coolant temperature CHRYSLER ASPEN 2008 2.G Owners Manual

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
4

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

displayed. The ATC system uses an infrared sensor
located in the overhead console to measure the tem-
perature of the driver and passengers. Based on the
sensor input, the system will automatically control
comfort by varying the temperature, fan speed, and
mode. This maintains a comfortable temperature, even
under changing conditions. It is important that objects
are not blocking the infrared sensor. It is also impor-
tant that objects are not used that may scratch or
damage it in any way.
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 orhot 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 Console
Customer-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.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 255
4

and adjust the temperature control and blower speed as
necessary to maintain comfort. For high humidity condi-
tions, it may be necessary to remain in the Recirculation
mode to maintain comfort.
Window Fogging
Windows will fog on the inside when the humidity inside
the vehicle is high. This often occurs in mild or cool
temperatures when it's rainy or humid. In most cases,
turning on the air conditioning (pressing the snowflake
button) will clear the fog. Adjust the temperature control,
air direction and blower speed to maintain comfort.
As the temperature gets colder it may be necessary to
direct air onto the windshield by using Mix Mode
position on the control. Adjust the temperature control
and blower speed to maintain comfort. Interior fogging
on the windshield can be quickly removed by selecting
the defrost mode.Regular cleaning of the inside of the windows with a
non-filming cleaning solution (vinegar and water works
very well) will help prevent contaminants (cigarette
smoke, perfumes, etc.) from sticking to the windows.
Contaminants increase the rate of window fogging.Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high
quality antifreeze coolant during summer to provide
proper corrosion protection and to raise the boiling point
of the coolant for protection against overheating. A 50 %
concentration is recommended.
Winter Operation
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstruc-
tions. This will also prevent snow ingestion into the
ducts.
262 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

ª1º 1st
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 OVERDRIVE automatic transmission contains an
electronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped)
speed (OVERDRIVE). The transmission will automati-
cally 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;
²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the ªTRANS TEMPº
light may illuminate and the transmission may down-
shift out of OVERDRIVE until the transmission cools
down. After cooldown, the transmission will resume
normal operation.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser and radiator.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer's recommended coolant; for
correct coolant type, refer to ªEngine Coolantº under
ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this section.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

CAUTION!
²Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT
engine coolants may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT
coolant is introduced into the cooling system in an
emergency, it should be replaced with the speci-
fied coolant as soon as possible.
²Do not use plain water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as
they may not be compatible with the radiator
engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
²This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propy-
lene Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to 5 Years or 100,000 miles (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant. When
adding coolant:
²The manufacturer recommends using Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
²Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34ÉF (-37ÉC) are
anticipated.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle dipstick.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise yourservice attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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