tow CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2013 5.G Owner's Manual

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine/TransmissionGCWR
(Gross Combined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.6L/Automatic 8,750 lbs (3,969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m)
Up to 2 persons & Luggage
3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) * 360 lbs (163 kg)
8,750 lbs (3,969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 3 to 5 persons & Luggage
3,350 lbs (1,519 kg) * 335 lbs (152 kg)
8,750 lbs (3,969 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6 to 7 persons & Luggage
3,000 lbs (1,360 kg) * 300 lbs (136 kg)
* For vehicles equipped with Fold-in-Floor seating, the Gross Trailer Weight must be reduced by 100 lbs (45 kg). Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONE
NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOK
UTILITY
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BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parkingbrake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates a possible
brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
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 a collision. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
• If the ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system lightremains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicleand shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend youdrive to the nearest authorized dealer immediately and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignitionwhen the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position; the
light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/
rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle servicedby an authorized dealer immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a “clicking”sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button, located below the tachometer, to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
“CHANGE OIL” MESSAGE
• If a “Change Oil” message appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next requiredoil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle theignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did
not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The jack, jack handle and winch handle toolsare stowed behind the rear left side trim
panel in the rear cargo area. Turn the two
cover latches to release the cover.
• Remove the pouch containing the scissors jack, jack handle, and tools.
Spare Tire Removal
• The spare tire is stowed inside a protective cover located under the center of the ve-
hicle between the front doors by means of
a cable winch mechanism. The “spare tire
drive” nut is located on the floor, under a
plastic cap at the front of the floor console or
under front super console forward bin liner.
To Access Spare Tire Winch Drive Nut
• To access the spare tire winch drive nut and lower the spare tire, you will need to refer to oneof the following center console configurations.
Super Console
• For vehicles equipped with the Super Console, the spare tire winch assembly drive nut islocated beneath the console.
1. Pull the lower drawer out from the rear of the floor console.
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3. Place the wrench on the jack screw and turn to the right until the jack head is properly engagedin the described location. Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure the jack is securely
engaged.
4. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right, using the swivel wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is obtained to install the
spare tire. Minimum tire lift provides maximum stability.
5. Remove the wheel lug nuts, for vehicles with wheel covers, remove the cover from the wheel by hand. Do not pry the wheel cover off. Then pull the wheel off the hub.
6. Install the compact spare tire. Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
NOTE:
• Do not install the wheel cover on thecompact spare.
• Do not use a hammer or force to install the wheel covers.
7. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
8. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for
increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a
star pattern until each nut has been tightened twice. The correct wheel nut tightness is 102
ft lbs (138 N·m). If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with a torque
wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service station.
9. Lower the jack to its fully-closed position.
10. Place the deflated (flat) tire and compact spare tire cover assembly in the rear cargo area. Do not stow the deflated tire in the spare tire location. Have the full-sized tire repaired or
replaced, as soon as possible.
11. Stow the cable and wheel spacer before driving the vehicle. Reassemble the winch handle extensions to form a “T” and fit the winch T-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to the
right until the winch mechanism clicks at least three times.
NOTE:
Refer to the “Spare Tire Tools” section for instructions on assembling the T-handle.
12. Stow the jack, jack handle and winch handle tools back in the stowage compartment.
13. Check the compact spare tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct the tire pressure, as required.
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Securing The Spare Tire
1. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form a T-handle and fit the winch T-handle over thedrive nut. Rotate the nut to the left until the winch mechanism stops turning freely. This will
allow enough slack in the cable to allow you to pull the wheel spacer out from under the vehicle.
2. Assemble the winch handle extensions to form the spare tire hook, and pull the wheel spacer from under the vehicle.
3. Turn the compact spare tire so that the valve stem is down, and place the tire into the spare tire/cover assembly. Slide the wheel spacer through the center of the wheel and spare
tire/cover assembly, so that the two retainer tabs snap out and engage the spare tire cover on
the opposite side.
4. Using the winch T-handle, rotate the drive nut to the right until the compact spare tire/cover assembly is drawn into place against the underside of the vehicle.
5. Continue to rotate the nut to the right until you hear the winch mechanism click three times. It cannot be overtightened. Check under the vehicle to ensure the compact spare tire/cover
assembly is positioned correctly against the underside of the vehicle.
Road Tire Installation
Vehicles Equipped With Wheel Covers
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. To ease the installation process for steel wheels with wheel covers, install two lug nuts on themounting studs which are on each side of the valve stem. Install the lug nuts with the cone
shaped end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
3. Align the valve notch in the wheel cover with the valve stem on the wheel. Install the cover
by hand, snapping the cover over the two
lug nuts. Do not use a hammer or excessive
force to install the cover.
4. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the nut toward the wheel.
Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
5. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
6. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for
increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a
star pattern until each nut has been tight-
ened twice. The correct tightness of each
lug nut is 102 ft/lbs (138 N·m). If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with
a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or service station.
7. After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all lug nuts are properly seated against the wheel.
1 — Valve Stem 4 — Wheel Cover
2 — Valve Notch 5 — Mounting Stud
3 — Wheel Lug Nut
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Vehicles Without Wheel Covers
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. Install the remaining lug nuts with the cone shaped end of the nut toward the wheel. Lightlytighten the lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
4. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until each nut has been tightened
twice. The correct tightness of each lug nut is 102 ft/lbs (138 N·m). If in doubt about the
correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or
service station.
5. After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all lug nuts are properly seated against the wheel.
CAUTION!
• The winch mechanism is designed for use with the winch T-handle only. Use of air wrench or other power tools is not recommended and can damage the winch.
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in
the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem facing outward. The vehicle could be
damaged if the spare tire is mounted incorrectly.
• The compact spare tire/cover assembly must be used when the compact spare tire is
stored. Failure to use this cover could drastically reduce the life of the compact spare tire.
• The winch mechanism is designed specifically to stow a compact spare tire only. Do not attempt to use the winch to stow the full size flat tire, or any other full-size tire. Vehicle
damage may result.
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WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull farenough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing
the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on
you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body under a vehicle that is on a
jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be
used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage to
your vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as possible before
raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in PARK; a manual
transmission in REVERSE.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be stowed with
the valve stem facing the ground.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip off
the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the wheel nuts fully until
the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in personal injury.
• A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants
of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places provided. Have
the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• Verify that both retainer tabs of the wheel spacer have been properly extended through
the center of the wheel and spare tire/cover assembly. Failure to properly engage both
retainer tabs could result in loss of the spare tire and cover assembly, which will cause
vehicle damage and may cause loss of vehicle control.
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SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
• If a malfunction occurs and the shift levercannot be moved out of the PARK position,
you can use the following procedure to tem-
porarily move the shift lever:• To access the shift lever override, remove
the cover located to the top right of the
shift lever in the instrument panel.
• Firmly set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position without starting the engine.
• Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
• The override can be activated by pressing the white-colored tab, which can be ac-
cessed through the hole in the instrument
panel.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
• The vehicle may then be started in NEU- TRAL.
• Reinstall the override cover.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground ALL MODELS
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
• Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 25 mph (40 km/h) maxspeed
• 15 miles (24 km) maxdistance
Wheel lift Rear
Front OK
Flatbed ALLBEST METHOD
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved using a rocking
motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the front wheels. Then
shift back and forth between DRIVE and REVERSE while gently pressing the accelerator. Use
the least amount of accelerator pedal pressure that will maintain the rocking motion, without
spinning the wheels or racing the engine.
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CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic Additive Technology(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine coolant is different
and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine
coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT
engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into the cooling system in an emergency, it
should be flushed with OAT coolant and replaced with the specified OAT engine coolant
(antifreeze) as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be compatible with the
radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom-
mended.
E-85 FLEXIBLE FUEL – (3.6L ENGINE ONLY)
• Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label or a yellow gas cap can operate on E-85.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change indicator
system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate. This
means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as frequent short-trips,
trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will influence when
the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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