suspension CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2007 4.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of unap-
proved tires and wheels may change suspension dimen-
sions and performance characteristics, resulting 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.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your ve-
hicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could result
in tire overloading and failure. You could lose control
and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having adequate
speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and
loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Use only compact chains, or other traction aids that meet
SAE type “Class S” specifications. Chains must be the
proper size for the vehicle, as recommended by the chain
manufacturer.
NOTE:Do not use tire chains on a compact spare tire.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the following
precautions:
•Because of restricted chain clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that only chains in
good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could
indicate chain breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the
chain before further use.
•Install chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about12mile (0.8 km).
•Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h).
•Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps,
especially with a loaded vehicle.
•If chains are used on an All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle, they
should be used on all four tires.
•Do not drive for prolonged period on dry pavement.
•Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on the
method of installation, operating speed, and conditions for use.
Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain
manufacturer if different than the speed recommended by the
manufacture.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
5

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 withinthe 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.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If
you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles. This could
cause you to lose control. Also overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

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.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

3.3L/3.8L Engines......................410

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........411
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............411

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................412

Replacement Parts......................413

Dealer Service.........................414

Maintenance Procedures..................414
▫Engine Oil..........................414▫Engine Oil Filter......................418
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 418
▫Spark Plugs.........................419
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................419
▫Catalytic Converter....................419
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................421
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............423
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............424
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............425
7

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Steering Shaft Seal
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated with a multi-purpose grease.
Mopar multi-purpose lubricant is recommended.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425
7

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
462 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S