oil change CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owners Manual

3. Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to
the tether anchor located on the seatback and remove the
slack in the tether strap according to the manufacturer 's
instructions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
seat failure and injury to the child. In a collision, the
seat could come loose and allow the child to crash
into the inside of the vehicle or other passengers, or
even be thrown from the vehicle. Use only the anchor
positions directly behind the child seat to secure a
child restraint top tether strap. For instructions, refer
to ªChild Restraint Tether Anchorº in this section.
See your authorized dealer for help if necessary.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possiblyinjured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in
pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
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The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust System
WARNING!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an ex-
tremely toxic gas that by itself is colorless and
odorless. To avoid inhaling these gases, the following
precautions should be observed:
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move
your vehicle in or out of the area.
²It may be necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for more than a short period. If
so, adjust your climate control system to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high
speed and the controls in any position except OFF
or RECIRC.
²The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system,
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle, or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
mechanic inspect the complete exhaust system and adja-
cent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated or
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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mispositioned parts. Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment. In addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil
change. Replace or adjust as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Heater Defroster Ducts
Inspect the heater defroster ducts for proper operation.
Check for proper airflow through all defroster ducts. If
there are any question regarding the operation of your
heater defroster ducts, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.) or if the front airbags have deployed. If there is any
question regarding belt or retractor condition, replace the
belt.
Airbag Light
The Airbag light should come on and remain on for six to
eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see
your authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer. If there is a problem with the airbag
light, the seat belt light will flash.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

System Status (EVIC Displays)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
²TURN SIGNALS ON (with a continuous warning
chime)
²PERSONAL SETTINGS NOT AVAILABLE ± Vehicle
not in PARK
²LEFT/RIGHT FRONT DOOR AJAR (one or more,
with a single chime if speed is above 1 mph/1 km/h)
²LEFT/RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (one or more, with
a single chime if speed is above 1 mph/1 km/h)
²DOOR(S) AJAR (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
²LOW WASHER FLUID (with a single chime)
²OIL CHANGE REQUIRED (with a single chime)
²SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM (with a single chime)
²SERVICE PARK ASSIST SYSTEM
²COOLANT LOW
²LIFTGATE OPEN
²CHECK TPM SYSTEM (with single chime) (Premium
TPM System Only)
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Ð If Equipped
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªOil Change Requiredº message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 169
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Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the MENU button. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance),
refer to the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times
within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)
Personal Settings allows the driver to set and recall
features when the transmission is in PARK. If the trans-
mission is not in PARK the EVIC will display NOT
AVAILABLE and VEHICLE NOT IN PARK.
Press and release the MENU button until the
Personal Settings displays on the EVIC.
Use the STEP button to display one of the following:
²ªLANGUAGEº ± When in this display, you may select
one of several different languages for all display
nomenclature, including the trip functions. Press the
RESET button while in this display to select your
preferred language. Then, as you continue, the infor-
mation will display in the selected language.
170 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Vehicle Warning Messages
For non-Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, when the appropriate conditions ex-
ist, messages such as ªdoor ajarº (indicates that a door(s)
may be ajar), ªgASCAPº (which indicates that your gas
cap is possibly loose or damaged),9CHANgE OILº
(indicates that the engine oil should be changed), ªLo-
WASHº (low washer fluid), and ªnoFUSEº (indicates
that the IOD fuse is removed from the Integrated Power
Module), will display in the odometer.
NOTE:If the vehicle is equipped with an EVIC, most
warnings will display in the EVIC. For additional infor-
mation, refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Ð If Equippedº in Section 3.
The outside temperature will display in the odometer for
non-EVIC equipped vehicles. Pressing the trip odometer
RESET button toggles the feature back to the odometer.Change Oil Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
16. Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.17. Fog Light Indicator
This light shows when the fog lights are ON.
18. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The yellow Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
indicator light in the speedometer area illumi-
nates with the key in the ignition switch turned
to the ON/RUN position and it should go out
with the engine running. The ESP is also combined with
the Traction Control System (TCS), when the9ESP/TCSº
Indicator Light9starts to flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the ESP system becomes active. The9ESP/
TCS Indicator Light9also flashes when TCS is active. If
the9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9begins 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. The ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº becomes illuminated when the ESP-Off
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
4

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
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CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle's warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
²operate in a lean mode
²OBD II ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº on
²poor engine performance
²poor cold start and cold drivability
²increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
²drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
²change the engine oil and oil filter
²disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
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Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart/liter of oil when the reading is
at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at
the top of the SAFE zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for
recommended engine oil change intervals.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer onlyrecommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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