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TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE...............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE...............................69
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL................................... 155
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................. 223
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES...............................................295
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE............................................... 309
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................. 363
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE..........................................371
10INDEX....................................................................381
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replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
Change Oil Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style. Unless reset, this message
will continue to display each time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message
temporarily, press and release the Trip Odometer button
on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following procedure.1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.EVIC Functions
Press the EVIC button until one of the following func-
tions are displayed on the EVIC:
²Compass/Temperature/Audio
²Average Fuel Economy
EVIC Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
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Circulation Control
Use this button to choose be-
tween outside air intake or
recirculation of the air inside
the vehicle. A lamp will illu-
minate when you are in recir-
culate mode. Only use the re-
circulate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid
weather.
NOTE:Continuous use of the recirculate mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside becauseof moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.
NOTE:Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix
or defrost modes.
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 219
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Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the ªforward-crossº shown in the
diagram.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Ð IF EQUIPPED
²
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn
the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold placard pressure.
²The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
1 psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12ÉF (6.5ÉC). This means that
when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pres-
sure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as
the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1 km)
after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation pressure
must not exceed the maximum inflation pressure
molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to the ªTires ±
General Informationº in this section for information
on how to properly inflate the vehicle's tires. The tire
266 STARTING AND OPERATING
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NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
²Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in the ªMaintenance
Schedule.º Refer to Section 8 of this manual. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR,
ratings.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
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vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopartparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools, and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
316 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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 (Gasoline Engines)
For best performance and maximum protection for all
engines under all types of operating conditions, the
manufacturer recommends engine oils that are API Cer-
tified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-6395.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE