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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?
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 249
6
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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
6
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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
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until you turn OFF the ignition key or start the engine.
This means that your vehicle's OBD II system isnot
readyand you shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
b. The CHECK ENGINE light will not flash at all and
will remain fully illuminated until you turn off the
ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle's OBD II system isreadyand you can proceed
to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle's OBD II system is
ready or not ready, if the CHECK ENGINE light is
illuminated during normal vehicle operation, you shouldhave your vehicle serviced before going to the I/M
station. The I/M station can fail your vehicle because the
CHECK ENGINE light is on with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopartparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the warranty offered
by DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 263
7
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Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, and rear liftgate/decklid hinges,
should be lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear.
Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
Driver's Door Lock Cylinder
The driver's door lock cylinder should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply asmall amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopart
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder
(avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner, or use the washer solvent.
This will remove accumulations of salt or road film and
help reduce streaking, chatter, and smearing.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Cooling System
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
key is in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the cool-
ant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.
Check the front of the radiator and condenser for an
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the radiator core.
Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
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Glass Cleaning.......................... 294
Glove Compartment...................... 84
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 183
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 232
Headlights
Aiming............................. 310
Cleaning............................ 294
Dimmer Switch....................... 100
Heater............................... 155
Hood Latch Maintenance.................. 276
Hood Release........................... 93
Hoses................................ 284
Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System (Spark Plug Wires).......... 271Illuminated Entry........................ 96
Infant Restraint.......................... 52
Inflation Pressure Tires.................... 208
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 85
Instrument Cluster....................... 128
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 127
Instrument Panel Cover................... 294
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 295
Interior Appearance Care.................. 293
Introduction............................. 4
Jack Location........................... 239
Jack Operation.......................... 234
Jump Starting.......................... 241
Key-In Reminder......................... 11
Keyless Entry System...................... 16
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster............................ 33
346 INDEX