Page 396 of 466

Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
²Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks 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.
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 402 of 466

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MopartGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments, which may
scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 431 of 466
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs on 2.7L and 3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Replace the timing belt on 3.5L engines.102,000 170 000 102
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter. 120,000 200 000 120
Replace the accessory drive belt on 2.7L engines. 120,000 200 000 120
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only service work for which you
have the knowledge and the right equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 431
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Page 437 of 466

WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only)
See the Warranty Information Booklet for the terms and
provisions of DaimlerChrysler's warranties applicable to
this vehicle.
MOPARTPARTS
Mopartfluids, lubricants, parts, and accessories are
available from your dealer. They will help you keep your
vehicle operating at its best.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
In the 50 United States and Washington D.C.: If you
believe that your vehicle has a defect, which could cause
a crash or cause injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-
tion (NHTSA) in addition to notifying the manufacturer.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, and the
manufacturer.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 437
9
Page 440 of 466

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
440 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Page 441 of 466
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for
a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 441
9
Page 444 of 466

About Your Brakes....................278,280
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 280
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 390
Adding Fuel........................... 323
Adding Washer Fluid..................132,386
Additives, Fuel......................... 321
Adjustable Pedals....................... 134
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 379
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 383
Air Conditioning.....................239,241
Air Conditioning Controls................. 239
Air Conditioning Filter.................248,384
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 249
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............383,384
Air Conditioning System..........239,241,242,383
Air Pressure, Tires....................172,299
Airbag................................ 50
Airbag Deployment.....................56,60
Airbag Light.....................57,62,77,167Airbag Maintenance....................... 62
Airbag, Side..........................52,58
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............52,58
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,172
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 306
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................274,398
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 227
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........389,390,419
Disposal............................ 391
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 280
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............173,282
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 172
Appearance Care........................ 398
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Audio Systems (Radio).................191,209
444 INDEX
Page 446 of 466

B-Pillar Location........................ 294
Brake Assist System...................... 285
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 285
Brake Fluid............................ 423
Brake, Parking.......................... 278
Brake System........................280,394
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 280
Fluid Check.......................395,423
Hoses.............................. 394
Master Cylinder....................... 395
Parking............................. 278
Warning Light.....................170,280
Brakes.............................280,394
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 261
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 129
Bulb Replacement.....................412,413
Bulbs, Light..........................78,412Calibration, Compass..................... 182
Capacities, Fluid........................ 419
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 323
Oil (Engine).......................376,377
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 390
Car Washes............................ 399
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............75,322
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 326
Catalytic Converter...................... 380
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............191,209
Cellular Phone.....................87,209,211
Certification Label....................... 326
Chains, Tire............................ 307
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 346
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 291
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 371
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 75
446 INDEX