fuel cap CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owners Manual

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

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL (4.7L ENGINE ONLY) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by the unique
yellow fuel filler cap (gas cap) that shows E85 / Gasoline.
This section only covers those subjects that are unique to
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

these vehicles. Please refer to the other sections of this
manual for information on features that are common
between Flexible Fuel and gasoline-only powered ve-
hicles.CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler cap (gas cap)
can operate on E-85.
E-85 Fuel Cap
E-85 Badge
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ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
²you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
²you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at
least 5 miles (8 km)
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM
D5798). With non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may
experience hard starting and rough idle following start
up even if the above recommendations are followed,
especially when the ambient temperature is below 32ÉF
(0ÉC).
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.
NOTE:To avoid contact between fuel cap and paint,
hang tether strap over hook provided on inner fuel door.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Light to turn on.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
cap until a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an indication
that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
RESET button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
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the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver's side door.
Certification Label
346 STARTING AND OPERATING

Inflation Pressure (Cold)
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and
rear of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined
by weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commer-
cial scale to ensure that the GVWR has not been ex-
ceeded. The weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
should then be determined separately to be sure that the
load is properly distributed over front and rear axle.
Weighing the vehicle may show that the GAWR of either
the front or rear axles has been exceeded but the total
load is within the specified GVWR. If so, weight must be
shifted from front to rear or rear to front as appropriate
until the specified weight limitations are met.
Store heavier items down low and be sure that the weight
is distributed equally. Stow all loose items securely before
driving.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment ± 4.7L.............. 385
mEngine Compartment ± 5.7L.............. 386
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II....... 387
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 387
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 388
mReplacement Parts..................... 389
mDealer Service........................ 390
mMaintenance Procedures................. 390NEngine Oil......................... 390
NEngine Oil Filter..................... 392
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter............... 393
NMaintenance-Free Battery............... 393
NAir Conditioner Maintenance............ 394
NDrive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints....... 395
NBody Lubrication..................... 396
NWindshield Wiper Blades............... 396
NWindshield And Rear Window Washers..... 397
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
²If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose, improp-
erly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message
will be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the
gas cap until a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an
indication that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press
the odometer RESET button to turn the message off. If the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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