2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY engine

When rear controls are locked by the front system, the
LOCK symbol on the temperature knob is illuminated
and any rear overhead adjustments are ignored.
Rear Mode Control
AUTO Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
FLOOR Mode
Air comes from the floor outlets.
BI-LEVEL Mode
Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE:In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.HEADLINER Mode
Air comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.SUMMER OPERATION
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to section 7, ªMaintenance Proceduresº, of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
WINTER OPERATION
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to section 7,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319
4

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
5

mDriving Through Water..................349
NFlowing/Rising Water..................349
mTire Safety Information...................351
NTire Markings........................351
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........355
mTires Ð General Information...............359
NTire Pressure.........................359
mTire Chains...........................368
mSnow Tires...........................369
mTire Rotation..........................369
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........370
NBasic TPMS Without EVIC Ð If Equipped....372
NPremium TPMS With EVIC Ð If Equipped . . . 374mFuel Requirements......................379
N3.3L & 3.8L Gasoline Engine..............379
N4.0L Gasoline Engine...................379
mAdding Fuel..........................383
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............383
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............385
mFlexible Fuel Ð 3.3L Engines Only..........386
NE-85 General Information................386
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................387
NFuel Requirements....................387
NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (Ffv) E-85 And Gasoline Vehicles....388
NStarting............................388
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
²NEVER leave unattended children alone in a ve-
hicle. Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous for
a number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
²DO NOT leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvert-
ently moving the gear selection lever. Accidents can
also be caused by pressing the accelerator pedal.
This may cause excessive heat in the exhaust system,
resulting in overheating and vehicle fire, which may
cause serious or fatal injuries.
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

Automatic Transmission
The gear selector lever must be in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position before you can start the engine. Depress
the brake pedal before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting (Above 32ÉF/0ÉC)
1. DO NOT depress the accelerator.
2. Use the Fob with Integrated Key to briefly turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release it as
soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running.
3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the normal starting procedure (Steps 1±3
above).NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
depressed to shift out of PARK.
Extremely Cold Weather Starting Ð Below220ÉF
(±29ÉC)
Follow the same instructions in the ªNormal Startingº
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
High Altitude Starting Ð Above 4,000 ft (1 219 m)
Follow the same instructions in the ªNormal Startingº
procedure.
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

If The Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
²NEVER pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
²DO NOT attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter
and vehicle.
²If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly. Refer
to Section 6 of this manual for proper jump-starting
procedures and follow them carefully.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNormal Startingº procedure, it may be flooded. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it
there while cranking the engine. This should clear any
excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, DO NOT crank the
engine for more than 15±second intervals at one time.
Wait 10 to 15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15±
second intervals of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNormal Startingº procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the
electrical cord to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.The engine block heater cord is routed under the hood on
the driver's side of the vehicle. It has a removable cap
that is located on the driver side of the Integrated Power
Module.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the electrical cord before
driving. Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord
could cause electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
²Shift the gear selector lever into PARK only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
²Do not shift the gear selector lever from RE-
VERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward
gear when the engine is above idle speed.
²Before shifting the gear selector lever into any
gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system holds the shift lever in the PARK position
when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. It also
prevents you, once the engine is started, from moving the
gear selector lever out of PARK and into any gear unless
the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only
330 STARTING AND OPERATING