2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY steering

NOTE:Refer to your VEStUser's Manual for detailed
operating instructions.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
REMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The remote sound system controls are located on the rear
surface of the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 O'clock
positions.
The right-hand rocker switch has a push button in the
center and controls the volume and mode of the sound
system. Pressing the top of the rocker switch will increase
the volume. Pressing the bottom of the rocker switch willVEStRemote Control Location
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................326
NAutomatic Transmission................327
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........329
mAutomatic Transmission..................330
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......330
NFour-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission........................331
NReset Mode - Electronic Transmission.......337
mParking Brake.........................337mBrake System..........................339
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............340
mElectronic Brake Control Systems............342
NTraction Control System (TCS)............342
mPower Steering........................347
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............348
NAcceleration.........................348
NTraction............................348
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CAUTION!
Before moving the gear selector lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition from LOCK/OFF to ON so
the steering wheel and gear selector lever are re-
leased. Otherwise, damage to the steering column or
gear selector lever could result.
REVERSE
Use REVERSE for moving the vehicle rearward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Shift the gear selector lever into this gear only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. The engine may be
started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE Ð Six-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) mode by moving the leverÐ/+and
select the ª5º range when frequent transmission shifting
occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions,
(i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or
while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions,
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.
ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropri-
ate wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP on 2WD
vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESP system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most
driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for
specific reasons as noted below.
ESP Partial OFF
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch (located in the center switch bank, next to the
hazard flasher switch).
When in Partial OFF mode, the TCS portion of
ESP, except for the ªlimited slipº feature de-
scribed in the TCS section, has been disabled
and the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will be illu-
minated. All other stability features of the ESP function
normally. This mode is intended to be used if the vehicle
is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions and more
wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is required to
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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 do 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 amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it 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.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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WARNING!
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
²Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
2. EconomyÐ
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle StabilityÐ
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed either on the
face of the driver's door or on the driver's side ªBº pillar.
Tire Placard Location
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WARNING!
²DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of un-
approved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting
in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and
stress to steering and suspension components. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
²NEVER use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire fail-
ure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment and Tire Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
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Always use the lower suggested operating speed if both
the chain manufacturer and vehicle manufacture suggest
a maximum speed. This notice applies to all chain
traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during Winter. Standard tires are of the all-season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph (120
km/h).
TIRE ROTATION
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on All-Season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
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