L
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Engine 8.5 Qt 8.0 L
Cooling System *
3.2 L Engine 11.8 Qt 11.2 L
Manual Transmission1.9 Qt 1.8 L
Automatic Transmission8.5 Qt 8.0 L
Rear Axle1.4 Qt 1.3 L
Power Steering Reservoir1.1 Qt 1.0 L
Brake Reservoir.5 Qt .5 L
Windshield Washer Reservoir(MAX fill when empty) 7.4 Qt 7.0 L
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
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RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant Use coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent
extended life coolant.
Engine Oil Only use synthetic engine oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an oil change at the proper
interval if an unapproved engine oil is used; engine damage and reduced
engine life may result.
Engine Oil Filter Mopart5102905AA or equivalent
Spark Plugs Bosch F 8 DPER/NGK PFR 5-11
Spark Plug Gap 0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Fuel Selection Premium Unleaded 91 Octane
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
mIntroduction..........................320
mWarranty.............................320
mEmission Control System Maintenance........321
mMaintenance Schedules...................322
NScope Of Work For ªAº Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................322
NScope Of Work For ªBº Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................323
mFSS System...........................325mRegular Check-Ups.....................326
NAdditional Periodic Maintenance..........327
mSpecial Maintenance Requirements..........329
NCoolant............................329
NDust Filter For Heating/Ventilation
Replacement (If Equipped)...............329
mEngine Oil Change And Filter Replacement....330
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At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. See the procedure
described in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under En-
gine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section. Add
oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Inspect wiper blade condition.
²Check operation of lighting systems.
²Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
²Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 327
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Every 2 years:
²Inspect body for paint damage.
²Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
At approximately every 50,000 mi (80 000 km) or 4 years:
²Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
²Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 mi (96 000 km) or 4 years:
²Replace fuel filter.
²Replace air cleaner filter element.At approximately 80,000 mi (128 000 km):
²Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life. The manual
transmission comes filled for life from the factory.
At approximately every 100,000 mi (160 000 km) or 5
years:
²Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 mi (160 000 km) or 5 years:
²Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
328 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
maintenance service, take your vehicle to a compe-
tent technician.
SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Coolant
Have the corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze concentration in
the coolant checked before the onset of winter (once a
year in countries with high prevailing temperatures).
Have the coolant replaced every five years or 100,000 mi
(160 000 km).
Dust Filter for Heating/Ventilation Replacement (If
Equipped)
The dust filter is replaced during routine maintenance
service. The filter element must be replaced with ªBº
Schedule service or every 18,500 mi (30 000 km) to
maintain effectiveness. However, if operating conditions
are dusty, these filters should be replaced more fre-
quently. A cover in the HVAC unit that can be reached
from the passenger foot well provides access to the filter
element.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 329
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 134
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 282
Adding Fuel........................... 225
Aiming Headlights....................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 269
Air Conditioning.....................155,273
Air Conditioning Filter.................... 329
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 273
Air Conditioning System.................. 273
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 208
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................... 40
Airbag Light.........................38,140
Airbag Maintenance....................... 50
Airbag On/Off Switch...................47,53
Alignment and Balance................... 214
Antenna.............................. 154
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)................ 315
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 134Appearance Care........................ 290
Ashtrays and Lighter...................... 82
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Transmission................174,288
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 289
Fluid Level Check...................... 288
Fluid Type........................... 288
Special Additives...................... 290
Autostick............................. 178
Ball Joints............................. 275
Battery............................135,271
Saving Feature (Protection)................ 95
Belts, Drive............................ 268
Belts, Seat.............................. 26
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 276
B-Pillar Location........................ 203
Brake Assist System...................... 108
Brake, Parking.......................... 185
342 INDEX