Page 379 of 466

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the proper type of spark plug for
use in your vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for engine air cleaner filter maintenance inter-
vals.
NOTE:Be sure to follow the ªdusty or off-road condi-
tionsº maintenance interval if applicable.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause stalling, limit the speed at
which a vehicle can be driven or cause hard starting.
Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the
fuel tank, filter replacement may be necessary. See your
authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 379
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Page 384 of 466

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection 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, and Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The filter is located in the fresh air inlet under the hood,
behind a removable panel in the cowl on the passenger
side of the vehicle, next to the windshield wipers. When
installing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. To
replace the filter, remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. Slide the lid on the
filter adapter forward and down and remove used filter.Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of
this manual for the recommended air conditioning
filter replacement intervals.
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
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 397 of 466

CAUTION!
²Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer's recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Partsº for the correct fluid type.
²The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating condi-
tions. If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe damage to
the transmission may occur. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid level
accurately.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for the recommended transmission fluid and
filter change intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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Page 413 of 466
BULB REPLACEMENT
Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, and Front Side Marker Light
1. Open the hood.
NOTE:Removal of the air cleaner filter housing may be
necessary prior to replacing bulbs in the headlight assem-
bly on the driver side of the vehicle.
2. Twist the appropriate bulb and socket assembly
counter-clockwise, and then pull it out of the headlight
assembly.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket assembly and
install the replacement bulb.
4. Reinstall the bulb and socket assembly into the head-
light assembly, and then turn it clockwise.
1 Ð High Beam Headlight Bulb
2 Ð Low Beam Headlight BulbMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 4137
Page 429 of 466

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the rear axle fluid. 18,000 30 000 18
Inspect the CV joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 429
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Page 430 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 engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Inspect the transfer case fluid Ð All Wheel Drive
(AWD).30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs on 5.7L engines.30,000 50 000 30
Change the rear axle fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing.48,000 80 000 48
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Change the transfer case fluid if using your vehicle for
any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, off-road, or fre-
quent trailer towing Ð All Wheel Drive (AWD).60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace the PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
430 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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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 449 of 466

Electrical Power Outlets................... 149
Electronic Brake Control System
Brake Assist System.................... 285
Electronic Stability Program............... 286
Traction Control System................. 284
Electronic Power Distribution Center (Fuses).... 404
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 135
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 286
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 165
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 175
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 359
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 344
Jacking............................. 346
Jump Starting......................... 356
Overheating.......................... 345
Towing............................. 360
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40Emission Control System Maintenance......371,426
Engine.....................74,366,367,368,369
Air Cleaner.......................... 379
Block Heater......................... 258
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Checking Oil Level..................374,375
Compartment................366,367,368,369
Coolant (Antifreeze).................388,421
Cooling............................. 388
Exhaust Gas Caution..................75,322
Fails to Start.......................... 257
Flooded, Starting...................... 257
Fuel Requirements..................... 319
Jump Starting......................... 356
Multi-Displacement..................... 283
Oil ...........................374,419,421
Oil Change Interval...............169,178,376
Oil Filler Cap......................376,377
Oil Filter............................ 378
INDEX 449
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