2004 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY power steering

WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags
and seat belt pretensioners replaced by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response
If the airbags and seat belt pertensioners deploy after an
impact and the electrical system remains functional,
vehicles equipped with power door locks will unlock
automatically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior lights
will illuminate until the ignition switch is turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure, or
frame.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a colli-
sion. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works
on your vehicle that it has airbags.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
2

Power Remote-Control Mirrors
Use the mirror select switch, located on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column, to adjust the view
obtained in the outside mirrors. Press the rocker switch to
the L or R for Left or Right mirror selection. Use the
center off position to guard against accidentally moving
a mirror position.Select a mirror and press one of the four arrows for the
direction you want the mirror to move.
Driver's power mirror preselected positions can be con-
trolled by the optional Memory Seat Feature. Refer to the
Memory Seat paragraph in section 3 of this manual.
Heated Remote Control Mirrors Ð If Equipped
These mirrors are heated to melt frost or ice. This feature
is activated whenever you turn on the Rear Window
Defrost.
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Ð If Equipped
An illuminated vanity mirror is on the sun visor. To use
the mirror, rotate the sun visor down and swing the
mirror cover upward. The lights turn on automatically.
Closing the mirror cover turns off the lights.
Sun Visor Extension Ð If Equipped
The sun visor features a pull out extension for increased
coverage.
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer if
equipped, will remain active for up to 45 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a
vehicle front door will cancel this feature.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................238
NNormal Starting......................238
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below229ÉCOr220ÉF) ...............238
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................239
NAfter Starting........................240
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........240
mAutomatic Transmission..................241
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......241NAutomatic Transmission Ignition
Interlock System......................242
NFour Speed Automatic Transmission........242
mAll Wheel Drive Ð If Equipped............244
mParking Brake.........................245
mBrake System..........................246
NAnti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped.....247
mPower Steering........................249
mTraction Control Ð If Equipped............250
5

WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 249
5

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL Ð 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 (spinning). The system
operates at speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
The system is always in the ªstand byº mode unless,
²The Traction Control Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m3.3L/3.8L Engines......................308
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........309
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................310
mReplacement Parts......................311
mDealer Service.........................311
mMaintenance Procedures..................312
NEngine Oil..........................313
NEngine Oil Filter......................316NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 316
NSpark Plugs.........................317
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................317
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................318
NCatalytic Converter....................318
NMaintenance-Free Battery................319
NAir Conditioner......................321
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............322
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............323
7