coolant temperature CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, or
when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to exceed
the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.The gauge pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gauge reads
1/16 of a tank or less.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the seat belt system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
7. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH(Hot), this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to passH(Hot), the indicator will continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

Level Of Automatic Control
72ÉF (22ÉC) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person, however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic control operation. It is
not necessary to move the temperature setting for cold or
hot vehicles. The system automatically adjusts the tem-
perature, mode and fan speed to provide comfort as
quickly as possible.
NOTE:In cold weather, the fan will not turn on in Auto
mode until the engine coolant has warmed up suffi-
ciently. This is indicated by the ªWARM UP DELAYº
message on the display.
NOTE:The temperature can be displayed in U.S. or
Metric by selecting the U.S./METRIC Customer-
Programmable feature. Refer to9Overhead ConsoleCustomer-Programmable Features9in Section 3. The
mode will also be shown in the display and will change
as required during automatic operation.
NOTE:The system can be put into recirculate mode
without affecting ATC operation. This will prevent out-
side air from entering the vehicle. Use this mode to
temporarily block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual Control (ATC)
You may also choose to customize your comfort by
selecting the fan speed and mode manually. Turning the
fan speed knob or any mode button places the system
into manual operation.
While in manual operation there are six fan speeds
available and the choice of any mode. The airflow
temperature is adjusted automatically to maintain the
desired comfort level. You can adjust the temperature by
pressing the + or - Temp rocker switches.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
4

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.
Use the heater when temperatures below 0ÉF (-18ÉC) are
expected to last for several days.
The block heater must be plugged in at least one hour to
have an adequate warming effect on the coolant.
The engine block heater cord is located:
²4.7L Engine Ð at the front of the engine compartment
near the radiator cap.
²5.7L Engine Ð on the left side of the engine compart-
ment 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
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
²Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
(Continued)
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser and
radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty,
clean by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser and radiator.Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedule, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Refer to
Section 8 of this manual.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant. When
adding coolant:
²The manufacturer recommends using MOPARt
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology)
²Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below -34ÉF (-37ÉC) are
anticipated.
²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or childrendo not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the coolant in the coolant
recovery bottle should be between the ranges indicated
on the bottle dipstick.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......401,431,432
Temperature Gauge..................... 204
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 155
Cup Holder............................ 190
Customer Assistance..................... 451
Data Recorder, Event...................... 63
Daytime Running Lights................... 146
Dealer Service.......................... 390
Defroster, Rear Window................... 196
Defroster, Windshield................76,257,263
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 150
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 387
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 205
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 406
Oil (Engine).......................... 390
Power Steering........................ 294
Disarming, Theft System................... 19Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 403
Door Locks............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 170
Door Opener, Garage..................... 176
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 395
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 290
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 252
E-85 Fuel............................. 340
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 85
Electrical Power Outlets................... 185
Electronic Brake Control System............. 299
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 299
Brake Assist System.................... 300
Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 302
Electronic Stability Program............... 303
INDEX 463
10

Traction Control System................. 300
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 302
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 155
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........212,303
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................163,167
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 379
Jacking............................. 371
Tow Hooks.......................... 380
Towing............................. 381
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,436
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 393
Block Heater......................... 278
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Compartment......................385,386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 432
Exhaust Gas Caution................40,75,340Fails to Start.......................... 276
Flooded, Starting...................... 276
Fuel Requirements..................... 431
Jump Starting......................... 377
Multi-Displacement..................... 294
Oil ...........................390,431,432
Oil Filler Cap...................385,386,391
Oil Selection.......................391,431
Oil Synthetic......................... 392
Starting............................. 275
Temperature Gauge..................... 204
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Event Data Recorder...................... 63
Exhaust Gas Caution..............40,75,340,398
Exhaust System.......................75,397
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 53
Fabric Care............................ 412
464 INDEX

Tank Capacity........................ 431
Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 346
Fuses........................187,415,417,420
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 176
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............344,345,387
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 204
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 335
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 336
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 204
Fuel................................ 204
Odometer.........................207,209
Speedometer......................... 206
Tachometer.......................... 207
Gear Ranges........................... 279
General Information.................18,115,335
Glass Cleaning.......................... 414Gross Axle Weight Rating...............347,350
Gross Cargo Weight...................... 346
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 349
GVWR............................... 347
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 88
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 290
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 368
Headlights............................ 424
Cleaning............................ 413
Delay.............................. 144
High Beam........................... 149
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 149
Lights On Reminder.................... 146
Passing............................. 149
Replacing............................ 424
Heated Mirrors.......................... 87
466 INDEX