check transmission fluid CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owners Manual

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

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2
on more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to ªCooling System Operatingº under ªMainte-
nance Proceduresº in Section 7.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick, it is
sealed and should not be tampered with. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level
is set properly.
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with 16 spark plugs; one set is located on the
top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 30,000 miles (50 000
km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
438 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............206,296
Adding Fuel........................... 344
Adjustable Pedals....................... 153
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 393
Air Conditioner Maintenance............255,394
Air Conditioning........................ 255
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 267
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 259
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............394,395
Air Conditioning System................255,394
Air Filter........................385,386,393
Air Pressure, Tires....................317,325
Airbag.............................54,215
Airbag Light..........................62,76
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,206
Alignment and Balance................... 324
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 248Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............401,431
Disposal............................ 403
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............296,299
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 206
Anti-Theft System.....................19,206
Appearance Care........................ 410
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 170
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............84,87
Automatic Door Locks..................31,170
Automatic Transaxle....................12,278
Automatic Transmission................278,406
Adding Fluid......................... 406
Fluid Level Check...................... 406
Fluid Type........................... 433
Gear Ranges.......................... 279
Special Additives...................... 408
Torque Converter...................... 283
460 INDEX

Axle Fluid............................. 433
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 409
Battery..........................385,386,393
Charging............................ 377
Emergency Starting..................... 377
Gas Caution.......................... 377
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 27
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Belts, Seat.............................. 41
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 396
B-Pillar Location........................ 312
Brake Assist System...................... 300
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 299
Brake Fluid............................ 433
Brake System........................... 405
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................296,299
Fluid Check.......................... 405
Master Cylinder....................... 405Parking............................. 294
Warning Light.....................206,210
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 279
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 424
Bulbs, Light............................ 423
Calibration, Compass..................... 174
Camera, Rear........................... 163
Capacities, Fluid........................ 431
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 344
Oil (Engine).......................... 391
Power Steering........................ 294
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 402
Car Washes............................ 410
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............75,340
Cargo Management System................. 193
Cargo Organizer....................... 193
INDEX 461
10

Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 393
Engine Oil........................392,432
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 392
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 368
Turn Signal.....................148,204,425
Flat Tire Stowage.....................370,377
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 343
Engine Oil........................... 343
Fuel Requirements..................340,342
Replacement Parts..................... 343
Starting............................. 343
Flooded Engine Starting................... 276
Floor Console.......................189,192
Fluid, Brake.........................405,433
Fluid Capacities......................... 431Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 406
Brake............................... 405
Engine Oil........................... 390
Power Steering........................ 294
Transfer Case......................... 408
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 432
Fog Lights..........................147,429
Folding Rear Seat.....................127,131
Four Wheel Drive....................... 284
Operation........................... 284
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 368
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 379
Front Axle (Differential)................... 409
Fuel................................. 335
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................344,345
Gauge.............................. 204
Octane Rating......................335,432
Requirements......................335,431
INDEX 465
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