2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN Owners Manual

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
driveshaft for towing is not recommended since this
allows transmission fluid to leak out.
Recreational Towing 4WD Models
CAUTION!
Vehicles equipped with an NV 140 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 position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL 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.
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NOTE:The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be
shifted into NEUTRAL for recreational towing. The NEU-
TRAL selection button is located on the lower left-hand
corner of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and out of
transfer case NEUTRAL can take place with the selector
switch in any mode position.
Shifting into NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the automatic transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.
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12. Turn ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift the automatic transmission into PARK.
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
NOTE:Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements (with the exception of Step 3
- Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL
button or are no longer met during the four second timer,
then the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continu-
ously until all requirements are met or until the NEU-
TRAL button is released.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine RUNNING. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is
OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.
4. Depress brake pedal.
362 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Shift the automatic transmission to NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
one second.
7. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release
the NEUTRAL button.
8. After the NEUTRAL button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.
9. Shift the automatic transmission into PARK.
10. Start the engine.
11. Shift the automatic transmission into DRIVE.NOTE:Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be
met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until one second elapses and
the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements are not met prior to depress-
ing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met during the
one second time, then all of the position indicator lights
will flash continuously until all requirements are met or
until the NEUTRAL button is released.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE:A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light
indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
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CAUTION!
²Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
²Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because
fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
internal parts.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION PLATE
The equipment Identification Plate is located on the hood
inner surface.
The following information about your vehicle is dis-
played on this plate: Model, Wheelbase, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number, Truck Order Number, and code numbers
with descriptions of all production and special equip-
ment on the truck as shipped from the factory.
NOTE:Always refer to the equipment identification
plate when ordering parts.
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................366
mJacking And Tire Changing................367
NJack Location........................368
mJacking Instructions.....................369
NRemoving The Spare Tire................369
NTire Changing Procedure................370mJump±Starting Procedures.................376
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................378
mEmergency Tow Hooks Ð If Equipped........378
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................379
NFour-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............380
NTwo-Wheel Drive Vehicles...............380
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Press the flasher switch
and all front and rear directional signals will flash
intermittently.
Press the switch a second time to turn off the emergency
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
Flasher Switch
366 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
²Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
²The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing
tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 367
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