2004 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY ECU

capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total load of cargo
inside the vehicle plus that on the external rack does not
exceed the maximum vehicle load capacity.
To move the cross bars, press the upper edge of each
cross bar button pass the detent, then move the cross bar
to the desired position. Once the cross bar is in place,
press the lower edge of the cross bar button to lock it into
position.
Attempt to move the crossbar again to ensure that it has
properly locked into position.NOTE:To help control wind noise when installing the
cross bars make sure that the arrows marked on the front
side of the cross bars are facing the front of the vehicle.
Also, when the cross bars are not in use the notch on the
cross bars should be aligned with the arrows on the side
rails. This will help reduce the amount of wind noise
when the crossbars are not in use.
The tie down holes on the cross bar ends should always
be used to tie down the load. Check the straps frequently
to be sure that the load remains securely attached.
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do
not exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity
of 150 lbs (68 kg). Always distribute heavy loads
as evenly as possible and secure the load appro-
priately.
²Long loads which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, or loads with
large frontal area should be secured to both the
front and rear of the vehicle.
²Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic, can add sudden upward
loads. This is especially true on large flat loads
and may result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in
personal injury or property damage. Follow the Roof
Rack Cautions when carrying cargo on your roof
rack.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
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possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
²ªPº Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
²ªRº Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
²ªNº Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
²ªDº Overdrive
For most city and highway driving, it provides smoothest
upshifts and downshifts and best fuel economy. When
frequent transmission shifting occurs while using the
ªDº Overdrive position, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly
terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers), using the ª3º position will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build-up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 243
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CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
NOTE:The driver's side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
The fuel tank filler tube, on vehicles equipped with a
catalytic converter, has a restricting door about 50 mm (2
inches) inside the opening. If using a portable fuel
container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:
²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a ªclickingº sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly
tightened. If the gas cap is not secured properly the
Malfunction Indicator Light will turn on. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle's
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle by axle and side by side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR or the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
Front
AxleRear Axle
Empty Weight 2140 lbs 1470 lbs
Load (Including driver, pass-
sengers and cargo)360 lbs 980 lbs
Total 2500 lbs 2450 lbs
GAWR 2544 lbs 2544 lbs
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

properly engaged in the described location.Do not raise
the vehicle until you are sure the jack is securely
engaged.
5. 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.
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.
6. 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.
7. Install the spare wheel, for vehicles with wheel covers,
align the notch in the wheel cover with the valve stem on
the wheel. Install the cover on the wheel by hand only
and install the wheel lug nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nut toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not
tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered.
NOTE:Do not install the wheel cover on the compact
spare.
Do not use a hammer or force to install the wheel covers.
8. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
9. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the
wrench while tightening for increased leverage. Alternate
296 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

nuts until each nut has been tightened twice. Correct
wheel nut tightness is 130 N´m (95 ft. lbs). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
10. Lower the jack to its fully closed position.
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.
11. Secure the flat or spare tire as follows:
²If your vehicle is equipped with cast aluminum
wheels, the center cap of the wheel must be re-
moved prior to flat tire stowage. Store the center cap
inside the glove box or other storage compartment.
²Turn the wheel so that the valve-stem is down. Slide
the wheel retainer through the center of the wheel
and position it properly across the wheel opening.
²For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation,
stow with the valve-stem toward the rear of the
vehicle.
²Using the jack-handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the wheel is drawn into place against the
underside of the vehicle.
²Continue to rotate the nut until you hear the mecha-
nism click three times. It cannot be overtightened.
Push against the tire several times to be sure it is
securely in place.
12. Stow jack and handle.
13. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 297
6

²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
²Increasing engine speed at idle does not reduce cool-
ant temperature! Put transmission in NEUTRAL and
let engine idle at normal engine idle speed.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
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