2005 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY power steering fluid

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
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 85
2

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—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“stand by”mode unless,
•The Traction Control Switch has been used to turn the
system OFF
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

3.3L/3.8L Engines......................376

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBDII........377

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................378

Replacement Parts......................379

Dealer Service.........................379

Maintenance Procedures..................380
▫Engine Oil..........................380
▫Engine Oil Filter......................384▫Drive Belts—Check Condition
And Tension.........................384
▫Spark Plugs.........................385
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................385
▫Catalytic Converter....................385
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................387
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............389
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............390
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............391
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▫Steering Shaft Seal....................391
▫Steering Linkage......................391
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............391
▫Body Lubrication.....................392
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................392
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....393
▫Exhaust System......................393
▫Cooling System.......................394
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......399
▫Brakes.............................400
▫Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake Fluid
Level Check.........................401
▫Fuel System Hoses....................403▫Automatic Transmission................403
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........406
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................406
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................411

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............412

Vehicle Storage........................415

Replacement Light Bulbs.................416

Bulb Replacement......................417
▫Headlights..........................417
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And
Sidemarker Lights.....................418
▫Front Fog Light......................419
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter
The filter access door is located under the instrument
panel on the passenger side. To replace the filter slide the
lock toward the rear of the vehicle (unlock position).
Remove the access door and pull the filter downward.
When installing a new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion. Align the black arrow on the bottom of the filterframe with the direction of airflow (away from the
blower motor and towards the center of the car).
Refer to the“Maintenance Schedules”section of this
manual for the recommended air conditioning filter
replacement intervals.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
Steering Shaft Seal
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated with a multi-purpose grease.
Mopar multi-purpose lubricant is recommended.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has constant velocity universal joints. Peri-
odic lubrication of these joints is not required. However,
the joint boots should be inspected for external leakage or
damage when other maintenance is performed. If leakage
or damage is evident, the universal joint boot and grease
should be replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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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.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence
of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should bereplaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder—ABS Brakes Brake Fluid Level
Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL”mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
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Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE