check engine CHRYSLER ASPEN 2008 2.G Owners Manual

NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............52
NSeat Belt Extender......................53
NDriver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)ÐAirbags...........53
NEvent Data Recorder (EDR)...............62
NChild Restraint........................64
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........74mSafety Tips............................75
NExhaust System.......................75
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................76
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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The system uses ignition keys which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE:A key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
turn on for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates that there is
a problem with the electronics. In addition, if the light
begins to flash after the bulb check, it indicates thatsomeone used an invalid key to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
²The Sentry KeytImmobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
²Exxon/Mobil SpeedpassŸ, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain willnotcause a key related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part isphysi-
cally held against the ignition keybeing used when
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Set the Alarm:
The Security Alarm System will set when you use the
power door locks or use the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
closed and locked, the security light in the instrument
cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the system is
arming. The Security light in the instrument panel cluster
will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to indicate that the
alarm is being set. After the alarm is set, the Security light
will flash at a slower rate to indicate that the system is
armed.
NOTE:If the Security light stays on continuously dur-
ing vehicle operation, have the system checked by your
authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to unlock the
doors. If something has triggered the system in your
absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Keytis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will start and run for two seconds and then shut
down. After six unsuccessul attempts at starting the
engine, the system will shut down until the correct key is
used. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE UNLOCK
button or start the vehicle with a programmed Sentry
Keyt.
The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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²The airbag light does not come on or flickers during
the six to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight
second interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
NOTE:If the speedometer, tachometer or any engine
related gauges are not working, the airbag control mod-
ule may also be disabled. The airbags may not be ready
to inflate for your protection. Promptly check the fuse
block for blown fuses. Refer to ªFuse Blockº in Section 7..
See your authorized dealer if the fuse is good.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment and up to a
quarter-second of high-speed deceleration data during
and/or after airbag deployment. EDR data are ONLY
recorded if an airbag deploys and are otherwise unavail-
able.
NOTE:
1. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by DaimlerChrysler Corporation and others to learn
more about the possible causes of crashes and associated
injuries in order to assess and improve vehicle perfor-
mance. In addition to crash investigations initiated by
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
²Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
²Impact acceleration and angle
²Seat belt status
²Brake status (service and parking brakes)
²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Transmission gear selection
²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) status (if
equipped)
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time - babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it. Children 12
years and under should ride properly buckled up in a
rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats
rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult seat belt. Always check the child seat
Owner's Manual to ensure you have the right seat for
your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.
Infants and Small Children
²
This vehicle is not capable of accommodating the
installation of a car bed used for carrying newborn
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the MENU button. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance),
refer to the following procedure.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8 engines
will likely indicate a high temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or
when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to the ªHº mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL and increase engine
speed for two to three minutes. If the temperature
reading does not return to normal, see your authorized
dealer for service immediately..
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 gage 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
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 203
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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 gage reads 1/16
of a tank or less.
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 airbag system. Have the system checked by
your authorized dealer.7. Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned ON. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift
into NEUTRAL and increase the engine speed for two to
three minutes. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, see your authorized dealer for service imme-
diately.
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 if the light remains on,
turn the engine off immediately, and call for service.
204 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction
indicator light illuminates and the ABS is switched off.
When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunc-
tion indicator light should go out and the ABS is opera-
tional. If the malfunction indicator light stays illumi-
nated, have the system checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
12. Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Light
This light indicates that the engine oil pressure has
become too low. For a bulb check, this light will
come on momentarily when the ignition is turned ON. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut
off the engine as soon as possible. See your authorized
dealer for service immediately.
13. Tachometer
This gage measures engine Revolutions-Per-Minute
(RPM x 1000).14. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes), have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
15. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. U.S. federal regulations require that upon
transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the
purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been
driven. Therefore, if the odometer reading is changed
during repair or replacement, be sure to keep a record of
the reading before and after the service so that the correct
mileage can be determined.
206 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

ESP/TCS indicator light starts to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The
ESP/TCS indicator light also flashes when TCS is active.
If the ESP/TCS indicator light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions. The ESP/TCS
indicator light becomes illuminated when the ESP-OFF
button has been pressed or ESP is only partially available,
caused by lack of engine management or brake thermal
model.
19. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is
running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by your authorized dealer.
21. BRAKE System Warning Light
The red ªBRAKEº warning light will come on when the
ignition key is first turned on, and stay on briefly as a
bulb check. If the bulb does not come on during starting,
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 209
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