2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY catalytic converter

21. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.22. Trac Off Indicator — If Equipped
This display indicator should illuminate for approxi-
mately four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will flash if the traction
control is in use.
The “TRAC OFF” Indicator will illuminate if:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC and
the OFF indicators located in the instrument cluster.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
mission cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly.
See section 6 of this manual for the proper jump
starting procedures and follow them carefully.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key isreleased. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

•For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation,
stow with the valve stem toward the rear of the
vehicle.
•Using the jack handle, rotate the drive nut to the
right until the wheel is drawn into place against the
underside of the vehicle.
•Continue 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.
13. Stow the jack and jack handle.
14. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURE
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started. Vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from another vehicle. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery fluid
to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over battery when
attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated area immediately
with large quantities of water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and explo-
sive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes. Do not use a
booster battery or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12 volts.
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is
raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be hurt
by the fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 401
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

Also check belt routing to make sure there is no interfer-
ence between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug, malfunctioning spark plugs can damage the cata-
lytic converter. For proper type of replacement spark
plugs, refer to the “Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion” label in the engine compartment.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
the intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you
drive the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe con-
ditions, the filter element should be inspected periodi-
cally and replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on
Schedule “B”.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc) can
provide a measure of protection in the case of engine
backfire. Do not remove the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc) unless such removal is necessary
for repair or maintenance. Make sure that no one is
near the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air cleaner,
hoses, etc) removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, the
vehicle should be stopped, the engine shut off and the
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Oil (Engine).......................... 417
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 432
Car Washes............................ 442
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 352
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 197
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 197
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 274
Cassette Tape Player..................... 221
Catalytic Converter...................... 419
Caution, Exhaust Gas................. 42,87,352
CD (Compact Disc) Changer.......230,237,253,257
CD (Compact Disc)
Player............227,231,235,241,244,249,251,257
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 275
Cellular Phone........................ 98,272
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 456
Center Lap Belts......................... 52
Chains, Tire............................ 341Changing A Flat Tire..................... 382
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 325
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) .............................217,412
Child Restraint........................ 73,75
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 78
Child Safety Locks........................ 37
Child Seat............................ 73,80
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 350
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 444
Climate Control......................... 276
Clock .............................219,256
Coat Hook............................ 196
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 275
Compact Disc (CD) Player...............221,227
Compact Spare Tire...................... 336
Compass.............................. 167
Compass Calibration..................... 168
488 INDEX