Page 155 of 399
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
mInstrument Panel Features.................158
mInstrument ClusterÐPremium..............159
mInstrument Cluster Descriptions............160
mElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ±
If Equipped...........................171
NEngine Oil Change Indicator System........172
NEVIC Functions.......................173
NCompass/Temperature/Audio............174
NAverage Fuel Economy.................174NDistance To Empty (DTE)...............175
NElapsed Time........................175
NTire Pressure Monitor (TPM).............175
NPersonal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features)...........................175
mRadio General Information................181
NRadio Broadcast Signals.................181
NTwo Types Of Signals..................181
NElectrical Disturbances..................1814
Page 164 of 399

In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.15. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
During sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transaxle oil may become
too hot. If this happens, the transmission over-
heat indicator light will come on and the
vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic transaxle
cools down enough to allow a return to the requested
speed. If the high speed is maintained, the overheating
will reoccur as before in a cyclic fashion.
16. Security Alarm System Indicator Light Ð If
Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed.
17. Temperature Gauge
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Page 173 of 399
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
4
Page 318 of 399

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
Page 319 of 399

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. Your engine oil
filler cap also states the recommended engine oil vis-
cosity grade for your engine.Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it's performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 319
7
Page 329 of 399

when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for an oil
change or lubrication. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to Exhaust Gas in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
Cooling System
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator is hot.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 329
7
Page 336 of 399

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 and
brittle 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.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 386 of 399

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 123
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 130
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 171
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 298
Jump Starting......................... 303
Towing............................. 306
Emission Control System Maintenance......314,364
Engine.............................65,312
Break-In Recommendations................ 65
Checking Oil Level..................... 317
Cooling............................. 329
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 278
Fuel Requirements..................... 275
Jump Starting......................... 303
Oil ...........................317,360,361
Oil Change Interval.................... 318
Oil Filler Cap......................312,319
Oil Filter............................ 361Oil Selection.......................... 318
Oil Synthetic......................... 319
Operation............................ 65
Overheating.......................... 296
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Event Data Recorder...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution............33,66,278,328,329
Exhaust System......................... 328
Fabric Care............................ 344
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 323
Engine Fuel.......................... 323
Engine Oil........................320,361
Flashers.............................. 296
Hazard Warning....................... 296
Turn Signal.......................... 354
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 302
386 INDEX