power steering fluid 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

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
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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

POWER STEERING Ð FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized DaimlerChrysler Dealership.9
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer's 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 Ð 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 multipurpose grease.
Mopartmultipurpose lubricant is recommended.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
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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.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS Ð CHASSIS
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3 brake fluid is
not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 410
Turn Signal.....................229,482,484
Flash-To-Pass........................... 168
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 421
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 389
Engine Oil........................... 388
Fuel Requirements..................386,387
Maintenance.......................... 389
Replacement Parts..................... 389
Starting............................. 388
Flooded Engine Starting................... 328
Floor Console.......................... 200
Fluid Capacities......................... 486
Fluid Leaks............................. 94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 463
Automatic Transmission................. 464Brake............................... 461
Power Steering........................ 451
Fluids................................ 487
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 487
Fog Light Service........................ 483
Fog Lights.......................164,232,483
Fold in Floor (Stow8n Go) Seating........... 137
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 426
Fuel................................. 379
Adding............................. 383
Additives............................ 381
Clean Air............................ 380
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................239,383
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 239
Gasoline............................ 379
Gauge.............................. 226
Hoses.............................. 459
Light............................... 226
Octane Rating........................ 487
514 INDEX

Power Steering Fluid..................... 488
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 65
Preparation for Jacking.................... 414
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 63
Programmable Electronic Features............ 249
Radial Ply Tires......................... 362
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......455,456
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 252
Radio, Navigation....................... 285
Radio Operation...................282,286,300
Radio Remote Controls.................... 300
Radio, Satellite..............282,285,286,288,298
Radio (Sound Systems).................282,285
Rear Air Conditioning.................308,316
Rear Heater............................ 308
Rear Park Sense System................... 170
Rear Window Defroster................... 321Rearview Mirrors........................ 100
Reclining Front Seats..................... 135
Recorder, Event Data...................... 77
Recreational Towing...................407,428
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 64
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 300
Remote Starting System.................... 27
Removable Floor Console...............205,210
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 438
Replacement Tires....................... 366
Reporting Safety Defects................... 503
Resetting Oil Change Indicator......236,237,238,245
Restraint, Head......................... 133
Restraints, Child.......................80,88
Restraints, Infant......................... 81
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 426
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack)................. 213
INDEX 521
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