brakes CHRYSLER ASPEN 2008 2.G User Guide

2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. For proper
tire inflation procedures, refer to ªTire Pressuresº
under ºTires±General Informationº in Section 5.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. For the proper inspection
procedure, refer to ªTread Wear Indicatorsº under
ºTires±General Informationº in Section 5.
þWhen replacing tires, refer to ªReplacement Tiresº
under ªTires±General Informationº in Section 5. Re-
placing tires with a higher load carrying capacity will
not increase the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil
wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an
indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when
systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation),
should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer's specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to ensure they are properly torqued.Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system
requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plug-
ging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the
PCV valve and passage with increasing mileage. Have
the PCV valve, hoses, and passages checked for proper
operation at the intervals specified. If the valve is
plugged or sticking, replace with a new valve ±Do not
attempt to clean the PCV valve!Check ventilating hose
for indication of damage or plugging with deposits.
Replace if necessary.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
For correct fluid type, refer to ºBrake Master Cylinderº
under ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this
section.WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifications
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged 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 on fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

Gear Ranges.......................... 275
Special Additives...................... 412
Torque Converter...................... 279
Axle Fluid............................. 438
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 413
Ball Joints............................. 399
Battery..........................384,385,396
Charging............................ 376
Emergency Starting..................... 376
Gas Caution.......................... 376
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 27
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Belts, Drive............................ 393
Belts, Seat.............................. 42
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 400
B-Pillar Location........................ 308
Brake Assist System...................... 295
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 294Brake Fluid............................ 438
Brake System........................290,408
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................290,294
Disc Brakes.......................... 408
Fluid Check.......................... 409
Hoses.............................. 410
Master Cylinder....................... 409
Parking............................. 289
Warning Light.....................205,209
Brakes............................... 290
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 274
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 429
Bulbs, Light............................ 429
Calibration, Compass..................... 174
Camera, Rear........................... 163
Capacities, Fluid........................ 436
INDEX 459
10

Cooling System......................... 402
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 404
Coolant Capacity...................... 436
Coolant Level......................402,406
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 406
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 403
Inspection........................... 406
Points to Remember.................... 406
Pressure Cap......................... 405
Radiator Cap......................... 405
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......403,436,437
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 156
Cup Holder............................ 189
Customer Assistance..................... 449
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 148
Dealer Service.......................... 389Defroster, Rear Window................... 265
Defroster, Windshield................76,251,257
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 152
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 386
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........217,220
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 204
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 410
Oil (Engine).......................... 390
Power Steering........................ 398
Disarming, Theft System................... 19
Disc Brakes............................ 408
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 406
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 170
Door Opener, Garage..................... 176
Drive Belts............................ 393
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 400
INDEX 461
10

USB .............................217,220
Positive Crankcase Valve.................. 408
Power
Brakes.............................. 408
Distribution Center (Fuses)..........384,385,423
Door Locks.........................20,30
Lift Gate............................. 38
Mirrors.............................. 86
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 185
Steering..........................293,398
Steering Filler Cap..................384,385
Sunroof............................. 182
Windows............................. 34
Power Steering Fluid..................... 438
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 52
Preparation for Jacking.................... 371
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 50
Programmable Electronic Features............ 170Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry)................................. 25
Radial Ply Tires......................... 315
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......403,405
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 216
Radio, Navigation....................... 220
Radio Operation...................217,221,248
Radio Remote Controls.................... 246
Radio, Satellite..............217,218,220,221,236
Radio (Sound Systems).................217,220
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 414
Rear Camera........................... 163
Rear Cup Holder........................ 191
Rear Liftgate............................ 37
Rear Park Sense System................... 160
Rear Window Defroster................... 265
Rear Window Features.................... 264
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 264
470 INDEX