2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY power steering

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.9
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 manufacturer's 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. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
FRONT SUSPENSION Ð BALL JOINTS
The front suspension ball joints are permanently sealed.
No regular maintenance is required for these compo-
nents.
STEERING SHAFT SEAL
The steering shaft seal, at the point where the shaft passes
through the bulkhead, is lubricated when it is installed. If
the seal becomes noisy when the steering shaft is turned,
it should be lubricated with a multipurpose grease.
Mopartmultipurpose lubricant is recommended.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints are permanently lubricated and
do not require periodic maintenance.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

BRAKES
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate 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 re-
placed based on leakage.
460 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²When installing the Integrated Power Module cover,
it is important to ensure the cover is properly
positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may
allow water to get into the Integrated Power Mod-
ule, and possibly result in a electrical system failure.
²When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
The Heated Mirrors, Lower Instrument Panel Power Outlet
and Removable Floor Console, when in the front position
are fused with self-resetting fuses that are only serviceable
by an authorized dealer. The power seats are fused by a 30Amp circuit breaker located under the driver's seat. The
Power Windows are fused by a 25 Amp circuit breaker
located under the instrument panel near the steering
column. If you experience temporary or permanent loss of
these systems, see your authorized dealer for service.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you are leaving your vehicle dormant for more than 21
days you may want to take steps to protect your battery.
You may do the following:
²Remove the 20 Amp mini-fuse in the Integrated Power
Module labeled Ignition-Off Draw (IOD).
²Or, disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
²Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of
service for two weeks or more, run the air conditioning
system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh air
and high blower setting. This will ensure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 479
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Chassis
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS Ð CHASSIS
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Automatic Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
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 recommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
488 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
²Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
492 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Flashers
Hazard Warning....................... 410
Turn Signal.....................229,482,484
Flash-To-Pass........................... 168
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 421
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range........................ 389
Engine Oil........................... 388
Fuel Requirements..................386,387
Maintenance.......................... 389
Replacement Parts..................... 389
Starting............................. 388
Flooded Engine Starting................... 328
Floor Console.......................... 200
Fluid Capacities......................... 486
Fluid Leaks............................. 94
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 463
Automatic Transmission................. 464Brake............................... 461
Power Steering........................ 451
Fluids................................ 487
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 487
Fog Light Service........................ 483
Fog Lights.......................164,232,483
Fold in Floor (Stow8n Go) Seating........... 137
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 426
Fuel................................. 379
Adding............................. 383
Additives............................ 381
Clean Air............................ 380
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................239,383
Filler Door (Gas Cap)................... 239
Gasoline............................ 379
Gauge.............................. 226
Hoses.............................. 459
Light............................... 226
Octane Rating........................ 487
514 INDEX

Synthetic............................ 442
Viscosity..........................441,486
Onboard Diagnostic System..............435,436
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 183
Outside Rearview Mirrors...............100,101
Overdrive..........................334,335
Overhead Console....................... 180
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 180
Overheating, Engine...................234,410
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 504
Panic Alarm............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear................... 170
Parking Brake.......................... 337
Parking On Hill......................... 338
Passing Light........................... 168
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 175
Personal Settings........................ 249
Pets, Transporting........................ 88Phone, Cellular....................104,285,286
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ).......104,285,286
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 355
Port
Universal Serial Bus (USB).............282,285
USB .............................282,285
Power
Brakes.............................. 339
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 472
Door Locks........................... 32
Lift Gate............................. 48
Mirrors..........................102,103
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 193
Seats............................... 132
Sliding Door.......................... 41
Steering............................. 347
Steering, Checking..................... 451
Sunroof............................. 189
Windows............................. 36
520 INDEX

Power Steering Fluid..................... 488
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 65
Preparation for Jacking.................... 414
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 63
Programmable Electronic Features............ 249
Radial Ply Tires......................... 362
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......455,456
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 252
Radio, Navigation....................... 285
Radio Operation...................282,286,300
Radio Remote Controls.................... 300
Radio, Satellite..............282,285,286,288,298
Radio (Sound Systems).................282,285
Rear Air Conditioning.................308,316
Rear Heater............................ 308
Rear Park Sense System................... 170
Rear Window Defroster................... 321Rearview Mirrors........................ 100
Reclining Front Seats..................... 135
Recorder, Event Data...................... 77
Recreational Towing...................407,428
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 64
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 21
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 300
Remote Starting System.................... 27
Removable Floor Console...............205,210
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 438
Replacement Tires....................... 366
Reporting Safety Defects................... 503
Resetting Oil Change Indicator......236,237,238,245
Restraint, Head......................... 133
Restraints, Child.......................80,88
Restraints, Infant......................... 81
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 426
Roof Rack (Luggage Rack)................. 213
INDEX 521
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