tire pressure CHRYSLER ASPEN 2009 2.G Owners Manual

particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be treated confi-
dentially. Confidential data will not be disclosed by the
manufacturer to any third party except when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a the manufac-
turer's product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by law
Data parameters that may be recorded:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
²Airbag disable light status (if equipped)
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
²Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
²Impact acceleration and angle
²Seat belt status
²Brake status (service and parking brakes)
²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Transmission gear selection
²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) status (if
equipped)
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
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If the MIL comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service. See an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see an authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required. See an authorized dealer for
service immediately.24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
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As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
25. Airbag Indicator
The airbag indicator light illuminates and re-
mains lit for six to eight seconds when the
ignition is first turned ON. If the light does not
come on when the ignition is first turned on, orthe light stays on or comes on while driving, have the
airbag system checked by an authorized dealer.
26. 4WD Indicator
The 4WD indicator light illuminates when the transfer
case is in 4WD position.
27. SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator
The SVC 4WD light will illuminate when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and will stay on for two
seconds. If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly
and that service is required.
28. Cruise Light (Speed Control)
The cruise light indicator illuminates when the electronic
speed control system is turned on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
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NShallow Standing Water................ 291
mPower Steering........................ 293
NPower Steering Fluid Check............. 294
mMulti-Displacement System (MDS)
Ð 5.7L Engine Only..................... 294
mParking Brake........................ 294
mAnti-Lock Brake System................. 296
mElectronic Brake Control System........... 299
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 299
NTraction Control System (TCS)........... 300
NBrake Assist System (BAS).............. 300
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 302
NElectronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 303NTrailer Sway Control (TSC).............. 306
NESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light...................... 306
mTire Safety Information.................. 307
NTire Markings....................... 307
NTire Identification Number (TIN).......... 311
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 312
mTires Ð General Information.............. 316
NTire Pressure........................ 316
NTire Inflation Pressures................. 317
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation.... 319
NRadial Ply Tires...................... 319
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped........ 319
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NLimited-Use Spare Ð If Equipped......... 320
NTire Spinning....................... 321
NTread Wear Indicators................. 321
NLife Of Tire......................... 322
NReplacement Tires.................... 323
NAlignment And Balance................ 324
mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information
Ð If Equipped......................... 325
mTire Chains.......................... 325
mSnow Tires.......................... 326
mTire Rotation Recommendations............ 327
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 328
NBase System ± If Equipped.............. 330NPremium System ± If Equipped........... 332
NGeneral Information................... 335
mFuel Requirements..................... 335
NReformulated Gasoline................. 336
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 336
NE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 337
NMMT In Gasoline.................... 338
NMaterials Added To Fuel............... 338
NFuel System Cautions.................. 338
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings............. 340
mFlexible Fuel (4.7L Engine Only)
Ð If Equipped......................... 340
NE-85 General Information............... 340
STARTING AND OPERATING 273
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wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE:Delayed shifting out of the 4WD LOCK position
may be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire
pressure, or excessive loading.
NOTE:When shifting into, or out of 4WD LOW, some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Shifting Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Shifting Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
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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.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP) and Trailer Sway Control
(TSC). All six systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions, and
are commonly referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to ªAnti-Lock Brake Systemº in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
WARNING!
²ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
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