Page 160 of 373

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
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Page 218 of 373

Air Conditioning (MAX A/C)
For maximum cooling select the
air direction to either the Panel or
Bi-Level position using the mode
control. Press the A/C button and
the recirculation button so that
both lamps are illuminated and
set the temperature control to its
coolest setting.
NOTE:
²Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
²See ªCirculation Controlº in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
Air Filtration System ± If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer and a
charcoal layer. The filter will reduce, but not eliminate,
diesel and agricultural smells. The filter acts only on air
coming from outside the vehicle; it does not filter air
inside the passenger compartment. See the maintenance
schedule for the filter change interval. The air filter
change interval coincides with engine oil and filter
change intervals. As with oil changes, the interval is
shorter for heavy duty service or dusty conditions. See
your authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4
Page 277 of 373
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
Page 298 of 373

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
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Page 299 of 373
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 0W-40 engine oil is preferred for use in 2.4L Turbo
Engine within the operating temperatures shown in the
engine oil viscosity chart. SAE 5W-40 Engine Oil is also
allowed for use in 2.4L Turbo Engine. The proper SAE
viscosity grade of engine oil should be selected based on
the following recommendation and be within the oper-
ating temperature shown in the engine oil viscosity chart.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the ªEngine Com-
partmentº illustration in this section.
Oil Viscosity Chart
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 308 of 373

Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner or use the washer solvent. This
will remove accumulations of salt, waxes or road film
and help reduce streaking 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
remove frost or ice from the windshield. make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.2. Push the release tab and slide the wiper blade assem-
bly down along the arm. Gently place the wiper arm on
the windshield.
3. Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.
Windshield Washer Reservoir
The fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment,
be sure to check the fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent only (not
radiator antifreeze). When refilling the washer fluid
reservoir, take some washer fluid and apply it to a cloth
or towel and wipe clean the wiper blades, this will help
blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
7
Page 316 of 373

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 Mainte-
nance Section.
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 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 andbrittle 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 315
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Page 361 of 373

Break-In Recommendations................ 65
Checking Oil Level..................... 296
Cooling............................. 309
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 267
Fuel Requirements..................... 264
Jump Starting......................... 284
Oil ...........................296,333,334
Oil Change Interval.................... 297
Oil Filler Cap......................291,298
Oil Filter............................ 334
Oil Selection.......................... 297
Operation............................ 65
Overheating.......................... 274
Temperature Gauge..................... 157
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Ethanol............................... 265
Event Data Recorder...................... 54
Exhaust Gas Caution..............31,65,267,308
Exhaust System......................... 308Filler Location Fuel...................... 157
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 302
Engine Fuel.......................... 302
Engine Oil........................299,334
Flashers.............................. 274
Hazard Warning....................... 274
Turn Signal.......................... 328
Flooded Engine Starting................... 225
Fluid, Brake........................... 335
Fluid Capacities......................... 333
Fluid Leaks............................. 67
Fluids................................ 334
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 334
Fog Lights....................... 113,162,328
Folding Rear Seat........................ 107
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 107
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 286
Fuel..............................264,334
360 INDEX