2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN oil level

These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle's engine, the
engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. The
best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart/liter of oil when the reading is
at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at
the top of the SAFE zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield and Rear Window Washers
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. The fluid reservoir is
located in the engine compartment: be sure to check the
fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent only (not radiator antifreeze).
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, take some
washer fluid and apply it to a cloth or towel and wipe
clean the wiper blades; this will help blade performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer system
in cold weather, select a solution or mixture that meets or
exceeds the temperature range of your climate. This
rating information can be found on most washer fluid
containers.The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon/liter of
fluid when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
7

Brake Master Cylinders
The fluid level in the master cylinders should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.
For correct fluid type, refer to ºBrake Master Cylinderº
under ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this
section.WARNING!
Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifications
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching on fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.
To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under ªOIL CHANGE
REQUIRED ± If Equippedº under ªSystem Status (EVIC
Displays)º in Section 3, or under ªOdometer/Trip Odom-
eterº under ªInstrument Cluster Descriptionº in Section
4.At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 441
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Cooling System......................... 402
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 404
Coolant Capacity...................... 436
Coolant Level......................402,406
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 406
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 403
Inspection........................... 406
Points to Remember.................... 406
Pressure Cap......................... 405
Radiator Cap......................... 405
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......403,436,437
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 156
Cup Holder............................ 189
Customer Assistance..................... 449
Data Recorder, Event...................... 62
Daytime Running Lights................... 148
Dealer Service.......................... 389Defroster, Rear Window................... 265
Defroster, Windshield................76,251,257
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 152
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 386
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player..........217,220
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 204
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 410
Oil (Engine).......................... 390
Power Steering........................ 398
Disarming, Theft System................... 19
Disc Brakes............................ 408
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 406
Door Locks............................. 29
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 170
Door Opener, Garage..................... 176
Drive Belts............................ 393
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 400
INDEX 461
10

Oil ...........................390,436,437
Oil Filler Cap...................384,385,392
Oil Selection.......................391,436
Oil Synthetic......................... 392
Starting............................. 271
Temperature Gauge..................... 203
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Equipment Identification Plate.............. 364
Event Data Recorder...................... 62
Exhaust Gas Caution..............40,75,335,402
Exhaust System.......................75,401
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 53
Exterior Lighting........................ 147
Fabric Care............................ 416
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 394
Engine Fuel.......................... 395
Engine Oil........................393,437Engine Oil Disposal.................... 392
Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 366
Turn Signal.....................149,203,431
Flat Tire Stowage.....................369,375
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 341
Engine Oil........................... 340
Fuel Requirements..................338,340
Replacement Parts..................... 341
Starting............................. 341
Flooded Engine Starting................... 272
Floor Console.......................189,191
Fluid, Brake.........................409,438
Fluid Capacities......................... 436
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................. 410
Brake............................... 409
Engine Oil........................... 390
INDEX 463
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