
NOTE:As the coolant temperature gauge approaches
9H,9this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will
sound. Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass9H.9In this case, the indicator will flash
continuously and a continuous chime will sound, until
the engine is allowed to cool.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads ªH,º
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the ªH,º and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
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, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
23. Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a high temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in
heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the pointer rises
to the ªHº mark, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If
198 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

once again to display the outside temperature and com-
pass heading in the screen below the speedometer. Refer
to ªVacuum Fluorescent Displayº for details
Resetting the Trip Odometer
Display the trip mileage that you want to reset, ªTrip Aº
or ªTrip B.º Then push and hold the button (approxi-
mately 2 seconds) until the display resets to 0. The
odometer must be in Trip Mode to reset the trip odom-
eter.
26. 4WD Indicator Light Ð Vehicles Equipped with
Selec-TractII
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in
the full-time four-wheel drive auto mode. In
this mode, the system operates with a normal
torque split of 42% front axle and 58% rear axle.
It can redirect up to 100% of torque to the front or rear
axle, if necessary.(See page 292 for more information.)27. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows individual trip
mileage. Refer to ªTrip Odometer Buttonº for additional
information.
NOTE:U.S. federal regulations require upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify the mileage the
vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer
reading is changed because of repair or replacement, be
sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the
service so that the correct mileage can be determined.
Vehicle Warning Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, messages such as
ªdoorº (for door ajar), ªgATEº (for liftgate ajar), ªgLASSº
(for flip-up glass ajar), ªgASCAPº (for fuel cap fault), or
ªCHANgE OILº will display in the odometer.
200 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at the
top of the safe zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine. Also, be sure the oil fill
cap is replaced and tightened after adding oil.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

Change Engine Oil
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Refer to ªMaintenance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this
manual for information on this system.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever occurs first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer recom-
mends engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-
6395.
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 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
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.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
NOTE:Always refer to the wiper blade packaging for
specific installation instructions. Many wiper blade re-
placements fit multiple vehicles.Windshield & Rear Window Washers
The windshield and rear window washers share the same
fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is located in the front
of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the fluid
level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze)
and operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
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.
414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº in Section 8 of this manual.
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.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
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.
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 88
Automatic Door Locks...................31,32
Automatic Headlights.................... 134
Automatic Oil Change Indicator..........201,209
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 264
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 425
Automatic Transmission................283,425
Adding Fluid......................425,449
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 425
Fluid Change......................... 425
Fluid Level Check...................... 425
Fluid Type........................... 449
Gear Ranges.......................... 283
Overdrive........................... 285
Special Additives...................... 425
Torque Converter...................... 287
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode..... 287Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)...... 169
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 169
Axle Fluid............................. 449
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 449
Battery............................... 409
Charging System Light.................. 194
Emergency Starting..................... 390
Gas Caution.......................... 410
Jump Starting......................... 390
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Belts, Drive............................ 406
Belts, Seat............................42,81
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 413
B-Pillar Location........................ 333
Brake Assist System...................... 316
Brake Assist Warning Light................. 196
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 314
Brake Fluid............................ 449
INDEX 471
10

Temperature Gauge..................... 198
Corrosion Protection..................... 428
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 409
Cruise Light........................... 202
Cup Holder............................ 172
Customer Assistance..................... 460
Data Recorder, Event...................... 67
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights........... 139
Daytime Running Lights................... 135
Dealer Service.......................... 402
Defroster, Rear Window................... 181
Defroster, Windshield................82,262,268
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 141
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 399
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player............. 237
Dimmer Control........................ 138
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 137Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 403
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 419
Engine Oil........................... 405
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 31
Door Opener, Garage..................... 155
Drive Belts............................ 406
Driving............................303,304
Off-Pavement......................... 304
Off-Road............................ 304
On Hills............................ 304
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water.............................. 304
When to Use Low Range................. 304
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 90
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)...... 169
474 INDEX