brake CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G User Guide

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 (ETC) system. If a
problem 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 an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engineis 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 an authorized dealer.
21. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
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the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
22. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Warning Lamp
The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow ESP/BAS
warning lamp is in the instrument cluster it
comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, it should go out with the engine running. If the
ESP/BAS warning lamp comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either
the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on afterseveral ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:The ESP control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system which monitors
the emissions and engine control system. If the
vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the MIL will come
on when the ignition is first turned on and remain on, as
a bulb check, until the engine is started. If the vehicle is
not ready for emissions testing, the MIL will come on
when the ignition is first turned on and remain on for 15
seconds, then blink for 10 seconds, and remain on until
the vehicle is started. If the MIL does not come on during
starting, see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.................... 275
NNormal Starting..................... 275
NExtremely Cold Weather (Below220ÉF
Or229ÉC).......................... 276
NIf Engine Fails To Start................. 276
NAfter Starting....................... 277
mEngine Block Heater ± If Equipped......... 278
mAutomatic Transmission................. 278
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System...... 279
NGear Ranges........................ 279mFour-Wheel Drive Operation.............. 284
NNV 140 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ± If Equipped..... 284
N
NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions ± If Equipped
...... 285
NShifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case....................... 288
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces............. 290
mDriving Through Water.................. 290
NFlowing/Rising Water................. 291
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NShallow Standing Water................ 291
mPower Steering........................ 293
NPower Steering Fluid Check............. 294
mMulti-Displacement System (MDS)
Ð 5.7L Engine Only..................... 294
mParking Brake........................ 294
mAnti-Lock Brake System................. 296
mElectronic Brake Control System........... 299
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 299
NTraction Control System (TCS)........... 300
NBrake Assist System (BAS).............. 300
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 302
NElectronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 303NTrailer Sway Control (TSC).............. 306
NESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light...................... 306
mTire Safety Information.................. 307
NTire Markings....................... 307
NTire Identification Number (TIN).......... 311
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 312
mTires Ð General Information.............. 316
NTire Pressure........................ 316
NTire Inflation Pressures................. 317
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation.... 319
NRadial Ply Tires...................... 319
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped........ 319
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
²Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
Normal Starting
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
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CAUTION! (Continued)
²Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
²Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the shift lever 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.
Gear Ranges
NOTE:After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to
allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating.
This is especially important when the engine is cold. If
there is a need to restart the engine, be sure to cycle the
key to the LOCK position before restarting. Transmission
gear engagement may be delayed after restarting the
engine if the key is not cycled to the LOCK position first.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
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PARK
This gear supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, then place the shift
lever into the PARK position.
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
REVERSE
Use this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL
Shift to NEUTRAL when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be
used for recreational towing only. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in this section for specific procedures on shifting
into and out of NEUTRAL.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing, the transfer case position is four-wheel drive
(4WD) and indicates the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD,4WD LOCK).
The ªSVC 4WD Warning Lightº monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine
start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required. See your authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the(SVC 4WD Warning Lightº is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and allows the vehicle to move,
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, refer to the following infor-
mation:
4WD
This range allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds on all road surfaces.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
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