checking oil CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2012 5.G Owners Manual

WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 105

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
558 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF. Checking the oil
level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve
the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only
when the level is at or below the ADD, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 605

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 499
Oil (Engine) ........................ 560
Power Steering ...................... 447
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 573
Car Washes ............................ 580
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............104,494
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 264
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 274
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 57
Cellular Phone ....................... 129,397
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 598
Chains, Tire ............................ 479
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 522
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 462
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............295,555
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............ 104Checks, Safety
.......................... 104
Child Restraint ........................ 89,91
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 94
Child Safety Locks ........................ 51
Child Seat .............................. 93
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 491
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 581
Climate Control ......................... 398
Clock ............................. 329,338
Coat Hook ............................ 264
Coin Holder ........................... 265
Cold Weather Operation ................... 429
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 397
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 474
Compass .............................. 318
Compass Calibration ..................... 319
Compass Variance ....................... 319
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 316
632 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 573
Engine Oil ......................... 560
Domelight ............................. 203
Door Locks ............................. 34
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 37
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 236
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 443
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 444
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 314
E-85 Fuel ............................. 495
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 433
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 118
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 248
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 452
Brake Assist System ................... 453 Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 217
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 454
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 229,304
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 521
Jacking ......................... 522,531
Jump Starting ....................... 540
Overheating ........................ 521
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 555
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 561
Block Heater ........................ 431
Break-In Recommendations ............. 103
Checking Oil Level ................... 558
Compartment ....................... 553
Compartment Identification ............. 553
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 600
Cooling ........................... 570
634 INDEX

Map/Reading Lights..................... 233
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 196
Memory Seat ........................ 1 19,196
Methanol ............................. 492
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 316
Mirrors ............................... 116
Automatic Dimming .................. 116
Electric Remote ...................... 118
Exterior Folding ..................... 118
Heated ............................ 119
Memory ........................... 196
Outside ........................... 117
Rearview .......................... 116
Vanity ............................ 120
Mode Fuel Saver ......................... 314
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 482
Mopar Parts ......................... 557,624MTBE/ETBE
........................... 492
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 207
Navigation System (Uconnect™ gps) .......... 229
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 103
Occupant Restraints ................... 57,81,85
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........78,79,81,84
Odometer ............................. 290
Oil Change Indicator ................ 292,293,313
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........292,293,313
Oil, Engine ......................... 558,600
Capacity ........................... 599
Change Interval ..................... 559
Checking .......................... 558
Disposal ........................... 560
Filter .......................... 560,600
Filter Disposal ....................... 560
Identification Logo ................... 559
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INDEX 641