tow CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owner's Manual

Rear Rotary Blower Control
The second row seat occupants have control of the rear
blower speed only when the front control unit is in the
ªREAR CONTROLº position or ªCONTROL IN REAR
for ATC.9
The rear blower switch has an OFF position and a range
of blower speeds. Rotating the rear blower control clock-
wise will increase the blower speed.
Rear Rotary Temperature Control
The second row seat occupants have control of the rear
temperature only when the front control unit is in the
9REAR CONTROL9position.
To change the temperature in the rear of the vehicle,
rotate the temperature control knob to the right or left.
The blue area indicates cooler temperatures while the red
area indicates warmer temperatures.NOTE:For best operation, make sure that ventilation
grilles located in the rear storage area are not obstructed
by stowed articles.
Rear Storage Ventilation Grilles
266 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NEthanol Fuel (E-85)................... 342
NFuel Requirements.................... 342
NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles...... 343
NStarting........................... 343
NCruising Range...................... 343
NReplacement Parts.................... 343
mAdding Fuel......................... 344
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 344
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message.... 345
mVehicle Loading....................... 346
NCertification Label.................... 346
NCurb Weight........................ 348NLoading........................... 348
mTrailer Towing........................ 349
NCommon Towing Definitions............ 349
NTrailer Hitch Classification.............. 353
NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...................... 354
NTrailer And Tongue Weight.............. 354
NTowing Requirements................. 355
NTowing Tips........................ 360
mSnowplow........................... 362
m
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 362
N2WD Models........................ 362
N4WD Models........................ 362
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº or ªExtreme Cold Weatherº proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position andrelease it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed is automatically controlled on fuel injected
engines and will decrease as the engine warms up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

NOTE:Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any
other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to ªRecreational
Towingº in Section 5 and ªTowing a Disabled Vehicleº in
Section 6 of this manual.
DRIVE
For most city and highway driving.
2 (Second)
For driving slowly in heavy city traffic or on mountain
roads where more precise speed control is desirable. Use
it also when climbing long grades, and for engine brak-
ing when descending moderately steep grades. To pre-
vent excessive engine speed, do not exceed 45 mph (72
km/h) in this range.1 (First)
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 automatic transmission contains an electronically
controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed (OVER-
DRIVE). The transmission will automatically 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;
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
5

²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
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 ªTransmission
Temperature Indicator Lightº may illuminate and thetransmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After cooldown, the trans-
mission will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, 5th gear (if equipped) is
disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.
Shifts into OVERDRIVE (4th gear) are allowed during
steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automatic
closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for improved
braking) will occur during steady braking.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ªTOW/HAUL Indicator Lightº will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
OVERDRIVE and in DRIVE.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the TOW/HAUL button, when the transmission
TOW/HAUL Button
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

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

4WD LOCK
This range locks the transfer case inter-axle differential,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road sur-
faces only.
4WD LOW
This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It locks
the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
N
This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to ªRecreational Towingº in this
section.Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case
NOTE:The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
4WD/4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no
traction). In this situation, a position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
on. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the shift lever is in PARK position. When parking on a
hill, you should apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK; otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK.NOTE:The instrument cluster brake warning light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
²Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or the vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in Park. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
(Continued)Parking Brake
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

NOTE:When the vehicle is in 4WD LOW, a feature of
the ESP system remains active whether the ESP is on or
off. This feature functions similar to a limited slip differ-
ential and controls the wheel spin across an axle. If one
wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel and
allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel that
is not spinning.
WARNING!
In the Partial Off mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize a swaying
trailer and will take the appropriate actions to attempt to
stop the sway. The system will reduce engine power andapply individual brakes that will counter act the sway of
the trailer. TSC will become active automatically once the
swaying trailer is recognized. No driver action is re-
quired. TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Al-
ways use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. For additional infor-
mation on towing a trailer with your vehicle, refer to
9Trailer Towing9in Section 5.
ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ESP/BAS Warning Light
and the yellow ESP/TCS Indicator Light in the instru-
ment cluster both come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. They should both go out with
the engine running. If the ESP/BAS Warning Light comes
on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either the ESP or BAS system, or
both. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles,
306 STARTING AND OPERATING