engine coolant CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owners Manual

System Status (EVIC Displays)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
²TURN SIGNALS ON (with a continuous warning
chime)
²PERSONAL SETTINGS NOT AVAILABLE ± Vehicle
not in PARK
²LEFT/RIGHT FRONT DOOR AJAR (one or more,
with a single chime if speed is above 1 mph/1 km/h)
²LEFT/RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (one or more, with
a single chime if speed is above 1 mph/1 km/h)
²DOOR(S) AJAR (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
²LOW WASHER FLUID (with a single chime)
²OIL CHANGE REQUIRED (with a single chime)
²SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM (with a single chime)
²SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
²COOLANT LOW
²LIFTGATE OPEN
²CHECK TPM SYSTEM (with single chime) (Premium
TPM System Only)
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Ð If Equipped
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªOil Change Requiredº message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
3

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed
the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads
1/16 of a tank or less.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the seat belt system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
7. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH(Hot), this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to passH(Hot), the indicator will continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

Level Of Automatic Control
72ÉF (22ÉC) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person, however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic control operation. It is
not necessary to move the temperature setting for cold or
hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts the tem-
perature, mode and fan speed to provide comfort as
quickly as possible.
NOTE:In cold weather, the fan will not turn on in Auto
mode until the engine coolant has warmed up suffi-
ciently. This is indicated by the ªWARM UP DELAYº
message on the display.
NOTE:The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or
Metric by selecting the U.S./METRIC Customer-
Programmable feature. Refer to9Overhead ConsoleCustomer-Programmable Features9in Section 3. The
mode will also be shown in the display and will change
as required during automatic operation.
NOTE:The system can be put into recirculate mode
without affecting ATC operation. This will prevent out-
side air from entering the vehicle. Use this mode to
temporarily block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual Control (ATC)
You may also choose to customize your comfort by
selecting the fan speed and mode manually. Turning the
fan speed knob or any mode button places the system
into manual operation.
While in manual operation there are six fan speeds
available and the choice of any mode. The airflow
temperature is adjusted automatically to maintain the
desired comfort level. You can adjust the temperature by
pressing the + or - Temp rocker switches.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
4

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER ± IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) are
expected to last for several days.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
The engine block heater cord is located:
²4.7L Engine Ð at the front of the engine compartment
near the radiator cap.
²5.7L Engine Ð on the left side of the engine compart-
ment and rearward of the power distribution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
²Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
(Continued)
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5 and ªTowing a Disabled Vehicleº in
Section 6 of this manual.
DRIVE
For most city and highway driving.
2 (Second)
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use
it also when climbing long grades, and for engine brak-
ing when descending moderately steep grades. To pre-
vent excessive engine speed, do not exceed 45 mph (72
km/h) in this range.1 (First)
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds (25 mph {40 km/h} or less) when going
downhill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in this range.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission contains an electronically
controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed (OVER-
DRIVE). The transmission will automatically shift from
DRIVE to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are
present:
²the transmission selector is in DRIVE;
²the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

The ªTOW/HAUL Indicator Lightº will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
OVERDRIVE and in DRIVE.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the TOW/HAUL button, when the transmission
TOW/HAUL Button
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into, and out of, Overdrive. For
vehicles with 4.7L or 5.7L engines (which have two
Overdrive gears), the transmission may not shift into 5th
gear until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from PARK into
any other gear position.FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV 140 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ± If Equipped
The NV 140 is a single speed (HI range only) transfer case
which provides convenient full-time four-wheel drive.
No driver interaction is required.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT ± 4.7L
1 Ð Battery 7 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 9 Ð Integrated Power Module
4 Ð Engine Oil Fill 10 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
6 Ð Power Distribution Center 12 Ð Air Cleaner FilterMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3857

ENGINE COMPARTMENT ± 5.7L
1 Ð Battery 7 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Fill 9 Ð Integrated Power Module
4 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 10 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
6 Ð Power Distribution Center 12 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE