automatic transmission CHRYSLER 200 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY TOW a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing.” Refer to the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the transmission fluid level (four-speed
transmission only) before towing. The six-speed trans-
mission does not require a fluid level check before
towing. If, however, you notice fluid leakage or transmis-
sion malfunction, see your authorized dealer immedi-
ately for assistance.AutoStick® – If Equipped
– When using the AutoStick® shift control, select the highest gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or
“2” if needed to maintain the desired speed.
– 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 or vehicle speed
when grade and road conditions allow.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 391

Spare Tire Removal
Lift up the load floor cover and remove the hold down.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice orslippery areas.
WARNING!
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.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever into PARK (automatic transmis- sion) or REVERSE (manual transmission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
Spare Tire And Jack Storage
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 399

6. Block both the front and rear of thewheel diagonally opposite the jack-
ing position. For example, if chang-
ing the right front tire, block the left
rear wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the vehicle
while the vehicle is being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
WARNING!
Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help
prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible before raising the
vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Turn on the Hazard Warning flashers.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to
be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic
transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a
jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it 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.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for
lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
(Continued)
400 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
•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 injured by
moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as rings, watch
bands and bracelets that could make an inadvertent
electrical contact. You could be seriously injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your
skin or eyes and generate hydrogen gas which is
flammable and explosive. Keep open flames or
sparks away from the battery.
1. Set the parking brake, shift the automatic transmission into PARK and turn the ignition to LOCK.
2. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri- cal accessories.
Remote Battery Posts
1 — Remote Positive (+)Post (covered with protective cap)
2 — Remote Negative (-)Post
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 411

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a towing service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 mi (24 km) maxdistance
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow
Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent
damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other
equipment designed for this purpose, following equip-
ment manufacturer ’s instructions. Use of safety chains is
mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to
main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers
or associated brackets. State and local laws regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed. If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position.
If your vehicle’s battery is discharged, see
Shift Lever
Override inWhat To Do In Emergencies for instruc-
tions on shifting the automatic transmission out of PARK
for towing.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 417

▫Cooling System ..................... .442
▫ Brake System ....................... .448
▫ Automatic Transmission ................450
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... .454
▫ Cleaning Center Console Cupholders ........459
 FUSES ............................. .460
▫ Integrated Power Module ...............460
 VEHICLE STORAGE ....................465
 REPLACEMENT BULBS .................465 
BULB REPLACEMENT ..................466
▫ Headlamp ......................... .466
▫ Front Turn Signal .....................468
▫ Front Fog Lamp ..................... .469
▫ Backup Lamps ...................... .469
▫ License Plate Lamp ....................471
 FLUID CAPACITIES .....................471
 FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PARTS ............................. .473
▫ Engine ............................ .473
▫ Chassis ........................... .474
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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” (MIL). 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 authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests
can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until a clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at the
correct level using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
450 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fluid speci-
fications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes for diagnosing fluidleaks. Avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – Four-Speed Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least
60 seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest
of this procedure.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Spark Plugs – 3.6L Engine We recommend you use MOPAR® Spark Plugs (Gap 0.043 in [1.1 mm]).
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
* PZEV = Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission We recommend youONLYuse MOPAR® ATF+4® Automatic Transmission
Fluid. Failure to use ATF+4® fluid may affect the function or performance
of your transmission.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR® DOT 3 and SAE J1703. If DOT 3 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR® Power Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR®
ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid.
474 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE