2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN tire pressure

²Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
²Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
²Impact acceleration and angle
²Seat belt status
²Brake status (service and parking brakes)
²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
²Engine control status (including engine speed)
²Transmission gear selection
²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) status (if
equipped)
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time - babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it. Children 12
years and under should ride properly buckled up in a
rear seat, if available. According to crash statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats
rather than in the front.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult seat belt. Always check the child seat
Owner's Manual to ensure you have the right seat for
your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child.
Infants and Small Children
²
This vehicle is not capable of accommodating the
installation of a car bed used for carrying newborn
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for tread wear or uneven wear patterns.
Check for stones, nails, glass or other objects lodged in
the tread.
Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall cracks. Check wheel
nuts for tightness and tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Check the operation of all exterior lights. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if fuel fumes are
detected, the cause should be located and corrected.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
which monitors the emissions and engine control
system. If the vehicle is ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on, as a bulb check, until the
engine is started. If the vehicle is not ready for emissions
testing, the light will come on when the ignition is first
turned on and remain on for 15 seconds, then blink for 10
seconds, and remain on until the vehicle is started. If the
bulb does not come on during starting, see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
If this light comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service. See your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and driveability.
If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter
damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate
service is required. See your authorized dealer for
service immediately.
24. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 211
4

by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should deter-
mine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
212 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS

tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.25. Airbag Indicator
The indicator lights and remains lit for six to
eight seconds when the ignition is first turned
ON. If the light does not come on when the
ignition is first turned on, or the light stays on
or comes on while driving, have the airbag system
checked by an authorized dealer.
26. 4WD Indicator
Indicates when the transfer case is in 4WD position.
27. SVC (Service) 4WD Indicator
The SVC 4WD lights will come on when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and will stay on for two
seconds. If the light stays on or comes on during driving,
it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly
and that service is required. See your authorized dealer
for service.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS 213
4

NFlowing/Rising Water..................287
NShallow Standing Water.................287
mParking Brake.........................289
mBrake System..........................290
NFour-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . 290
mPower Steering........................293
mElectronic Brake Control System............294
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............294
NBAS (Brake Assist System)...............295
NTraction Control System (TCS)............297
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........297
NElectronic Stability Program (ESP).........298mMulti-Displacement System (MDS) Ð 5.7L Engine
Only................................303
mTire Safety Information...................303
NTire Markings........................303
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........307
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........308
mTires Ð General Information...............312
NTire Pressure.........................312
NTire Inflation Pressures.................313
NRadial Ply Tires......................315
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........316
NLimited-Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........316
NTire Spinning........................317
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

NTread Wear Indicators..................318
NLife Of Tire.........................318
NReplacement Tires.....................319
NAlignment And Balance.................320
mSupplemental Tire Pressure Information Ð If
Equipped............................321
mTire Chains...........................321
mSnow Tires...........................322
mTire Rotation Recommendations............323
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................324
NBase System ± If Equipped...............326
NPremium System ± If Equipped...........328
NGeneral Information...................331mFuel Requirements......................331
NReformulated Gasoline.................332
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............333
NMMT In Gasoline.....................333
NMaterials Added To Fuel................334
NFuel System Cautions..................334
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............335
mAdding Fuel..........................336
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............336
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message....337
mFlexible Fuel Ð If Equipped...............338
NE-85 General Information................338
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................339
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
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wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE:Delayed shifting out of the 4WD LOCK position
may be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire
pressure, or excessive loading.
NOTE:When shifting into, or out of 4WD LOW, some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
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 then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
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