coolant CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2008 5.G Owners Manual

PERIODIC SAFETY CHECKS YOU SHOULD MAKE
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid, trans-
mission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
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 controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
94 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

19. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.20. Airbag Light
This light turns on and remains on for seven
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
21. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
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4

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads
ªHª, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the ªHº, and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately, and call your autho-
rized dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see Section 7
of this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cool-
ing System Pressure Cap paragraph.
22. Trip/Odometer Display Reset Button Ð Base
Cluster
To reset a trip odometer, display the trip odometer to be
reset then push and hold the button until the display
resets (approximately two seconds). The odometer must
be in TRIP mode to reset it.
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To reset a message display (gATE, gASCAP, noFUSE,
CHAngE OIL, LoCOOL, LoWASH), push and hold the
button until the display resets (approximately two sec-
onds).
Trip/Odometer Display Reset Button Ð Premium
Cluster
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of two trip odometer settings. The letter ªAº or ªBº
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and
hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 mi (km). The odometer must be in TRIP mode to
reset it.
23. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transaxle gear
selection.
NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.24. Odometer Display Area
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
CHAngE OIL............... OilChange Required
CRUISE.....................Cruise Control On
door.............................Door Ajar
ESPOFF............................ ESPOff
gATE..........................Lift Gate Ajar
gASCAP.......................Fuel Cap Fault
hood*............................Hood Ajar
noFUSE..........................Fuse Fault
LoCOOL........................ LowCoolant
LoWASH.................... LowWasher Fluid
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a hood switch,
in the case of hood ajar, a warning message will be
displayed in either the PRNDL/Odometer display as
ªhoodº or ªHood Ajarº in the EVIC display.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 235
4

28. Fuel Door Reminder
The arrow in this symbol is a reminder that the
Fuel Filler Door is located on the left side of the
vehicle.
COMPASS MINI-TRIP COMPUTER (CMTC) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
NOTE:The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating,
eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass.
The Compass Mini-Trip Computer features a driver-
interactive display (displays information on outside tem-
perature, compass direction, and trip information) and is
located in the instrument cluster.
Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) Odometer
Displays
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
CHAngE OIL............... OilChange Required
CRUISE......................Cruise Activated
door.............................Door Ajar
ESPOFF...................... ESPDeactivated
gATE..........................Lift Gate Ajar
gASCAP.......................Fuel Cap Fault
hood............................Hood Ajar
noFUSE..........................Fuse Fault
LoCOOL........................ LowCoolant
LoWASH.................... LowWasher Fluid
These messages can be manually turned off by pressing
the right reset button (on the instrument cluster).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
4

When rear controls are locked by the front system, the
LOCK symbol on the temperature knob is illuminated
and any rear overhead adjustments are ignored.
Rear Mode Control
AUTO Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
FLOOR Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets.
BI-LEVEL Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE:In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.HEADLINER Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.SUMMER OPERATION
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, ªMaintenance Proceduresº, of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
WINTER OPERATION
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319
4

ªMaintenance Proceduresº, of this manual for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air RECIRCULATION mode
during winter months is not recommended because it
may cause window fogging.
VACATION/STORAGE
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
WINDOW FOGGING
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild rainy
or humid weather. To clear the windows, select DE-
FROST or MIX mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the RECIRCULATION mode without
A/C for long periods, as fogging may occur.
OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.
320 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15±
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNormal Startingº procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
electrical cord to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver's side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap
that is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the electrical cord before
driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord
could cause electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªHº, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
ªHº, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 411
6

COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at anytime the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
²You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don't open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE