Page 394 of 488

WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
POWER STEERING ± FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 395 of 488

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
STEERING LINKAGE
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage and damage when other maintenance is
performed.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7
Page 404 of 488

FUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake, Power Steering and Oil Cooler System
Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 405 of 488

brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface crack-
ing, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7
Page 431 of 488
CHASSIS
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid MS9602.
Brake Master CylinderMopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3,
SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or
equivalent.
Power Steering ReservoirMopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Au-
tomatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7
Page 475 of 488

Ethanol............................... 337
Event Data Recorder...................70,105
Exhaust Gas Caution............38,39,115,339,397
Exhaust System......................... 397
Fabric Care.........................413,414
Filler Location Fuel....................226,340
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 391
Automatic Transaxle.................... 409
Engine Fuel.......................... 391
Engine Oil........................387,430
Flashers.............................. 358
Hazard Warning....................... 358
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 367
Flooded Engine Starting................... 293
Fluid, Brake........................... 431
Fluid Capacities......................... 429
Fluid Leaks............................ 117Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 408
Brake............................... 406
Cooling System....................... 398
Power Steering........................ 394
Fluids................................ 430
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 430
Fog Light Service........................ 426
Fog Lights..........................188,233
Folding Front Passenger Seat............... 167
Folding Rear Seat.....................171,173
Folding Rear Seat (Convertible).............. 173
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 171
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 370
Fuel..............................337,430
Adding............................. 340
Additives............................ 338
Capacity............................ 429
Clean Air............................ 337
INDEX 475
10
Page 479 of 488

Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 233
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 332
Traction Control....................... 312
Turn Signal..................186,189,230,426
Voltage............................. 230
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 226
Loading Vehicle......................... 342
Tires ............................... 317
Locks
Child Protection........................ 22
Door................................ 19
Power Door........................... 20
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 332
Lubrication, Body....................... 395
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 215
Lumbar Support........................ 166
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 392Maintenance, General..................... 384
Maintenance Procedures................... 384
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule ªAº-Non Turbo................. 448
Schedule ªAº-Turbo.................... 453
Schedule ªBº......................... 437
Schedule ªBº-All Engines................ 437
Maintenance Schedules.................... 434
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 229,381
Manual Override, Convertible Top.........134,373
Manual, Service......................... 465
Manual Transaxle..................292,301,410
Downshifting......................... 304
Fluid Level Check...................... 410
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 410
Lubricant Selection..................... 410
Map/Reading Lights..................184,185
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 406
Methanol............................. 337
INDEX 479
10
Page 481 of 488

Overheating, Engine...................... 358
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,465
Paint Care............................. 411
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 210
Panic Alarm..........................26,32
Parking Brake.......................... 305
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 168
Passing Light........................... 190
Personal Settings........................ 244
Pets...............................80,114
Phone, Cellular......................... 138
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............ 138
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 317
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 39
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 419
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 206Seats............................... 165
Steering..........................310,394
Steering, Checking..................... 394
Sunroof............................. 204
Windows............................. 42
Power Steering Fluid..................394,431
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............54,89
Preparation for Jacking.................... 362
Pretensioners
Seat Belts...........................53,88
Programmable Electronic Features............ 244
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry)...............................27,33
Radial Ply Tires......................... 324
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 400
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 250
Radio Operation...................251,259,277
Radio, Satellite.......................... 273
INDEX 481
10