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When the ABS malfunction indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster comes on while the engine is running, it
indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without antilock assistance. With
the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights come on
with the engine running. If the charging voltage falls
below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light comes on
and the ABS is switched off. When the voltage is above
this value again, the malfunction indicator light should
go out and the ABS is operational. If the malfunction
indicator light stays illuminated, have the system
checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.WARNING!
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the con-
dition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.
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FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and optimum performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having an octane rating of 91 or
higher. DaimlerChrysler Corporation re-
quires the use of 91 octane or higher premium fuel to
minimize the potential for engine damage.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and should be reported to
your authorized dealer immediately. Engine damage
resulting from operating with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING
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Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and stumble. If you experience these
problems, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 60 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends the use of
gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel, referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates and are spe-
cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.DaimlerChrysler Corporation supports the use of refor-
mulated gasolines. Properly blended reformulated gaso-
lines will provide excellent performance and durability
of engine and fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the Winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and drivability
problems and may damage critical fuel system
components.
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states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels, which may affect the performance of
the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the
CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate. DaimlerChrysler
Corporation recommends that you try a different brand
of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel-related prior to returning your vehicle
to an authorized dealer for service.CAUTION!
If the CHECK ENGINE Light is flashing, immediate
service is required. See the Onboard Diagnostic
System (OBDII) paragraph in the Maintaining Your
Vehicle section of this manual.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located under the fuel filler door, on the
passenger's side of the vehicle. To open the door, be sure
it is unlocked, then gently press the rear edge of the door
until a click can be heard, then release. The door rear
edge will spring open enough to grasp and pull it
completely open. If the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler door, see your authorized dealer for
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service. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap has been designed for use with this
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper gas cap. A
poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel
system. The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if
the gas cap is not properly secured.
NOTE:The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 in (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
With the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/
RUN position, the fuel reserve warning light comes on. It
should go out immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that
the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of approxi-
mately 2 gal (7.5 L).
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate.
NOTE:
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
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²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a single click. This
is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened.
The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if the gas cap
is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground outside the vehicle while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is in the
following chart and on the tire pressure label attached to
the driver door pillar.
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Cargo Capacity (with two persons).... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 415lbs(188 kg)
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................232
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................232
mTIREFIT Tire Repair And Jacking............234
NTIREFIT............................234
NPreparations For Jacking................237
NJack Location And Instructions............239
mJump-Starting The Battery.................241mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................244
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................245
NTowing Eyes.........................247
NTow-Away Alarm.....................248
mConvertible Top Emergency Operation........249
NRelieving Hydraulic Pressure.............250
NOpening a Locked Decklid...............256
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located in the console. Push in
the flasher switch and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Press the flasher switch a second
time to turn the flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
area on the gauge.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red area. Doing so may cause serious
damage which is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler
Limited Warranty.
232 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES