warning light CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owner's Manual

CAUTION!
²Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle's drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle's fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con-
tamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water.
Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid
appears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h) when driving through standing water.
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
²Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from allsurfaces. For correct fluid type, refer to ºPower Steering
Reservoirº under ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) Ð 5.7L
ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
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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
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WARNING! (Continued)
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
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. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type, and tires must be properly inflated, to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under-inflation of tires or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
The ABS conducts a low-speed self-test at about 12 mph
(20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake
while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal
movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice
and snow. This is normal.
The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 12 mph
(20 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light starts to flash as
soon as the tires lose traction and the TCS or
ESP system becomes active. It will also flash
once a swaying trailer is detected and the
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system activates. If the ESP/
TCS Indicator Light begins to flash during acceleration,
ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
²ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded.
(Continued)
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WARNING! (Continued)
²ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
The ESP system has two available operating modes.
4WD/4WD LOCK or 2WD Models
ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD LOCK
and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started or
the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOW
or NEUTRAL back to 4WD LOCK, the ESP system will bein this mode. This mode should be used for almost all
driving situations. ESP should only be turned to ªPartial
Offº for specific reasons as noted below.
This mode is entered by momentarily
depressing the ESP OFF Control
Switch. When in ªPartial Offº mode,
the engine management portion of
ESP has been desensitized, the thresh-
olds for ESP activation are raised, and
the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº will be
illuminated. This mode is intended to
be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction. Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) is not available when the system is in the
9Partial Off9mode. To turn ESP on again, momentarily
depress the ESP OFF Control Switch. This will restore the
normal ON mode of operation. ESP always operates
under braking, even with the switch in the OFF position.
Partial Off
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WARNING!
In the ªPartial Offº mode, the engine torque reduc-
tion and stability features are desensitized. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial Offº
mode by pressing the ESP Control Switch. Once the
situation requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº
mode is overcome, turn ESP on by momentarily depress-
ing the ESP Control Switch. This may be done with the
vehicle in motion.
4WD LOW Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD LOW.
Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD LOW or the
transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD LOCK or
NEUTRAL to 4WD LOW, the ESP system will be in this
mode. In 4WD LOW, ESP function is desensitized until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). At 30
mph (48 km/h) the normal ESP stability function returns
and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light turns off. When the
vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40 km/h) the ESP
system goes back to Partial Off. ESP is desensitized at low
vehicle speeds in 4WD LOW so that it will not interfere
with off road driving but ESP function returns to provide
the stability feature at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h).
The ABS is in a special Off Road mode that allows wheels
to lock at lower speeds if gravel is detected to shorten
stopping distances.
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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

and the vehicle has been driven several miles at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
NOTE:
²The ESP Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Warning
Light come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 Ð U.S. DOT Safety Stan-
dards Code (TIN)4 Ð Maximum Load
2 Ð Size Designation 5 Ð Maximum Pressure
3 Ð Service Description 6 Ð Treadwear, Traction and
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Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
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