2004 CHRYSLER CONCORDE inflation pressure

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures....................151
▫Normal Starting......................151
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C).................151
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................152
▫After Starting........................153
Engine Block Heater — Optional U.S. And
Standard Canada
......................153
Automatic Transaxle....................153
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............153
▫Transaxle Reset Mode..................154
▫Gear Ranges.........................154
Parking Brake.........................156
Brake System.........................157
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped...........................157
Power Steering........................158
Speed Proportional Steering..............158
Traction Control— If Equipped............159
Ti re s................................159
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................161
▫High Speed Operation..................161
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................162
▫Compact Spare Tire....................162
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TRACTION CONTROL— IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System reduces wheel slip and
maintains traction at the driving (front) wheels. The
system reduces wheel slip by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction while spinning. The traction
system operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the “stand by” mode unless:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage to
the brake system due to overheated brake tempera-
tures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control OFF Light, indicated byTRAC OFF, located in
the instrument cluster.This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. After cooling, the system will auto-
matically reactivate and turn off theTRAC OFFlight.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRES
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
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1. Safety—
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Overinflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended pressure.
2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both under-inflation and over inflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over-responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a
label attached to the rear face of the driver’s door. The
pressure should be checked and adjusted at least once
every month. Check more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Inflation pressures specified on the label are always “cold
inflation pressure”. Cold inflation pressure is defined as
the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven for
at least 3 hours, or driven less than a mile after a 3 hourperiod. The cold inflation pressure must not exceed the
maximum values molded into the tire side wall.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi [.13 to.41
bars](13 to 40 kPa) during operation. Do NOT reduce this
normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will be too
low.
The tire pressures shown on the tire label apply only to
the tire sizes listed on the label.
High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, correct tire inflation pressure is very important.
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WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a serious accident.
Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h).
Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other tires on your
vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The
instability could cause an accident. Always use ra-
dial tires in sets of four. Never combine them with
other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Compact Spare Tire
Maintain the compact spare tire inflation pressure at 60
psi [4.1 bars](414 kPa). Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
while the compact spare is installed on the vehicle.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed.
162 STARTING AND OPERATING

Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during winter. Standard tires are of the all season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, see the tire pressure label for
size(s) and inflation pressure(s).
Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct inflation pressure. The manufacturer
strongly recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when replace-
ment is needed (see the paragraph on tread wear indica-
tors). Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may
adversely affect the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle. We recommend that you contact your original
equipment dealer on any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
•Never use a tire smaller than the minimum tire size
listed on your vehicle’s tire label located on the
driver’s door. Using a smaller tire could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose control and
have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
•Overloading your tires is dangerous. Like under
inflation, overloading can cause tire failure. Use tires
of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle
and never overload them.
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9. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
10. Fully tighten the lug nuts. Torque the wheel lug nuts
to 100 ft/lb. (135N. m).
11. Store the flat tire, jack and tools.
WARNING!
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.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
Compact Spare Tire-For Temporary Emergency
Use Only
•
Keep tire inflated to 60 PSI (414 KPa) Cold Inflation
Pressure.
•Avoid driving more than 50 miles (80 km) before
replacing tire and wheel.
•This tire is designed as an emergency spare only-do
not exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
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