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The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light,
located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of
the ESP switch.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
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With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins
to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the
wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control
engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
If the ESP warning light begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle
as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. When the ESP warning
light is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
in the speedometer dial goes out). Avoid spinning one
drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive
train and is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler war-
ranty.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
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WARNING!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehi-
cle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
NOTE:With transmission in gear ªD,º ª4,º or ª3,º
upshifting from FIRST to SECOND to THIRD gear may
be delayed, depending on vehicle speed and engine
temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat
up more quickly to operating temperatures.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95ÉF (35ÉC). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or withyour vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmission
will downshift when necessary to maintain engine RPM
within the best torque range.
Gear Ranges
PARK
NOTE:If the key is in the ON/RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the PARK position.
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces wheel-
spin under various driving conditions. When ESP is
active, engine torque is limited and the ESP warning light
starts to flash.In winter operation, the effectiveness of the ESP can be
enhanced by equipping the vehicle with DaimlerChrysler
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
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To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously
illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en-
gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION!
Snow chains should never be used without the
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such
usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch
in the OFF position.If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel
until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction
control engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
goes out).Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
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Automatic Transmission
The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 mi (129 000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron IIItAutomatic Transmission Fluid may
be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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License Plate Light
1. Remove the two lens assembly mounting screws.
2. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
3. Replace the bulb and reattach the lens assembly.
4. Align and resecure the two lens assembly mounting
screws.
NOTE:Be sure not to over-torque the mounting screws
or permanent damage to the lens may occur.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309
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SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Specifications
Engine Size 195.2 CID (3.2 L)
Mode of Operation 4±stroke engine, gasoline
injection
No. of Cylinders 6
Horsepower (SAE J 1349) 215 hp (160 kW) @ 5700
rpm
Bore 3.54 in (89.90 mm)
Stroke 3.30 in (84.00 mm)
Torque (SAE J 1349) 229 ft lbs (310 N´m) @
3000 rpm
Firing Order 1±4±3±6±2±5
Compression Ratio 10:1
Spark Plugs Bosch F 8 DPER/ NGK
PFR 5±11
Spark Plug Gap 0.039 in. (1.0 mm)
Tightening Torque 15-22 ft lbs (20-30 N´m)
Maximum Engine Speed 6000 rpm
Accessory Drive Belt 94.1 in (2390 mm)
Performance Specifications (approximate)
Maximum Speed 150 mph (242 km/h)
Acceleration 0±60 mph 6.5 seconds
1/4 mile time 14.9 seconds at 96 mph
(154 km/h)
Gear Ratios - 6-Speed Manual Transmission
First 4.459
Second 2.614
Third 1.723
Fourth 1.245
Fifth 1.000
Sixth 0.838
Reverse 4.062
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
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