heating CHRYSLER CONCORDE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do 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.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
•To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason itmust remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
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.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident
if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

TRACTION CONTROL— IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction while spinning. The traction
system operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the “stand by” mode unless:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control OFF Light, indicated byTRAC OFF, located in
the instrument cluster.This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off theTRAC OFFlight.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRES
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5

WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid, filter, and hypoid
differential fluid should be changed per Maintenance
Schedule “B” if you tow a trailer.
•If your Engine Coolant Light comes on, see the para-
graph on Overheating in Section 6 of this manual.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before all towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
STARTING AND OPERATING 173
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the steering column, just
behind the steering wheel. Push in the flasher
switch and all front and rear directional signals
will flash. Press the flasher switch a second time to turn
the flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
176 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Only two ways of towing are approved; front towing and
flat bed towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
If damage to the vehicle prevents towing from the front,
move the vehicle onto a flat bed tow truck.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to seek service to assure proper catalyst operation
and prevent possible catalyst damage. If the Malfunction
Indicator light is flashing, immediate service is required.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
7

Check the front of the radiator and condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the core.
Check the engine cooling system hoses for condition and
tightness of connection. Inspect the entire system for
leaks. Any hoses that show cuts or severe abrasion must
be replaced.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedule (5
years/100,000 miles), the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals.
Engine Coolant Disposal
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. Do not store ethylene glycol based enginecoolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended coolant. Re-
fer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts section for the correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be used.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211
7

Disposal
Antifreeze........................... 211
Engine Oil.......................... 199
Door Locks..........................14,15
Door Locks, Automatic................... 16
Door Locks, Central...................... 15
Door Opener, Garage...................76,81
Drive Belts............................ 200
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 207
Driver’s Seat Glide Feature................ 60
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 185
With an Automatic Transaxle............ 153
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 57
Electronic Speed Control.................. 72
Electronic Vehicle Information Center......... 88
Emergency Flashers..................... 176
Emission Control System Maintenance. . 192,202,236
Engine
Backfire............................ 202
Block Heater......................... 153Break-In Recommendations............... 48
Checking Oil Level.................... 194
Compartment.....................189,190
Cooling.......................... 110,210
Fails to Start......................... 152
Oil .............................109,194
Oil Change Interval................... 197
Oil Selection......................... 198
Oil Synthetic......................... 199
Overheating...................... 110,176
Specifications........................ 232
Timing Belt.......................... 202
Entry System, Illuminated................. 14
Exhaust Gas Caution................49,82,210
Exhaust System........................ 210
Exterior Lights.......................66,227
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 202
Automatic Transaxle................... 219
Engine Fuel......................... 202
Engine Oil.......................... 200
INDEX 265
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Memory Feature......................57,61
Memory Seat........................... 21
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 93
Mirrors............................... 56
Automatic Dimming.................... 56
Electric Remote....................... 57
Heated.............................. 56
Outside............................. 57
Rearview............................ 56
Vanity.............................. 58
Mopar Parts........................193,255
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 68
Occupant Restraints...................... 27
Odometer............................. 111
Oil, Engine........................... 194
Change Interval...................... 197
Checking........................... 194
Dipstick............................ 194
Disposal............................ 199
Filter.............................. 200
Identification Logo.................... 198
Materials Added to.................... 199Quality............................. 198
Recommendation..................... 198
Synthetic........................... 199
Onboard Diagnostic System............191,192
Opener, Garage Door...................76,81
Operator Manuals........................ 4
Overhead Console.....................75,96
Overhead Travel Information Center......... 96
Overheating, Engine..................... 176
Owner’s Manual......................4,257
Paint Care............................ 220
Paint Damage......................... 220
Panic Alarm........................... 20
Parking Brake......................... 156
Parking On Hill........................ 156
Passing Light........................... 69
Pets.................................. 48
Pets, Transporting....................... 48
Power
Distribution Center.................... 224
Door Locks.......................... 14
Outlet.............................. 100
INDEX 269
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