2004 CHRYSLER CONCORDE towing

7. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
8. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever towards the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or
low beam.
9. Seat Belt Reminder Light
The light will come on after the ignition is
turned on. The light will remain lit until the
seatbelt is fastened.
10. Door Ajar Light
This light shows that a door is not completely
closed. A warning chime will sound if the vehicle
is moving with a door partially closed.
11. Speedometer
Shows vehicle speed in miles-per-hour or kilometers-per-
hour.
12. Low Washer Fluid Light
This symbol will light whenever the fluid reser-
voir is less than 1/4 filled. Adding washer fluid
will cause the light to go out the next time the
ignition is cycled. A warning chime will sound when
the light comes on.
13. Cruise (Speed Control) Light
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
14. Engine Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine cool-
ant condition. A warning chime will sound
when the light comes on.
15. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the 5 gauge
marks between Hot and Cold shows that the
cooling system is operating properly. The gauge
pointer may show a higher than normal temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in
heavy stop and go traffic, or when towing a trailer.
110 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is
on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and
the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after engine
start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays onthrough several of your typical driving cycles. In most
situations the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
have it replaced. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
19. Odometer/Trip Odometer
Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 111
4

▫Tire Spinning........................163
▫Tire Chains..........................163
▫Snow Tires..........................164
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................164
▫Replacement Tires.....................165
▫Tire Rotation Recommendations...........166
▫Alignment And Balance.................167
Fuel Requirements.....................167
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................168
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............168▫MMT In Gasoline.....................169
▫Materials Added To Fuel................169
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................169
Adding Fuel..........................170
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............171
Vehicle Loading.......................171
▫Luggage Racks.......................172
Trailer Towing........................172
▫Warranty Requirements.................172
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Never use the Park position as a substitute for the
parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” Neutral
The engine may be started in this range. Use this range
for starting your vehicle if it is moving or is being towed.
Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
When frequent transaxle shifting occurs when using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicleunder heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers, use the “3” range).
“3” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
A delayed shift from second to third will occur at speeds
of about 31 to 38 mph (50 to 60 km/h) and low levels of
accelerator pedal travel. An early down-shift from third
to second will occur at a speed of about 34 to 30 mph (54
to 48 km/h). This is done to provide second gear engine
braking at speeds less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the “3” range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
STARTING AND OPERATING 155
5

Luggage Racks
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total occupant and
luggage load inside the vehicle, plus that on the external
rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity shown on
the Vehicle Loading Capacity chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Warranty Requirements
The Manufacturer’s Passenger Vehicle Warranty will
apply to vehicles used to tow trailers for non commercial
use. However the following conditions must be met:
•The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed
32 square feet (2.97 square meters)
•The maximum trailer load for vehicles equipped with
2.7L engines is 1500 lbs. (680 kg.).
•The maximum trailer load for vehicles equipped with
3.5L engines is 2000 lbs. (900 kg.).
•For vehicles equipped with 2.7L engines: when driv-
ing in hot weather (more than 95°F, 35°C), maximum
vehicle speed when towing a trailer should not exceed
65 mph (105 km/h).
•The ”D” range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3”
range MUST be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
•The trailer tongue load must be considered as part of
the tow vehicle load capacity when loading the ve-
hicle.
•If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), it
should have its own brakes.
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transmission fluid, filter, and hypoid
differential fluid should be changed per Maintenance
Schedule “B” if you tow a trailer.
•If your Engine Coolant Light comes on, see the para-
graph on Overheating in Section 6 of this manual.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before all towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor,
shows the need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
STARTING AND OPERATING 173
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher.................176
If Your Engine Overheats................176
Jacking And Tire Changing...............177
▫Preparations For Jacking................178
▫Jacking And Changing a Tire.............178
▫Compact Spare Tire-For Temporary Emergency
Use Only...........................181
▫Wheel Cover Installation (If Required)......182
Jump-Starting The Battery...............182
Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............185
▫Acceleration.........................185
▫Traction............................185
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................186
Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............186
6

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Only two ways of towing are approved; front towing and
flat bed towing.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
If damage to the vehicle prevents towing from the front,
move the vehicle onto a flat bed tow truck.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES