2007 CHRYSLER ASPEN transmission fluid

15. Gear Selector
The electronic gear selector display is self-contained
within the instrument cluster. It displays the position of
the automatic transmission shift lever, and the relation of
each position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes) have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
16. Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. To
toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer,
press the Odometer/Trip Odometer Button. To reset the
Trip Odometer, press and hold the button while in trip
mode, until the Trip Odometer resets.
Also the cluster will display, replacing the odometer,
vehicle warning messages such as: door ajar, gate ajar,
low wash, No-fuse, and the outside temperature.The outside temperature will display in the odometer for
non-Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles. Pressing the trip odometer reset but-
ton toggles the feature back to the odometer.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with the optional Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), all warnings
including door ajar, liftgate open, low washer fluid, will
only be displayed in the EVIC display. For additional
information, refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter — If Equipped” in Section 3.
17. Odometer
The 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
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 191
4

replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
18. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The yellow ESP indicator light in the speedom-
eter area illuminates with the key in the igni-
tion switch turned to the ON/RUN position. It
should go out with the engine running. The
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightstarts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes active. The
ESP/TCS Indicator Lightalso flashes when TCS is
active. If theESP/TCS Indicator Lightbegins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” becomes illuminated when the
ESP-Off button has been pressed or ESP is only partially
available caused by lack of engine management or brake
thermal model.19. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable,
however, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
192 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

“1” First
For driving up very steep hills and for engine braking at
low speeds 25 mph (40 km/h) or less when going down
hill. To prevent excessive engine speed do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h) in this range.
Overdrive Operation
The overdrive automatic transmission contains an elec-
tronically controlled fourth and fifth (if equipped) speed
(Overdrive). The transmission will automatically shift
from Drive to Overdrive if the following conditions are
present:
•the transmission selector is in Drive;
•the engine coolant has reached normal operating tem-
perature;
•vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
•the “TOW/HAUL” switch has not been activated;
•transmission has reached normal operating tempera-
ture.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into Overdrive
and will automatically select the most desirable gear for
operation at this temperature. Normal operation will
resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough the TRANS TEMP light
may illuminate and the transmission may downshift out
of Overdrive until the transmission cools down. After
cooldown, the transmission will resume normal opera-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
5

light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in Over-
drive and in Drive.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
[usually after 1-3 miles (1.6 - 4.8 km) of driving]. Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing theTOW/HAULbutton will demonstrate that
the transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
NOTE:If the vehicle has not been driven in several
days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due tothe fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from Park into
any other gear position.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV 144 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The NV 144 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Control
Switch, which is located on the instrument panel.
The NV 144 transfer case provides 2 mode positions:
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) and 4-Wheel-Drive Lock (4WD
LOCK).
The NV 144 transfer case is designed to be driven in for
4WD for normal street and highway conditions (all road
surfaces roads).
STARTING AND OPERATING 263
5

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “TOW
HAUL” feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “TOW HAUL” feature while operat-
ing the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
7- Pin Connector
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “TOW HAUL” feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
5

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Recreational Towing 2WD Models
Recreational towing of 2WD models is not allowable.
Towing the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral can
cause severe transmission damage. Removal of the drive-
shaft for towing is not recommended since this allows
transmission fluid to leak out.
Recreational Towing 4WD Models
CAUTION!
Vehicles equipped with an NV 144 Transfer Case
(which has no neutral position) may NOT be used
for recreational towing.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a
front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 339
5

▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............377
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............377
▫Drive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........378
▫Body Lubrication.....................378
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................378
▫Windshield Washers...................379
▫Exhaust System......................380
▫Cooling System.......................381
▫Emission Related Components............386
▫Brake System........................387
▫Automatic Transmission................389
▫Transfer Case........................391
▫Axles..............................392▫Selection Of Lubricating Grease...........392
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................393
Fuse Block............................398
▫Fuses (Interior).......................398
▫Fuses (Power Distribution Center).........401
▫Fuses (Integrated Power Module)..........404
Vehicle Storage........................406
Replacement Light Bulbs.................407
Bulb Replacement......................407
▫Headlights/Parking/Turn Signal..........407
▫Tail Lights, Turn Signals And Backup Lights —
Replacement.........................409
▫License Lights........................411
360 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE