2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY trailer

NOTE:
²Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
²Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
Enabling and Disassembling The Rear Park Assist
System
There are times when you may want to disable the Rear
Park Assist System, such as when towing a trailer.
NOTE:The manufacturer suggests disabling the Rear
Park Assist System when towing a trailer. Refer to the
following procedures.
Vehicles Equipped With the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)
You can turn the Rear Park Assist System on or off
through the EVIC. For details, refer to ªPersonal Settings(Customer Programmable Features)º under ªElectronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)º in Section 4 of this
manual.
Vehicles Equipped With the Compass Mini-Trip
Computer (CMTC)
You can turn the Rear Park Assist System ON or OFF
through the CMTC by pressing the left reset button in the
instrument cluster. Turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, then press and hold the rest button for approxi-
mately two seconds.
Service The Rear Park Assist System
If the Rear Park Assist System malfunctions, the instru-
ment cluster will actuate a single chime, once per ignition
cycle, and it will display the(SERVICE PARK ASSIST
SYSTEM(message. Refer to ªCompass Mini Trip Com-
puter (CMTC) or ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)º Ð as equipped, in Section 4 of this manual.
174 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

19. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors engine and automatic
transmission control systems. The light will illu-
minate when the key is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key
from OFF to ON, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.20. Airbag Light
This light turns on and remains on for seven
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
21. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range
indicates that the engine cooling system is operat-
ing satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233
4

NCruising Range.......................389
NReplacement Parts.....................389
NMaintenance.........................389
mVehicle Loading........................390
NVehicle Certification Label...............390mTrailer Towing.........................394
NCommon Towing Definitions.............394
NTowing Tips.........................405
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 407
STARTING AND OPERATING 325
5

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,
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

using the ª5º range will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE Ð Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the ª3º 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, using the ª3º range will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
CAUTION!
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds
acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
DRIVE and select ª5º range (on six-speed transmis-
sions) or ª3º range (on four-speed transmissions) by
changing shift points. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Operation
The Electronic Range Select (ERS) shift control allows
you to move the gear selector lever to the left (-) or right
(+) when the gear selector lever is in the D (Drive)
position, this allows the selection of the desired top gear.
For example, if the driver shifts the transmission into 3rd
gear, the transmission will never shift above 3rd gear, but
can shift down to 2nd or 1st gear automatically, when
needed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the ªVehicle Loadingº section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
ªVehicle Loadingº in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement, ªThe combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Thecombined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement, ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbsº
on your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
each 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the
356 STARTING AND OPERATING

amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 ± 750 = 650
lbs [295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capaci-
ties of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example, the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392
kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
5

A loaded vehicle is shown in the above table. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
NOTE:Refer to the ªVehicle Certification Labelº at-
tached to the rear of the driver's door for your vehicle's
GVWR and GAWR's. This table is only an example.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing-related definitions will as-
sist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight. The total load must be limited so
that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer in its
9loaded and ready for operation9condition. The recom-
mended way to measure GTW is to put your fully loaded
trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of the trailer
must be supported by the scale.
394 STARTING AND OPERATING