traction control CHRYSLER CONCORDE 2004 2.G Owners Manual

▫To Turn The Interior Lights On.............65
▫Battery Saver Feature—Interior Lights........65
▫Instrument Panel Lighting................65
▫Front Map/Reading Lights...............66
▫Rear Seat Reading/Courtesy Lights.........66
Exterior Lights.........................66
▫Headlights And Parking Lights............66
▫Lights-On Reminder....................67
▫Automatic Headlights...................67
▫Headlight Time Delay...................67
▫Battery Saver Feature...................68
▫Fog Lights...........................68
▫Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)......68
Multifunction Control Lever...............68
▫Turn Signals..........................68
▫Headlight Dimmer Switch................69▫Passing Light.........................69
▫Windshield Wipers And Washers...........69
▫Speed Sensitive Intermittent Wipers System....70
Tilt Steering Column.....................71
Traction Control Switch — If Equipped.......72
Electronic Speed Control..................72
▫To Activate...........................73
▫To Set At A Desired Speed................73
▫To Deactivate.........................73
▫To Resume Speed......................74
▫To Vary The Speed Setting................74
▫To Accelerate For Passing................74
▫Using Speed Control On Hills.............74
Overhead Console......................75
▫Dome/Reading Lights...................75
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........76
52 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH — IF EQUIPPED
To turn the Traction Control System Off, press the switch
located on the instrument panel, to the right of the
steering column, until the TRAC OFF light in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
To turn the Traction Control System On, press the switch
until the TRAC OFF light in the instrument cluster turns
off.
NOTE:Traction Control System comes on each time the
ignition switch is turned On. This will occur even if you
used the switch to turn the Traction system off during the
previous ignition cycle.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
This device can be engaged to take over the accelerator
operation at speeds between 30 mph (48 km/h) and 85
mph (137 km/h). The controls are mounted on the
steering wheel.
72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the tank.
2. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (8
liters), the Low Fuel symbol will light and re-
main lit until fuel is added. A warning chime will
sound when the light comes on.
3. Low Oil Pressure Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should come on briefly as a bulb check
when the engine is first started. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off
the engine. DO NOT operate the vehicle until the
cause is corrected.This light does not show how
much oil is in the engine.The engine oil level must be
checked under the hood.4. TRAC ON/OFF Lights
The Traction Control On light (TRAC ON) will come on
momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the light does not come on, have the
bulb replaced.
The TRAC ON light also will come on when the system
is controlling traction.
The Traction Control Off light (TRAC OFF) will come on
momentarily as a bulb check when the ignition switch is
first turned ON. If the TRAC OFF light does not come on,
have the bulb checked.
The TRAC OFF light will also come on when the Traction
Control switch has been used to turn the system off.
5. Trunk Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk is not latched
6. Tachometer
Measures engine revolutions-per-minute (RPM). The red
numbers at the end on the scale show the maximum
permissible RPM’s. Ease off on the accelerator before
reaching the red area.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................151
▫Normal Starting......................151
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................151
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................152
▫After Starting........................153
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................153
Automatic Transaxle....................153
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............153
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................154
▫Gear Ranges.........................154
Parking Brake.........................156
Brake System.........................157
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped...........................157
Power Steering........................158
Speed Proportional Steering..............158
Traction Control— If Equipped............159
Ti re s................................159
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................161
▫High Speed Operation..................161
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................162
▫Compact Spare Tire....................162
5

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

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
NOTE:If so equipped, turn on the Traction Control
System to accelerate on slippery surfaces.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 185
6

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 259
9

Dome............................... 75
Door Ajar........................... 110
Exterior Check........................ 50
Fog .............................68,230
Front Replacement.................... 226
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 176
Headlight Switch...................... 66
Headlights.....................66,226,227
High Beam Indicator................... 110
Illuminated Entry...................... 14
Instrument Cluster..................... 65
Interior...........................14,65
License............................. 232
Low Fuel........................... 109
Malfunction Indicator...............169,191
Map Reading......................... 66
Oil Pressure......................... 109
Park..........................66,227,230
Passing............................. 69
Reading............................. 75
Rear Tail............................ 231
Seat Belt Reminder.................... 110
Security Alarm........................ 24Service Engine Soon................... 191
Side Marker......................226,230
Theft Alarm.......................... 10
Traction Control....................72,159
Trunk Ajar.......................... 109
Turn Signal.................... 110,230,231
Voltage............................. 112
Locks
Cylinder Maintenance.................. 15
Door.............................14,15
Glove Compartment.................... 13
Lubricants............................ 207
Luggage Carrier........................ 172
Luggage Rack......................... 172
Lumbar Support........................ 61
Maintenance Free Battery................. 203
Maintenance Schedule................... 236
Light Duty ScheduleB................ 239
ScheduleA......................... 246
ScheduleB
......................... 239
Malfunction Indicator Light......... 111,169,192
Manual, Service........................ 257
268 INDEX

Tilt Steering Column..................... 71
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 67
Timing Belt........................... 202
Tires ...........................50,159,259
Air Pressure......................159,161
Alignment.......................... 167
Balancing........................... 167
Chains............................. 163
Changing........................177,178
Flat Changing........................ 177
High Speed......................... 161
Jacking............................. 178
Pressure Label....................... 161
Quality Grading...................... 259
Radial............................. 162
Replacement......................... 165
Rotation............................ 166
Snow Tires.......................... 164
Spare Tire........................... 162
Spinning............................ 163
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 164
To Open Hood.......................... 64Towing.............................. 172
Disabled Vehicle...................... 186
Trailering........................... 172
Traction Control...................72,109,159
Trailer Towing......................... 172
Transaxle
Additives........................... 219
Automatic........................153,217
Filter.............................. 219
Operation........................... 154
Selection of Lubricant.................. 217
Transmission
Range Indicator.................... 112,154
Transmitter Battery Service................ 22
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener..........76,81
Transmitter Programming................. 20
Transporting Pets........................ 48
Traveler Trip Computer................... 93
Tread Wear Indicators................... 164
Trip Computer........................93,96
Trip Odometer.......................... 98
Trip Odometer Reset Button............... 111
272 INDEX