2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY steering

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, liftgate and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not
in the LOCK or ACCESSORY positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transmission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. The only ap-
proved method of towing with out the ignition key is
with a flat bed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

3.3L/3.8L Engines......................410

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........411
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............411

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................412

Replacement Parts......................413

Dealer Service.........................414

Maintenance Procedures..................414
▫Engine Oil..........................414▫Engine Oil Filter......................418
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 418
▫Spark Plugs.........................419
▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter................419
▫Catalytic Converter....................419
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................421
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............423
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............424
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............425
7

▫Steering Shaft Seal....................425
▫Steering Linkage......................425
▫Drive Shaft Universal Joints..............425
▫Body Lubrication.....................426
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................426
▫Windshield And Rear Window Washers.....427
▫Exhaust System......................428
▫Cooling System.......................429
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......434
▫Fuel System Connections................435
▫Brakes.............................435
▫Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check . . 437
▫Fuel System Hoses....................438▫Automatic Transmission................438
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........441
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................441
▫Cleaning The Instrument Panel And Underseat
Cup Holders........................446

Fuses — Integrated Power Module..........448

Vehicle Storage........................451

Replacement Light Bulbs.................451

Bulb Replacement......................452
▫Headlights..........................452
▫Front Park/Turn Signal And Sidemarker
Lights .............................454
▫Fog Lights..........................455
408 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 — If Equipped
The A/C Filter, if so equipped, is found behind the filter
access door 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 install-
ing a new filter, ensure its proper orientation. Align theblack arrow on the bottom of the filter frame 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.
424 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 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 425
7

Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
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 ofhot 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 be
replaced 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.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

position are fused with self resetting fuses that are only
serviceable by an authorized dealer. The power seats are
fused by a 30 Amp circuit breaker located under the
driver’s seat. The Power Windows are fused by a 25 Amp
circuit breaker located under the instrument panel near
the steering column. If you experience temporary or
permanent loss of these systems see your authorized
dealer for service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may:
•Remove the 20 Amp mini fuse in the Integrated Power
Module labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD).
•Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service (i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run theair conditioning system at idle for about five minutes
in the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
insure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb Number
Center & Rear Dome Light.................. 578
Center & Rear Reading Lights............... 578
Front Door Courtesy Light.................. 578
Front Header Reading Lights — If Equipped..... 578
Instrument Cluster Lights.................PC74
Liftgate Light(s).......................... 578
Overhead Console Reading Lights..........PC579
Removable Console Light — If Equipped....... 194
Visor Vanity Lights....................6501966
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent
Engine Oil Use API Certified SAE 5W-20 engine oil. Refer to your oil filler cap for cor-
rect SAE grade, meeting DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
Oil Filter 3.3/3.8 liter engines Mopar 5281090 or equiv.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3 brake fluid
is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid +4 or MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
458 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE