10. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
11. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goesout. Refer to ªTemperature Gauge' later in this section for
steps that you can take to slow down an impending
overheat condition.
12. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
13. Odometer/Trip Odometer
This display indicates the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. Also, the cluster will display, replacing the
odometer/trip odometer, vehicle warning messages such
as: door/gate ajar and gASCAP (loose gas cap) and
Change Oil message. Loose gas cap will be displayed
from the Odometer/Trip Odometer on all models.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with the optional Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the instru-
ment cluster, all warnings including ªdoorº, and ªgATEº
and Oil Change Required will only be displayed in the
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 159
4
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures in the tire tread can be sealed with
TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) should not
be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can be used in outside
temperatures down to approximately -4ÉF (-20ÉC).
TIREFIT Storage
The TIREFIT kit is located in the spare tire well.
TIREFIT Kit Location
276 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
²If the tire inflates to at least 26 psi (1.8 bar) within 15
minutes, proceed to Step 2 of this procedure.
²If tire fails to inflate to 26 psi (1.8 bar) within 15
minutes, perform the procedure steps described
under ª(G) Distributing TIREFIT Sealant to Better
Enable Tire Inflation.º
²Press the Air Pump Power Button (3) to
turn off the TIREFIT kit.
2. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the top of the
Sealant Bottle (1) and place the sticker on the steering
wheel.
3. Disconnect the TIREFIT kit from the valve stem and
place it in the vehicle.
(E) Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire
Drive the vehicle for approximately 5 miles (8 km) to
ensure distribution of the TIREFIT Sealant within the tire.
WARNING!
TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire repair. Have the
tire inspected and repaired or replaced after using
TIREFIT. Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until
having the tire repaired or replaced. Failure to follow
this warning can result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
(F) After Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire:
Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to the Air Mode
position.
1. Uncoil the Black Air Pump Hose (6) and connect it to
the valve stem.
2. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the Pressure
Gauge (2).
282 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one quart of
oil when the reading is at the low end of the indicated
range will result in the oil level at the full end of the
indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 for
recommended engine oil change intervals.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10725.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
engine oil, such as Mobil 1tSAE 0W-40 or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297
7
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under ªOil Change Requiredº in ªUse Factory
Settingsº of the EVIC section in this manual or under
ªOdometer/Trip Odometerº in the ªInstrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 339
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Key-In Reminder......................... 12
Keyless Entry System (Sedan)................ 22
Keys................................. 12
Lane Change and Turn Signals...........162,328
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 33
Latches
Hood............................... 109
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 264
Life of Tires............................ 251
Liftgate (Sedan).......................... 29
Liftgate Window Wiper/Washer............. 146
Light Bulbs............................ 327
Lights..............................67,110
Airbag..........................54,66,158
Back-Up............................. 328
Brake Warning........................ 161
Bulb Replacement...................... 327
Cargo .............................. 141Center Mounted Stop................... 332
Daytime Running...................... 115
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 111
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator...........................131,133
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 159
Fog .......................... 113,162,328
Headlight Switch...................... 111
Headlights........................... 111
High Beam Indicator.................... 165
Instrument Cluster..................... 111
License............................. 331
Lights On Reminder.................... 112
Low Fuel............................ 158
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 164
Map Reading......................... 110
Oil Pressure.......................... 159
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 158
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 29
INDEX 363
10