brakes CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2006 4.G User Guide

WARNING!
Because the front wheels drive and steer the vehicle,
it is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and front
and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to insure that it
is not over the GVWR. Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
STARTING AND OPERATING 353
5

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
STARTING AND OPERATING 363
5

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includ ea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector. NOTE:
Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

â–«Steering Linkage ......................413
â–« Drive Shaft Universal Joints ..............413
â–« Body Lubrication .....................414
â–« Windshield Wiper Blades ................414
â–« Windshield And Rear Window Washers .....415
â–« Exhaust System ......................415
â–« Cooling System .......................416
â–« Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......421
â–« Brakes .............................422
▫ Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 423
â–« Fuel System Hoses ....................425
â–« Automatic Transmission ................425
â–« Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........428 â–«
Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................428
â–« Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders ........................433

Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............434

Vehicle Storage ........................437

Replacement Light Bulbs .................438

Bulb Replacement ......................439
â–« Headlights ..........................439
â–« Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights .............................440
â–« Front Fog Light ......................441
â–« Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker And
Back-Up Lights .......................442
396 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.
WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid — all brake seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete brake fail-
ure.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Interlock System....................... 314
Reset Mode .......................... 315
Selection Of Lubricant ................425,446
Shifting ............................. 315
Special Additives ...................... 428
Automatic Transmission ................... 425
Adding Fluid ......................... 426
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 427
Fluid Change ......................... 427
Fluid Level Check ...................... 426
Fluid Type ........................ 425,446
Ball Joints ............................. 413
Battery ............................... 409
Gas Caution .......................... 410
Jump Starting ......................... 389
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 151
Bearings .............................. 428 Belts, Drive
............................ 406
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 414
B-Pillar Location ........................ 328
Brake Fluid ............................ 446
Brake, Parking .......................... 317
Brake System ........................ 318,422
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 319
Fluid Check .......................... 423
Hoses .............................. 422
Warning Light ........................ 210
Brakes ............................. 318,422
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 314
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 82
Bulb Replacement ....................... 439
Bulbs, Light ............................ 438
Calibration, Compass ..................... 165
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 444
INDEX 477
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Overheating, Engine................... 213,369
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,472
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 317
Parking On Hill ......................... 317
Passing Light ........................... 154
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 159
Pets, Transporting ........................ 78
Phone, Cellular .......................... 96
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectâ„¢) ............. 96
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 328
Power Brakes .............................. 318
Distribution Center ..................... 434
Door Locks ........................... 18
Lift Gate ............................. 35
Mirrors .............................. 94
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 181 Seats
............................... 120
Sliding Door .......................... 30
Steering ............................. 321
Steering, Checking ..................... 412
Sunroof ............................. 179
Windows ............................. 40
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 446
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 53
Preparation for Jacking .................371,383
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................. 51
Programmable Electronic Features ......169,174,178
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) ...............23,174,178
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 335
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......417,419
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 217
Radio Operation ................... 239,257,279
INDEX 487
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