power steering CHRYSLER ASPEN 2008 2.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................12
NIgnition Key Removal...................12
NLocking Doors With The Key..............13
mSentry Keyt...........................13
NReplacement Keys......................15
NCustomer Key Programming..............15
NGeneral Information....................17
mIgnition And Steering Lock.................17
NIgnition Accessory Delay Feature...........18mSecurity Alarm System Ð If Equipped.........18
NTo Set The Alarm......................19
NTo Disarm The System...................19
mIlluminated Entry........................20
NVehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks....20
mRemote Keyless Entry.....................21
NTo Unlock The Doors And Liftgate..........21
NTo Lock The Doors And Liftgate............22
NUsing The Panic Alarm..................24
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WARNING!
The key cannot be turned to LOCK until the shift
lever is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the
LOCK position.
NOTE:The steering wheel will lock when the key is
removed, and when the steering wheel is turned around
115 degrees clockwise or 65 degrees counterclockwise
from the center position.
Ignition Accessory Delay Feature
The power window switches, radio, hands±free system
(if equipped), and power outlets will remain active for 10
minutes after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature.For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), the time for this feature is pro-
grammable. For details, refer to ªPersonal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)º/ªKEY OFF
POWER DELAY > OFFº under ªElectronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)º in Section 3 of this manual.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Security
Alarm System is activated, the system provides both
audible and visual signals. The horn will sound repeat-
edly for three minutes and the headlights and Security
light in the instrument cluster will flash for an additional
15 minutes. The engine will not run until the system is
disarmed.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.NOTE:
Perchlorate Material ± special handling may ap-
ply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Enhanced Accident Response System
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically, the engine
will shut off and the hazard lights will turn on. In
addition, approximately five seconds after the vehicle has
stopped moving, the interior lights will light until the
ignition switch is turned off.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have
an authorized dealer service the system
promptly:
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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DRIVER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Ð IF EQUIPPED
The power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals allow
the driver to establish a comfortable position relative to
the steering wheel and pedals.
Adjustment
1. Position the driver seat so that you are at least 10 in
(254 mm) away from the airbag located in the center of
the steering wheel.
2. Fasten and adjust the seatbelts.
3. Move the adjustable pedal switch, located to the left of
the steering column near the parking brake release, up to
move the pedals toward the driver or down to move the
pedals away from the driver.
4. The pedalscannotbe adjusted when the vehicle is in
REVERSE or when the speed control is SET.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 155
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VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM (SALES CODE
XRV) Ð IF EQUIPPED
The optional Video Entertainment SystemŸ (VESŸ)
consists of a DVD player and LCD (liquid crystal display)
screen, a battery-powered remote control, and two head-
sets. The system is located in the headliner behind the
front row seat. Refer to your VESŸ User's Manual for
detailed operating instructions.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel. The left- and right-hand
controls are rocker-type switches with a pushbutton in
the center of each switch. Reach behind the steering
wheel to access the switches.
Right-Hand Switch Functions
²
Press the top of the switch to increase the volume.
²Press the bottom of the switch to decrease the volume.
²Press the button in the center of the switch to change
modes (i.e., AM, FM, etc).
Remote Sound Controls
246 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

NFlowing/Rising Water..................287
NShallow Standing Water.................287
mParking Brake.........................289
mBrake System..........................290
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 290
mPower Steering........................293
mElectronic Brake Control System............294
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............294
NBAS (Brake Assist System)...............295
NTraction Control System (TCS)............297
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........297
NElectronic Stability Program (ESP).........298mMulti-Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................303
mTire Safety Information...................303
NTire Markings........................303
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........307
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........308
mTires Ð General Information...............312
NTire Pressure.........................312
NTire Inflation Pressures.................313
NRadial Ply Tires......................315
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........316
NLimited-Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........316
NTire Spinning........................317
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER ± IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three wire extension cord.
The 3.7L/4.7L engine block heater cord is located at the
front of the engine compartment near the radiator cap.
The 5.7L engine block heater cord is located on the left
side of the engine compartment and rearward of the
power distribution center.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The electronic PRNDL on the instrument cluster indicates
the transmission gear selected. The shift lever is mounted
on the right side of the steering column. To drive, move
the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL to the desired
drive position. Pull the shift lever toward you when
shifting into REVERSE, 2nd, 1st or PARK, or when
shifting out of PARK.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. Always depress thebrake
pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of PARK.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal, and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
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CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when pos-
sible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control
System (TCS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP) and Trailer Sway Control
(TSC). All six systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions, and
are commonly referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to ªAnti-Lock Brake Systemº in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in the
ªPartial Offº mode. Refer to ªESP (Electronic Stability
Program)º in this Section. This brake pressure modula-
tion transfers drive torque from slipping to non-slipping
wheels to provide optimal forward traction.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver 's steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
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