2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Owners Manual

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build up or your tire pressure will be too low. Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi- tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera- tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures. WARNING! High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi- mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h). Radial-Ply Tires WARNING! Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al- ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine them with other types of tires. STARTING AND OPERATING 167 Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs. Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein- stalled at the first opportunity. WARNING! Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have limited tread life. When two or more tread wear indicators appear in adjacent grooves, the temporary use spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control. 168 STARTING AND OPERATING Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare. Do not install more than one compact spare tire/wheel on the vehicle at any given time. CAUTION! Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may result. Limited Use Spare — If Equipped The limited use spare tire is for temporary emergency use on your vehicle. This tire is identified by a limited use spare tire warning label located on the limited use spare tire and wheel assembly. This tire may look like the original equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is not the same tire, replace (or repair) the original tire and reinstall on vehicle at the first opportunity. WARNING! The limited use spare tires are for emergency use only. Installation of this limited use spare tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not drive more than 60 mph (100 km/h). Keep inflated to the cold tire inflation pressure listed on either your tire placard or limited use spare tire and wheel assembly. Replace (or repair) the original tire at the first opportunity and reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control. Tire Spinning When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not spin your vehicle’s wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h). See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section 6 of this manual. WARNING! Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener- ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam- age or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed. Tread Wear Indicators Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires to help you in determining when your tires should be replaced. STARTING AND OPERATING 169 These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced. Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this point. 170 STARTING AND OPERATING Replacement Tires The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu- facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva- lent to the originals in size, quality and performance when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The service description and load identification will be found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han- dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original equipment or an authorized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi- cations or capability. WARNING! • Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that specified for your vehicle. Some combina- tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension dimensions and performance charac- teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han- dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering and suspension components. You could lose control and have an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle. • Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity, other than what was originally equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose control and have an accident. • Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control. CAUTION! Replacing original tires with tires of a different size may result in false speedometer and odometer read- ings. wear. Alignment And Balance Poor suspension alignment may result in: • Fast tire wear. • Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided • Vehicle pull to right or left. Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right. Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer for proper diagnosis. Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration. Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of- balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and avoid tire cupping and spotty wear. STARTING AND OPERATING 171 TIRE CHAINS Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom- mended. CAUTION! Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are used. SNOW TIRES Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S designation on the tire side wall. If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only in sets of 4, failure to do so may adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules” 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 “forward-cross” shown in the diagram. 172 STARTING AND OPERATING Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what was originally equipped with your vehicle and should not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120 km/h). Tire Rotation Recommendations Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at different loads and perform different steering, driving and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat- terns. These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride. AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPED Autostick is a driver-interactive transaxle that offers manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak- ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This system can also provide you with more control during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situations. Autostick Operation The autostick position is just below the Overdrive posi- tion and is identified by the word “AUTOSTICK”. When you place the shift lever in the Autostick position, it can be moved from side to side. Moving the lever to the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift. You can shift in or out of the autostick mode at any time without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you choose the Overdrive mode, the transaxle will operate automatically; shifting between the four available gears. When you wish to engage autostick, simply move the STARTING AND OPERATING 173 autostick lever to the AUTOSTICK position. The trans- axle will remain in the current gear until an upshift or downshift is chosen. Gear Selector Move the lever back to the Overdrive position to shift out of the Autostick mode. Autostick General Information • The transaxle will automatically upshift from first to second gear and from second to third gear when engine speed reaches about 6300 RPM. 174 STARTING AND OPERATING • Downshifts from third to second gear above 66 mph (106 km/h) and from second to first gear above 37 mph (60 km/h) will be ignored. • You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). • The transaxle will automatically downshift to first • Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy • While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only function in third or fourth gear. Downshifting out of third gear turns off speed control. gear when coming to a stop. • If the system detects powertrain overheating, the transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off. • If the system detects a problem it will disable the Autostick mode and the transaxle will return to the automatic mode until the problem is corrected. conditions. FUEL REQUIREMENTS Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis- sion regulations and provide excellent fuel economy when using high quality regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. The use of premium gasoline is not recommended. The use of premium gaso- line will provide no benefit over high quality regular gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in poorer performance. Spark Knock Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of “regular” gasoline be- fore considering service for the vehicle. Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica- tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are available. Reformulated Gasoline Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning fuel referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”. Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe- cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality. The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso- lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro- vide excellent performance and durability of engine and fuel system components. STARTING AND OPERATING 175 Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate- rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the country during the winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen- ates may be used in your vehicle. CAUTION! DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of these blends may result in starting and driveability problems and may damage critical fuel system com- ponents. Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Methanol. 176 STARTING AND OPERATING MMT in Gasoline MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num- ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom- mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not his/her gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to look for gasolines without MMT in Canada because MMT can be used at higher levels than allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor- mulated gasolines. Materials Added to Fuel All gasoline sold in the United States is required to contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents or other additives is not needed under normal conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore you should not have to add anything to the fuel. Fuel System Cautions CAUTION! Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s performance: • The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance, or damage the emission control system. • An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or malfunctioning and may require immediate service. Contact your dealer for service assistance. • The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not the responsibility of the manufacturer. Intentional tampering with emissions control in civil penalties being assessed NOTE: systems can result against you. Carbon Monoxide Warnings WARNING! Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: • Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine running for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle. STARTING AND OPERATING 177 • Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte- nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully open. • Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex- haust gases from entering the vehicle. ADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the driver’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle. CAUTION! Damage to the fuel system or emission control system could result from using an improper fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel system. 178 STARTING AND OPERATING CAUTION! CAUTION! To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top off” the fuel tank after filling. A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp to turn on. NOTE: Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on if the gas cap is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is refueled. NOTE: When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full. NOTE: The fuel tank filler tube may have a restricting door about 50 mm (2 inches) down from the opening. If fuel is poured from a portable container, the container should have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the restricting door. WARNING! • Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank filled. • Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is • A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You could be burned. Always place gas containers on the ground while filling. running. VEHICLE LOADING Vehicle Loading Capacities Front Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rear Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 lbs. (52 kg) Rated Vehicle Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . 715 lbs. (324 kg) TRAILER TOWING In this section you will find safety tips and information on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re- view this information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as possible. To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements and recommendations in this manual concerning ve- hicles used for trailer towing. Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main- tenance schedules manual. When your vehicle is used for trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) by the addition of: • The tongue weight of the trailer. STARTING AND OPERATING 179 • The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment • Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds put in or on your vehicle. to the load on your vehicle. 20 square feet (1.86 square meters). Towing Requirements • The maximum trailer load is 1,000 lbs (450 kg). • The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed • If using a manual transaxle vehicle for trailer towing, all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch slippage. • The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire– Safety Information Section in this manual. • The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range must be selected. 180 STARTING AND OPERATING NOTE: Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor- mance and extend tranaxle life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. WARNING! spare tire. Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic brake lines can overload your brake system and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you need them and could have an accident. • Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact • Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are recommended for motoring safety. • The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid change intervals. NOTE: Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change. NOTE: For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range should be selected that allows for adequate performance. For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the desired speed. NOTE: Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle speed when road conditions and RPM level allows. FLEXIBLE FUEL – (2.7L Engines with Automatic Transmission Only) E-85 General Information The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve- hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by the unique fuel filler door label that states Ethanol (E-85) or Un- leaded Gasoline Only. This section only covers those subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other sections of this manual for information on features that are common between Flexible Fuel and gasoline only powered vehicles. CAUTION! Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can operate on E-85. ETHANOL FUEL (E-85) E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. STARTING AND OPERATING 181 WARNING! Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok- ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov- ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never use it near an open flame. Fuel Requirements Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these two. For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be- tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided. When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that: • you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less • you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 liters) when than 1/4 full refueling 182 STARTING AND OPERATING • you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for a period of at least 5 minutes Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability during warm up. NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), you may experience hard starting and rough idle following start up even if the above recommendations are followed. Selection of Engine Oil For best performance and protection of your vehicle, use only crankcase engine oils that meet the following re- quirements: American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil Identi- fication Symbol This symbol means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). We only recommend API Certified en- gine oils that meet the require- ments of DaimlerChrysler’s Mate- rial Standard MS-9214. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-9214. The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad- dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental addi- tives. • Engine Oil Selection for Operating on E-85 If you operate the vehicle on E-85 fuel, either full or part-time, use only Mopar Flexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil (P/N 4318086) or an equivalent that meets the Manufacturer’s Standard MS-9214. Equivalent com- mercial Flexible Fuel engine oils may be labeled as Flexible Fuel (FFV) or Alternate Fuel (AFV). These engine oils may be satisfactory if they meet the Manu- facturer’s Standard. The 5W-30 engine oil installed at the factory meets the manufacturer’s requirements for Flexible Fuel engine oil. SAE 5W-30 engine oil is preferred for use in Flexible Fuel engines. CAUTION! If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using E-85, engine wear may be increased significantly. This may void your warranty. STARTING AND OPERATING 183 • Engine Oil Selection for Operating on Gasoline If you operate the vehicle on regular unleaded gasoline ONLY, use Mopar oil or an equivalent that meets certified API (American Petroleum Institute) Quality. Starting The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the range of 0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C), you may experience an increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or hesita- tions) until the engine is fully warmed up. Cruising Range Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con- sumption. You can expect your MPG and your driving range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline operation. 184 STARTING AND OPERATING Replacement Parts Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com- patible parts. CAUTION! Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol compatible components can damage your vehicle and may void the warranty. Maintenance If you operate the vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow Sched- ule B in the maintenance schedule section of this manual. CAUTION! Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and may affect driveability. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES CONTENTS 䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 䡵 Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 ▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 䡵 Jump-Starting Procedures If Battery Is Low . . . 193 䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 ▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 ▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 䡵 Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 ▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER Hazard Flasher Switch The flasher switch is on top of the steering column, just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc- tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off. Do not use this emergency warning system when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists. If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition key removed and the vehicle locked. NOTE: With extended use, the flasher may wear down your battery. IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac- tion. • On the highways — Slow down. • In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 187 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, Maintenance, of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph. NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system. CAUTION! Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle in Park with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call for service. 188 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Preparations for Jacking WARNING! • Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift. • Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel. • The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas. firm, level surface. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or slippery areas, and set the parking brake. Place the gear selector in PARK. • Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher, park vehicle on • Put gear shift in park (automatic transmission) or • Set parking brake and turn off engine. • Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the reverse (manual transmission). vehicle is being jacked. Changing a Tire The spare wheel, scissors jack, and lug wrench are stowed under the spare tire cover in the rear cargo area. Do not attempt to raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189 1. Block wheel diagonally op- posite flat tire. 2. Remove the spare tire, scissors jack and lug wrench from stowage. 190 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 3. Before raising the vehicle, use lug wrench to carefully pry off wheel cover (if equipped with steel wheels) or center cap (if equipped with aluminum wheels). Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one turn while the wheel is still on the ground. WARNING! To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with care to avoid contact with the metal edges and retention teeth. 4. Turn the jack screw clockwise to firmly engage the jack saddle with the lift area of the sill flange. Use the lift area closest to the flat tire 5. Raise the vehicle just enough to remove flat tire and install spare tire. Center Cap Removal WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 191 Jack Engagement Locations 192 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES WARNING! WARNING! Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire. A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve- hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places provided. 6. Remove lug nuts and tire. 7. Mount spare tire. 8. Tighten all lug nuts on mounting studs. 9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. 10. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (135 N·m). 11. Store the flat tire, jack, and tools. 12. Wheel cover installation (if required). Do not attempt to install a wheel cover on a compact spare. align valve notch in wheel cover with valve stem on wheel. Snap cover into place. NOTE: When reinstalling the center cap it is necessary to align the center cap notch with the first spoke, just right of the valve stem. 13. Adjust the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct pressure is on the label located on the driver’s door. JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES IF BATTERY IS LOW WARNING! • Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis- charged battery, booster cables may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully. • Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan when- ever the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 193 NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment behind the left front fender and is accessible without removing the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located in the engine compartment for jump starting. 1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an inadvertent electrical contact. 2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but without letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto- matic transaxle in PARK and turn ignition to OFF for both vehicles. 3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical loads. 4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end to the positive jump start attachment of the discharged battery. 194 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES WARNING! Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a ground connection and person injury could result. Jump Starting 5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal of the booster battery and then to the jump start attach- ment of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good contact on the engine. WARNING! Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the discharged battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to explode. During cold weather when temperatures are below freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump starting because the battery could rupture or explode. The battery temperature must be brought up above freezing point before attempting to jump start. 6. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery. 7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan. WARNING! Any procedure other than above could result in: 1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out the battery vent; 2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery explosion; 3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or of immobilized vehicle. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 195 WARNING! Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contaminated area immediately with large quantities of water. A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam- mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the battery. Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output that exceeds 12 volts. WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con- tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. 196 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Acceleration Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip- pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati- cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in the surface traction under the front (driving) wheels, particularly with high output engines. WARNING! Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger- ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.). Traction When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a wedge of water to build up between the tire and road surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precautions should be observed: 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy. 2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles. 3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become visible. 4. Keep tires properly inflated. 5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden stop. NOTE: System to accelerate on slippery surfaces. If so equipped, turn on the Traction Control FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle. If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres- sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the wheels is most effective. CAUTION! Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h). WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 197 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE Flat bed towing is the preferred towing method. If a flat bed towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing vehicle may be used. Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be used. CAUTION! Do not use sling type towing equipment. Damage to the fascia and air dam may result. 198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground) Automatic Transaxle Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi- tions: The gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be towed must not exceed 15 miles (25 km), and the towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km), the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels off the ground. CAUTION! If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions. If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed (wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the transaxle remains in NEUTRAL. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE CONTENTS 䡵 2.4L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 䡵 2.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . . 203 䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 ▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 ▫ Crankcase Emission Control System . . . . . . . . 213 ▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 ▫ Air Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 ▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 ▫ Suspension Ball Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 ▫ Body Mechanism Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 ▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 ▫ Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 ▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 ▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 ▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 224 ▫ Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 ▫ Fuel System Hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 ▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ▫ Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 䡵 Convertible Top Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 ▫ Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 ▫ General Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 ▫ Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure . . . . 235 ▫ Cloth Top Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 ▫ Weather Strip Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 ▫ Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 ▫ Interior Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 䡵 Replacement Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 ▫ Headlight Bulb Replacement ▫ Park, Turn Signal, Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 ▫ Fog Light Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 ▫ Center Stoplight Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . 244 ▫ Rear Light Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 ▫ License Plate Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 245 ▫ Headlight Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 䡵 Fluids And Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 䡵 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 ▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 ▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 2.4L ENGINE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201 2.4L Engine Compartment 202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.7L ENGINE 2.7L Engine Compartment ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control systems. When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis- sions well within current government regulations. If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist your service technician in making repairs. Al- though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203 CAUTION! • Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica- tor Light” on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests can be per- formed. • If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing while the engine is running, severe catalytic con- verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required. 204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states which have an I/M (Inspection and Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is functioning and is not on when the engine is running, and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready for testing. Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery replacement. If the OBD system should be determined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test. Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test which you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do the following: 1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch. 2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine. 3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test over. 4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check. 5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen: a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system is not ready and you should not proceed to the I/M station. b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station. If your OBD system is not ready, you should see your authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD system to update. A recheck with the above test routine may then indicate that the system is now ready. Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated during normal vehicle operation, you should have your 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205 REPLACEMENT PARTS Use of genuine Mopar parts for normal/scheduled main- tenance and repairs is highly recommended to insure the designed performance. Damage or failures caused by the use of non-Mopar parts 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: systems can result against you. Intentional tampering with emissions control in civil penalties being assessed 206 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Engine Oil You can be badly injured working on or around a motor vehicle. Do only that 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. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES The pages that follow contain the required maintenance services determined by the engineers who designed your vehicle. Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed maintenance intervals, there are other items that should operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance. However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance. These items should be inspected if a malfunction is observed or suspected. Checking Oil Level To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the engine oil must be maintained, at the correct level. Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to check the oil level is about 5 minutes after a fully warmed 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. Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these engines. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207 • Day and night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C) • Stop and Go driving • Extensive engine idling. • Driving in dusty conditions • Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km) • More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high • Trailer towing • Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service) • Off— road or desert operation • If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C) fuel. If ANY of these apply to you then change your NOTE: engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the ⬙Maintenance Schedules⬙ section of this manual. Engine Oil Dipstick CAUTION! Overfilling or underfilling will cause aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine. Change Engine Oil Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the following list to decide if any apply to you. 208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil at every interval shown on schedule ⬙A⬙ of the ⬙Mainte- nance Schedules⬙ section of this manual. NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months whichever comes first. Engine Oil Selection For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, we recommend engine oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler’s Material Standard MS-6395. Use Mo- par or an equivalent oil meeting the specification 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). We only recommend API Certified en- gine oils that meet the require- ments of DaimlerChrysler’s Mate- rial Standard MS-6395. Use Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395. Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) Engine Oil Fill Cap SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 engine oils are recom- mended for all operating temperatures. These engine oils are designed to improve low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. Refer to the engine oil filler cap for the preferred engine oil viscosity grade for each vehicle. Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi- fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num- ber should not be used. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 209 Flexible Fuel Engine Oil If you operate the vehicle on E-85 fuel either full or part-time, use only Mopar Flexible Fuel 5W-30 engine oil or an equivalent that meets the manufacturers Standard MS-9214. Equivalent commercial Flexible Fuel engine oils may be labeled as Flexible Fuel (FFV) or Alternate Fuel (AFV). These engine oils may be satisfactory if they meet the manufacturer’s standard. CAUTION! If Flexible Fuel engine oil is not used when using E-85, engine wear may be increased significantly. This may void your warranty. Synthetic Engine Oils You may use synthetic engine oils provided that the recommended oil quality requirements are met and the recommended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes are followed. 210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Materials Added To Engine Oils The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad- dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental addi- tives. Disposing of Used Engine Oil and Oil Filters Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the environment. Contact your dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in your area. Engine Oil Filter The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine oil change. Engine Oil Filter Selection All manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos- able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high quality oil filters and are recommended. Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension At the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules, check all drive belts for condition and proper tension. Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure. Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re- quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications and procedures shown in the Service Manual. Special tools are required to properly measure tension and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also, check belt routing to make sure there is no interference between the belts and other engine components. 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. Check the specifications section for the proper type of spark plug for use in your vehicle. Engine Air Cleaner Filter Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con- ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi- cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule “B”. WARNING! The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air cleaner 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 cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211 Engine Fuel Filter A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank, frequent filter replacement may be necessary. Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an emission control device. Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con- verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im- portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst damage. 212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE CAUTION! Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv- ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor- mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin- ued operation of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to the converter and the vehicle. WARNING! A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over materials that can burn. Such materials might be grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex- haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas where your exhaust system can contact any- thing that can burn. In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Service, to the manufacturer’s specifications, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage: • Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in motion. • Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the • Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires vehicle. disconnected for prolonged period. Engine Timing Belt Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals described in the appropriate maintenance schedule. Crankcase Emission Control System Proper operation of this system depends on freedom from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle mileage builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation (PCV) valve and passages may accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly, replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE! Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or plugging deposits. Replace if necessary. Maintenance-Free Battery The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma- nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic maintenance required. NOTE: The battery is stored in a compartment behind the left front fender and is accessible without removing the tire and wheel. Remote battery terminals are located in the engine compartment for jump starting. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213 Battery Location To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and remove the inner fender shield. 214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con- tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area immedi- ately with large amounts of water. Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a booster battery or any other booster source with an output greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable clamps to touch each other. CAUTION! It is essential when replacing the cables on the battery that the positive cable is attached to the positive post and the negative cable is attached to the negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+) and negative (-) and identified on the battery case. Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and clamps after tightening. If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a “fast charger” to provide starting voltage as battery damage can result. Air Conditioner Check the air conditioning system at the start of the warm weather season. If your air conditioning performance seems NOTE: lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con- denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing air conditioning performance. WARNING! • Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants approved by the manufacturer for your air condi- tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for further warranty information. • The air conditioning system contains refrigerant under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be done by an experienced repairman. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215 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, or Refrigerants. Power Steering — 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”. Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the reservoir. 216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! Fluid level should be checked on a level surface with the engine off to prevent injury from moving parts, and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Fluid level should be maintained at the proper level indicated on the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. Suspension Ball Joints There are two upper front and rear suspension ball joints. Inspect these ball joints whenever under vehicle service is done. If the seals are damaged, the ball joint should be replaced. Body Mechanism Lubrication Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli- cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular attention should also be given to hood latching compo- nents to insure proper function. When performing other underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated. Hood Latch When performing other under hood services, the hood latch release mechanism and safety catch should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated. It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely. Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap- plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas. External Lock Cylinders Lubricate the external lock cylinders twice a year, prefer- ably in the fall and spring. Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as Mopar Lock Cylinder Lubricant di- rectly into the lock cylinder (avoid excess lubricant). Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the unlocked to the locked position; without adding more lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid soiling clothing. If you use a lubricant that cannot be dispensed directly into the lock cylinder, apply a small amount of the lubricant to the key. Insert the key into the lock cylinder, MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217 then proceed as described above, to distribute the lubri- cant within the lock cylinder. Pay attention to trunk hinges, especially during cold weather, to ensure ease of trunk operation. Other Body Mechanisms The following body mechanisms should be inspected and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of these components should be lubricated with the lubricant specified as follows: Engine Oil • Door hinges • Hood hinges • Trunk hinges Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar Spray White Lube: • Hood hinge springs and links • Lock cylinders • Parking brake mechanism 218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE • Trunk latches • Ash tray Windshield Wiper Blades Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild non abrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula- tions of salt or road film. 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. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc. Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement • Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. • Push the release tab and slide the wiper blade assem- bly away from the wiper arm. Gently place the wiper arm on the windshield. • Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip until it locks in place. Windshield Washers The fluid reservoir in the engine compartment should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator anti- freeze) rated not to freeze at -25°F (-31°C). Operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the residual water. Washer Fluid Reservoir WARNING! WARNING! Commercially available windshield washer solvents are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care must be exercised when filling or working around the washer solution. 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, fol- low the preceding safety tips. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219 Exhaust System The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust system. If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system; or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged; have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, 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 lubri- cation or oil change. Replace as required. 220 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Cooling System Inspection WARNING! • When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis- connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition key to the OFF position. The fan is controlled by both the temperature of the engine cooling system and the pressure in the air conditioning system and can start at any time the ignition key is in the ON position. • You 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 or cap is hot. Coolant Checks Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Check the front of the radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator by gently spraying water from a garden hose at the back of the core. Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and tightness of connections at the bottle. Inspect the entire system for leaks. Coolant Recovery Bottle (2.7L Engine Shown) Do not remove the cap when the cooling system is hot. Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. The first change should not be required until 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first. The coolant should be flushed and changed every two years or 36,000 miles (57,600 km) thereafter. If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Used automotive antifreeze is a recyclable commodity. Discard or recycle as facilities exist in your area. Selection Of Coolant Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct coolant type. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221 CAUTION! • Mixing of coolants other than specified engine coolant, may result in engine damage, and de- crease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT cool- ant is introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, it should be replaced with the speci- fied coolant as soon as possible. • Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be compatible with the radiator coolant and may plug the radiator. • This vehicle has not been designed for use with Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy- lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended. 222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Adding Coolant When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below ⫺34°F (⫺37°C) are anticipated. Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main- tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac- cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle is operated. Coolant Pressure Cap The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces. WARNING! The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution. Never add coolant when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over- heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot or under pressure. CAUTION! Be sure to use only the cooling system pressure cap specified for your vehicle. Use of any other pressure cap may result in decreased engine cooling system performance and/or damage to your vehicle. Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician immediately. Coolant Level The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the engine off and cold, the coolant level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the side of the coolant bottle. Some darkening of the coolant bottle will occur over time. This is normal. If the coolant level is hard to see, jostling the coolant bottle will make it easier to see. There is no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for coolant freeze point, adding, or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223 coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. Heater performance may also be adversely affected by low coolant levels. When additional coolant is needed to maintain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your authorized dealer for details. Points to Remember NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulat- ing on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to enter the radia- tor. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate. • Do not overfill the coolant bottle. 224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE • Check coolant freeze point in the system. • If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks. • Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your engine which contains aluminum components. • Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses • Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean, also. • Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions. are not kinked or obstructed. Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots, brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub- ber. Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or moving component that may cause heat damage or mechanical wear. Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are present. Components should be replaced immedi- ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could cause failure. Brakes In order to assure brake system performance, all brake system components should be inspected periodically. Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8. 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 may not have your full braking capacity in an emergency. Brake and Power Steering System Hoses When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance, inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention should be made to examining those hose sur- faces 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. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225 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 hose is replaced based on leakage. Inspection of brake hoses should be done NOTE: whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine oil change. WARNING! Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure. You could have an accident. If you see any signs of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake hoses replaced immediately. 226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Master Cylinder The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked when performing under hood services, or immediately if the brake system warning lamp shows system failure. Brake Fluid Reservoir Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing the cap. If necessary, fill brake fluid reservoir to the top of the fill mark chevron. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed. Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. WARNING! Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling point than MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid or that is unidentified as to DOT FMVSS specification may result in sudden brake failure during hard or pro- longed braking. You could have an accident. WARNING! Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed container to avoid contamination from foreign matter. Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the brake fluid as seal damage will result! Fuel System Hoses Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are designed with hoses and clamps which have unique material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deteriorated gasoline. You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi- cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed during service. Care should be taken in installing new clamps to insure they are properly torqued. Automatic Transmission Your front wheel drive vehicle has a transmission and differential assembly contained within a single housing. This is referred to as a “Transaxle.” MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227 Selection of Lubricant It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor- mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis- sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid. CAUTION! Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac- turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the manufacturers recommended fluid will result in more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. 228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Procedure For Checking Fluid Level The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the transaxle and of the fluid. To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the following procedure must be used: • The vehicle must be on level ground. • The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60 seconds. • Fully apply parking brake. • Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear • Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. position ending with the lever in P (PARK). Remove dipstick and note reading. • If the fluid is cold (80°F / 27°C), the reading should be in the cross hatched area marked “COLD” (between the lower two holes in the dipstick). • If the fluid is hot (180°F / 82°C), the reading should be in the cross hatched area marked ”HOT” (between the upper two holes in the dipstick). • If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis- sion fluid to bring to the proper level. CAUTION! Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering the transaxle after checking or replen- ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is seated properly. Fluid and Filter Changes Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be changed as follows: Maintenance schedule “A” — No change necessary. Maintenance schedule “B” — Every 60,000 miles (96 000 km) change fluid and filter under the following condi- tions: • Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularly for more than 45 minutes of continuous operation. NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte- nance schedules. If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid and filter should be changed. Special Additives The manufacturer recommends against the addition of any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be avoided as they may adversely affect seals. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229 Fluid Level Check Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a point not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level. Frequency of Fluid Change Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con- taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im- mediately. Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo- graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme 230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under- body protection. The following maintenance recommendations will enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resistance built into your vehicle. What Causes Corrosion? Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle. The most common causes are: • Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation. • Stone and gravel impact. • Insects, tree sap and tar. • Salt in the air near seacoast localities. • Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants. lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible. Washing • Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve- hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with clear water. • If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu- • Use Mopar auto polish to remove road film and stains and to polish your vehicle. Take care never to scratch the paint. • Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint finish. CAUTION! Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will scratch metal and painted surfaces. Special Care • If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a month. • It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels and rear deck lid be kept clear and open. • If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner. • Use Mopar touch up paint on scratches or chips as soon as possible. Your dealer has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle. • If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or similar cause which destroys the paint and protective coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil- ity of the owner. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231 • Aluminum wheels should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove heavy soil, select a non abrasive, non acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads or metal polishes. Avoid auto- matic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective fin- ish. • Your painted and chrome aluminum wheels should be treated as you would treat the finish on your car. Always use a soft non-abrasive cloth with a mild dish washing soap and water when cleaning your wheels. Never use scouring pads, steel wool or a bristle brush. Never use cleaners that contain acid, oven cleaners or any abrasive metal cleaner as they will cause perma- nent staining and/or corrosion. • If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers, deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well packaged and sealed. • If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel. 232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE Interior Care Use Mopar Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and carpeting. Use Mopar Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl or leather uphol- stery. Mopar Vinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for vinyl trim. Use mild (Ivory Flake) solution to clean all surfaces. Wipe with clear water and soft (lint free) cloth. Do not use cleaners, conditioners and protectants con- taining silicon or bleach as these may cause gloss level increases and/or discoloration. You should not increase the gloss level, especially on top of the instrument panel top surface. Higher gloss levels will increase the reflectivity in the windshield that could decrease visibility under bright light driving conditions. WARNING! Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes. Many are potentially flammable, and if used in closed areas they may cause respiratory harm. Leather Seat Care and Cleaning CAUTION! Never use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia based cleaners to clean the leather. The leather has already been pretreated. The application of any leather conditioner may damage the factory applied top coat. Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as an abrasive and damage the leather surface and should be removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking the leather with any liquid. 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 any commercial household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru- ments which may scratch the elements. MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233 Instrument Panel Cover The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use protectants or other products which may cause undesir- able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the low glare surface. Cleaning Wood Trim Your vehicle’s wood trim requires no specific mainte- nance. Your wood trim can be cleaned as needed using

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2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Owners Manual