engine oil CHRYSLER ASPEN 2008 2.G User Guide

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:
²do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less than
1/4 full
²do not add less than five gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling
²operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for a
period of at least five 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 90ÉF
(32ÉC), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following startup, even if the above recommendations
are followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in Mopartengine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
DaimlerChrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufac-
turer only recommends engine oils that are API Certified
and meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-
6395. MS-6395 contains additional requirements, devel-
oped during extensive fleet testing, to provide additional
protection to DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines. Use
Mopartor an equivalent oil meeting the specification
MS-6395.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment 4.7L V-8..............384
mEngine Compartment 5.7L HEMI V-8.........385
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........386
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............386
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................387
mReplacement Parts......................388
mDealer Service.........................389
mMaintenance Procedures..................389NEngine Oil..........................390
NEngine Oil Filter......................393
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 393
NSpark Plugs.........................394
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................394
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................395
NCatalytic Converter....................395
NMaintenance Free Battery................396
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............398
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These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up 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. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart/liter of oil when the reading is
at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at
the top of the SAFE zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Change Engine Oil
Follow the Maintenance Schedule for recommended en-
gine oil and filter change intervals.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.
4x4 Models, If Used Primarily For Off-Road Operation
Every 50 hours of use.
Dusty Conditions
Driving through dust-laden air increases the problems of
keeping abrasive materials out of the engine. Under these
conditions, special attention should be given to the
engine air cleaner and the crankcase inlet air cleaner. The
crankcase ventilation system should also be checked
periodically. Make sure that these units are always clean.
This will tend to reduce to a minimum the amount of
abrasive material that may enter the engine.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
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). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low tempera-
ture starting and vehicle fuel economy. The engine oil
filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil
viscosity for your vehicle.
For information on engine oil filler cap location, see the
Engine Compartment illustration in this section.
NOTE:Vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine must use
SAE 5W-20 oil. Failure to do so may result in improper
operation of the Multiple Displacement System (MDS).
Refer to ªMulti Displacement Systemº under ªStarting
and Operatingº in Section 5.
Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.
Synthetic Engine Oils
You may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added to Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
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 and
oil filters from your vehicle. Used oil and oil filters,
indiscriminately discarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact your authorized dealer, service
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

station, or governmental agency for advice on how and
where used oil and oil filters 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
The manufacturer's engines have a full-flow type 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. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. No belt tension adjustments are required.
However, belt and belt tensioner condition should be
inspected at the specified intervals, and replaced if re-
quired. See your authorized dealer for service. At the
mileage indicated in the maintenance schedule, all belts
and tensioner should be checked for condition. Improper
belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure. Belts
should be inspected for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing,
or frayed cords and replaced if there is indication of
damage which could result in belt failure. Low generator
belt tension can cause battery failure. Also check belt
routing to make sure there is no interference between the
belts and other engine components.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
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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 and Rear Window Washers
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment: be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades; this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon/liter of
fluid when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
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 System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
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damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete 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 lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
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.
Cooling System
WARNING!
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
is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the 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 A/C condenser and
radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty,
402 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
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least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
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