Page 367 of 454

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer's specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
Maintenance-Free Battery
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment behind
the left front fender and is accessible without removing
the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located
in the engine compartment for jump-starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the inner fender shield.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7
Page 371 of 454
5. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter
cover to the HVAC housing and remove the cover.
6. Remove the A/C Air Filter by pulling it straight out of
the housing.7. Install the A/C Air Filter with the arrow on the filter
pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter
cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the
cover.
CAUTION!
The A/C Air Filter is labeled with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure
to install the filter properly will result in the need to
replace it more often.
8. Reinstall the glove box door dampener and glove box.
Power Steering Ð 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
A/C Air Filter Replacement
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
7
Page 372 of 454

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
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 ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when
other maintenance is performed. A damaged seal and the
corresponding potentially damaged ball joint 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 seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, 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
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 382 of 454

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 And Power Steering 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 brittle
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swell-
ing suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
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.
²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, 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.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 397 of 454
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
15 40 Amp
GreenÐ Battery Feed Ð Ra-
diator Fan Relay
16 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueIgnition Run/Acc Ð
Cigar Lighter
17 Ð 10 Amp
RedWireless Control
Module (WCM)/
Clock/Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
18 40 Amp
GreenÐ Battery Feed Ð Auto
Shutdown (ASD) Re-
lay
19 Ð 20 Amp
YellowPower Amp Feed 2 -
if equipped
20 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueRadio
21 Ð 10 Amp
RedÐCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
22 Ð 10 Amp
RedIgnition Run Ð Cli-
mate Controls/Hot
Cup Holder - if
equipped
23 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueAuto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay Feed 3
24 Ð 25 Amp
ClearPower Top Module
25 Ð 10 Amp
RedIgnition Run Ð
Heated Mirrors - if
equipped
26 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueAuto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay Feed 2
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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Page 403 of 454
3. Remove the bulb from the connector socket and install
the replacement bulb.
4. Install the bulb and connector assembly into the
headlight housing and rotate the connector
1¤4turn clock-
wise to lock it in place.
Front Fog Light
NOTE:Access to the lights through the lower fascia
cutout is limited. We recommend you access the lights by
turning the steering wheel to allow access and remove
the inner fender shield.
1. Rotate the bulb's electrical connector
1¤4turn counter-
clockwise and remove it from the fog light housing.Front Fog Light
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7
Page 412 of 454
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transaxle MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master CylinderMopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3 brake fluid is not
available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 416 of 454
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and automatic trans-
axle, and add fluid as needed.
NOTE:Six speed AutoSticktTransaxle Ð if equipped is
sealed, therefore checking the fluid level can only be
done by a certified dealership service center.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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