2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN power steering fluid

When you are in a severe braking condition involving
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal, and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short period of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when pos-
sible. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control
System (TCS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP) and Trailer Sway Control
(TSC). All six systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions, and
are commonly referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to ªAnti-Lock Brake Systemº in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment 4.7L V-8..............384
mEngine Compartment 5.7L HEMI V-8.........385
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........386
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............386
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................387
mReplacement Parts......................388
mDealer Service.........................389
mMaintenance Procedures..................389NEngine Oil..........................390
NEngine Oil Filter......................393
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 393
NSpark Plugs.........................394
NEngine Air Cleaner Filter................394
NEngine Fuel Filter.....................395
NCatalytic Converter....................395
NMaintenance Free Battery................396
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............398
7

Power Steering Ð 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 an autho-
rized DaimlerChrysler dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure 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. For correct fluid type, refer to ºPower Steering
Reservoirº under ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
398 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:Fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations to
ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore, oil
wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily an
indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid when
systems are under pressure (during vehicle operation),
should be noted before hose is replaced based on leakage.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer's specified
hoses and clamps, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace all clamps that have been loosened or
removed during service. Care should be taken in install-
ing new clamps to ensure they are properly torqued.Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve
Proper operation of the crankcase ventilation system
requires that the PCV valve be free of sticking or plug-
ging because of deposits. Deposits can accumulate in the
PCV valve and passage with increasing mileage. Have
the PCV valve, hoses, and passages checked for proper
operation at the intervals specified. If the valve is
plugged or sticking, replace with a new valve ±Do not
attempt to clean the PCV valve!Check ventilating hose
for indication of damage or plugging with deposits.
Replace if necessary.
Brake System
Power Disc Brakes (Front and Rear)
Disc brakes do not require adjustment; however, several
hard stops during the break-in period are recommended
to seat the linings and wear off any foreign material.
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Multipurpose Type, GL-5 Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Rear Axle SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Lubricant or equivalent.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3 and SAE J1703 should be used or equivalent. If DOT 3
brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recom-
mended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartATF+4, Automatic Transmission Fluid.
438 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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Power Steering........................ 398
Transfer Case......................... 413
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 437
Fog Lights..........................148,435
Folding Rear Seat.....................129,133
Four Wheel Drive....................... 280
Operation........................... 280
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 366
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 378
Front Axle (Differential)................... 414
Fuel................................. 331
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................336,337
Filter............................... 395
Gauge.............................. 203
Octane Rating......................331,437
Requirements......................331,436
Tank Capacity........................ 436Fuel, Flexible.............See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution..................... 338
Fuses.....................188,419,420,423,426
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 176
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............336,337,386
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge)................... 203
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 331
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 332
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 203
Fuel................................ 203
Odometer.........................206,208
Speedometer......................... 205
Tachometer.......................... 206
Gear Ranges........................... 275
General Information.................17,115,331
464 INDEX