brake fluid CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2010 5.G Owners Manual

Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
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 if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 105

10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning LightThe malfunction light for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow “ESP/BAS
Warning Light” comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.WARNING!
If a warning light remains on the system may not be
working and you will not have the benefit of ESP or
BAS. Under certain driving conditions, where ESP or
BAS would be beneficial, you - if you have not
adjusted your driving speeds and stopping in or to
account for the lack of the feature, may be in acci-
dent.
11. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237

If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
an accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:On the Base cluster, the reset button toggles
between odometer, Trip A, Trip B, ECO and outside
temperature. To reset a message display on Base Cluster
(gATE, gASCAP, noFUSE, CHangE OIL, LoCOOL, Lo-
WASH, etc.), push and hold the button until the display
resets (approximately two seconds).
23. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE: You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
24. Message Display Area
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
ECO ................... Fuel Saver Indicator Off
ECO-on ................. Fuel Saver Indicator On door
............................. Door Ajar
gATE ........................... Liftgate Ajar
LoW tirE ..................... LowTirePr essure
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL ............... Oil Change Required
CRUISE ..................... Cruise Control On
LoCOOL ........................ Low Coolant
LoWASH .................... LowW asher Fluid
NOTE: Some of the above warnings will be displayed in
the Compass Mini-Trip Computer / Electronic Vehicle
Information Center Display Area located in the instru-
ment cluster.
Refer to ”Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)
Display— If Equipped” / ”Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) Display — If Equipped” for further
information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243

Driving Through Water ................. 339
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 339
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 339
 Power Steering ....................... 341
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 342
 Parking Brake ........................ 343
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 345
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .......... 347
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 347
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 347
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 349
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 350
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ............... 351 
Tire Safety Information ................. 352
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 352
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 355
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 356
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 357
 Tires — General Information ............. 361
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 361
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 362
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 363
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 364
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 364
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 365
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 366
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

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” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the shift lever in the
PARK position. The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.
Parking Brake
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STARTING AND OPERATING 343

▫Brakes ............................ 458
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 461
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion .......................... 464
▫ Cleaning The Instrument Panel Cupholders . . 469
 Fuses .............................. 470
▫ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) . . . 470
 Vehicle Storage ....................... 479
 Replacement Bulbs .................... 479
 Bulb Replacement ..................... 480
▫ High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID)
— If Equipped ...................... 480
▫ Quad Headlamps .................... 481 ▫
Front Park/Turn Signal Lamp ........... 481
▫ Front Side Marker Lamp ............... 482
▫ Fog Lamp ......................... 482
▫ Rear Tail, Stop, Turn Signal, Side Marker
And Backup Lamp ................... 482
▫ Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL) .......................... 484
▫ License Lamp ....................... 484
 Fluid Capacities ...................... 485
 Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts ....... 486
▫ Engine ............................ 486
▫ Chassis ........................... 487
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.3/3.8L
1 — Air Cleaner Filter7 — Engine Oil Fill
2 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (3.3L Only) 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module 11 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 435

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 4.0L
1 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir7 — Engine Oil Dipstick
2 — Air Cleaner Filter 8 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Battery 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Totally Integrated Power Module
6 — Engine Coolant Reservoir
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
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 manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459