2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN cooling

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
2. Temperature Gage
The temperature gage indicates engine coolant
temperature. Any reading within the normal
range indicates that the cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily. The gage needle in V6 and V8 engines
will likely indicate a high temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy traffic, or
when towing a trailer. If the needle rises to the ªHº mark,
stop the vehicle, shift into NEUTRAL and increase engine
speed for two to three minutes. If the temperature
reading does not return to normal, see your authorized
dealer for service immediately..
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator if the engine overheats.
The gage pointer will remain near its last reading when
the engine is turned off. It will return to a true reading
when the engine is restarted.
3. Turn Signal Indicators
When a turn signal is activated, a right-pointing or
left-pointing arrow lights up and flashes to indicate the
direction of the turn. These indicators also indicate
proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights.
If either indicator flashes at a faster rate than normal,
check for a defective bulb. If either indicator fails to light
up when the lever is moved, check for a defective fuse or
turn signal LED. A single chime is activated when the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 203
4

left/right turn signal is left on with the engine RPM
vehicle speed greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for more
than one mile.
4. Low Fuel Warning Light
This indicator lights when the fuel gage reads 1/16
of a tank or less.
5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the airbag system. Have the system checked by
your authorized dealer.7. Coolant Temperature Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. For a bulb check, this light will come on
momentarily when the ignition is turned ON. If
the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shift
into NEUTRAL and increase the engine speed for two to
three minutes. If the temperature reading does not return
to normal, see your authorized dealer for service imme-
diately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in NEUTRAL with the air conditioner turned off
until the light turns off. If the if the light remains on,
turn the engine off immediately, and call for service.
204 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to ªCooling System Pressure
Capº under ªCooling Systemº in Section 7. Follow
the warnings under the paragraph.
8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the speed of the vehicle.
9. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system voltage.
The light should turn on momentarily as the
engine is started. If the light stays on or turns on while
driving, it indicates a problem with the charging system.
See your authorized dealer for service immediately.10. Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.
The Security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
11. ABS Warning Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) which is described elsewhere in this
manual. This light will come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
may stay on for approximately three seconds. If this light
remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates that
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not func-
tioning and that service is required. See your authorized
dealer immediately. With the ABS malfunctioning, the
Brake Assist System (BAS) and Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP) are also switched off. Both malfunction
indicator lights illuminate with the engine running. If the
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 205
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Recirculation Mode (Panel or Bi-Level)
Select either the Panel or Bi-Level
mode positions when the outside air
contains smoke, odors, high humidity,
or if rapid cooling of the interior is
desired. This feature allows for recir-
culation of interior air only, when ei-
ther of these positions are selected. Air
flows through the panel outlets or panel and floor outlets
in these modes.
Panel
Outside air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel. These outlets can be adjusted to
direct the airflow.
Bi-Level
Air flows through the outlets located in the instru-
ment panel and those located on the floor.NOTE:There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Heat (Floor)
Outside air flows primarily through the floor out-
lets located under the instrument panel. A small
amount of air is directed through the defrost and side
window demister outlets.
Mix
Outside air flows in equal proportions through the
floor and defroster outlet.
Defrost
Outside air is primarily directed to the windshield
through the defroster outlet located at the base of
the windshield and side window demist outlets.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 251
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Manual Control (ATC)
You may also choose to customize your comfort by
selecting the fan speed and mode manually. Turning the
fan speed knob or any mode button places the system
into manual operation.
While in manual operation there are six fan speeds
available and the choice of any mode. The airflow
temperature is adjusted automatically to maintain the
desired comfort level. You can adjust the temperature by
pressing the + or - Temp rocker switches.
FAN Control
Use this knob to regulate the amount of air delivered
through the system in any mode you select. Rotation
of the knob to increase (clockwise) or decrease (counter-
clockwise) fan speed.
Air Conditioning Operation
Press this button to enable the air conditioning
system. Compressor operation is automatic whenyou press the AUTO button and no snowflake is shown.
A snowflake indicates that the A/C system is enabled.
The snowflake will not be displayed in AUTO mode even
though the A/C system is enabled.
The compressor may operate at any temperature above
32ÉF (0ÉC).
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor cycles. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering
the vehicle. Use this mode to temporarily block
out any outside odors, smoke, dust or when
rapid cooling of the interior is required.
256 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð 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 Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to ªCooling System Operatingº under ªMainte-
nance Proceduresº in section 8.
358 STARTING AND OPERATING

NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............398
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............399
NDrive Shaft Constant Velocity Joints........400
NBody Lubrication.....................400
NWindshield Wiper Blades................400
NWindshield And Rear Window Washers.....401
NExhaust System......................401
NCooling System.......................402
NEmission Related Components............407
NBrake System........................408
NAutomatic Transmission................410
NTransfer Case........................413
NAxles..............................413NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................414
mFuse Block............................419
NFuses (Interior).......................420
NFuses (Power Distribution Center).........423
NFuses (Integrated Power Module)..........426
mVehicle Storage........................428
mReplacement Light Bulbs.................429
mBulb Replacement......................429
NHeadlights/Parking/Turn Signal..........429
NTail Lights, Turn Signals And Backup Lights Ð
Replacement.........................431
NLicense Lights........................433
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........434
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, fol-
low the preceding safety tips.
Cooling System
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
is hot.
Engine Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser and
radiator for any accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty,
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE