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parked on an incline. Raise the vehicle only until the tire
just clears the surface. Minimum tire lift provides maxi-
mum stability.
4. Replace the tire.
5. Lower the vehicle by cranking the handle counter-
clockwise, then remove the jack assembly.
NOTE:Before storing the jack, it should be fully col-
lapsed.
6. Ensure proper tire pressure.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to make the necessary repair.
WARNING!
A loose jack or tool thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and tools in the
places provided.
JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start any time the ignition
switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 241
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CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat
bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types
of towing.
CAUTION!
Important! If towing the vehicle, please note the
following: With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the key in the ignition switch turned to the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle doors lock if the left
front wheel and the right rear wheel are turning at
vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 245
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CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch
turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions). Other-
wise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and will
apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch OFF the tow-away
alarm as well as the automatic central locking system.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground and the transmission shift lever in the NEUTRAL
position for distances up to 30 mi (48 km) and at a speed
not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). The key must be turned
to the ON/RUN position in the ignition. To be certain to
avoid a possibility of damage to the transmission; how-
ever, we recommend the drive shaft be disconnected at
the rear axle drive flange for any towing beyond a short
tow to a nearby garage.Always comply with applicable state or local towing
ordinances.
CAUTION!
²Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
²Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flatbed truck.
²Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
²Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
246 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm,
insert the key in the ignition switch or press the TRANS-
MIT button on the key fob.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, press
the tow-away alarm switch to turn off the tow-away
alarm before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.To do so, turn the key in the ignition switch to the
OFF/LOCK or ACC positions, or remove key from the
ignition switch. Press the upper half of the tow-away
alarm switch. The indicator light will illuminate briefly.
Then, exit the vehicle and lock with a key or the remote
control. The tow-away alarm remains switched off until
the vehicle is locked again with a key or the remote
control, at which time it is automatically reactivated.
CONVERTIBLE TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the convertible top cannot be closed using the convert-
ible top switch, check the following:
²Is the decklid closed properly?
²Is there sufficient battery voltage? Start the engine if
necessary.
²Is the rear cargo compartment divider secured in the
vertical position?
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If the power convertible top operation does not function
properly, you can close the convertible top manually.
NOTE:The multifunction tool from the glovebox is
required for this job.CAUTION!
Manually closing the convertible top is a complicated
and technically demanding procedure. Closing the
convertible top manually should be performed with
great care by two people. Close the convertible top
manually in emergency cases only. Otherwise, visit
an authorized DaimlerChrysler dealer.
Relieving Hydraulic Pressure
NOTE:The hydraulic pressure must be relieved before
the top can manually be raised or lowered.
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
2. Push down on the convertible top switch and hold in
that position.
250 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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3. Turn the ignition OFF and continue to push down on
the switch for five seconds.
4. After five seconds the hydraulic system pressure will
be relieved.
WARNING!
It is important that a second person assist you to close
the convertible top manually to prevent injuries.
1. Lower the windows and open the doors.
2. Turn the ignition key OFF.
CAUTION!
Ensure that the decklid is closed while raising the
convertible top manually to prevent the possibility of
contact between the decklid and the tonneau cover.
WARNING!
Do not place your hands near the convertible top
frame, upper windshield area, or the convertible top
storage compartment while the convertible top is
being raised and locked. Serious personal injury may
occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 251
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.2L Engine...........................260
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........261
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................262
mReplacement Parts......................263
mAuthorized Dealer Service................263
mMaintenance Procedures..................264
NEngine Oil..........................264
NIgnition Wiring System.................271NCrankcase Emission Control System........271
NMaintenance-Free Battery................271
NAir Conditioner......................273
NPower Steering Fluid...................274
NChassis Lubrication....................275
NBody Lubrication.....................276
NWindshield Wiper Blades................276
NWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......277
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............278
7
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EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies
the following: the CHECK ENGINE Light is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and that the
Onboard Diagnostic system (OBD II) is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON/RUN
position, you will see your CHECK ENGINE light come
on as part of a normal bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The CHECK ENGINE light will flash for about 10
seconds and then return to being fully illuminated
262 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE