CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2008 5.G Owners Manual

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.3L Engine Compartment................432
m3.8L Engine Compartment................433
m4.0L Engine Compartment................434
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........435
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð Gascap....436
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................436
mReplacement Parts......................438
mAuthorized Dealer Service................438mMaintenance Procedures..................439
NEngine Oil..........................439
NEngine Oil Filter......................442
NDrive Belt...........................443
NSpark Plugs.........................443
NEngine Air Cleaner....................443
NCatalytic Converter....................444
NMaintenance-Free Battery................446
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............448
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NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............451
NFront Suspension Ð Ball Joints............451
NSteering Shaft Seal....................451
NDrive Shaft Universal Joints..............452
NBody Lubrication.....................452
NWindshield Wiper Blades................452
NCooling System.......................454
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......459
NFuel System Connections................459
NBrakes.............................460
NAutomatic Transaxle...................462
NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........465NAppearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................465
NCleaning The Instrument Panel Cup Holders . . 471
mFuses/Totally Integrated Power Module
(TIPM)..............................472
mVehicle Storage........................479
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................480
mBulb Replacement......................481
NHigh Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) Ð
If Equipped.........................481
NQuad Headlights.....................481
NFront Park/Turn Signal And Side
Marker Lights........................482
NFront Side Marker Lights................482
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NFog Lights..........................483
NRear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lights....................484
NCenter High-Mounted Stop Light (CHMSL) . . . 485
NLicense Light........................485mFluids And Capacities...................486
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........487
NEngine.............................487
NChassis............................488
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
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3.3L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3.8L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
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4.0L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message Ð gASCAP
Should the ªLoose Fuel Filler Capº or ªgASCAPº mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
filler cap message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. Tighten the gas cap until a9clicking9sound is
heard. This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. Press the odometer reset button to turn the
message off. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started. If the problem
is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off. Take your vehicle in to an
authorized dealer.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if the vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle's OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFFthe ignition key or start the engine. This means that the
vehicle's OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that the vehicle's OBD II
system isready,and you can proceed to the I/M
station.
If the OBD II system isnot ready,you should see an
authorized dealer or repair facility. If this vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive the vehicle
as you normally would in order for the OBD II system to
update. A recheck with the above test routine may then
indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether the vehicle's OBD II system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL is illuminated during
normal vehicle operation, you should have the vehicle
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
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serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail the vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine
running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Mopartparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopartparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty.
AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these service manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE