2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN check engine

5. High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
6. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light comes on for several seconds after the
ignition is turned ON as a reminder to ªbuckle
up.º This light will remain on as long as the seat
belt remains unbuckled. If this light flashes, it indicates a
fault in the seat belt system. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
7. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH(Hot), this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to passH(Hot), the indicator will continu-
ously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the
engine is allowed to cool.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature light is on,
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
in neutral with the air conditioner turned off until
the light turns off. If the light remains on, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual. Follow
the warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
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8. Speedometer
The speedometer shows the speed of the vehicle.
9. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, turn off some of the vehicle's non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer.
10. Vehicle Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds
when the vehicle security alarm is arming. The light will
flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is set.The security light will also come on for about three
seconds when the ignition is first turned on.
11. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) which is described elsewhere in this
manual. This light will come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position and
may stay on for approximately three seconds. If this light
remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates that
the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not func-
tioning and that service is required. See an authorized
dealer immediately. With the ABS malfunctioning, the
Brake Assist System (BAS) and Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP) are also switched off. Both malfunction
indicator lights illuminate with the engine running. If the
charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction
indicator light illuminates and the ABS is switched off.
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunc-
tion indicator light should go out and the ABS is opera-
tional. If the malfunction indicator light stays illumi-
nated, have the system checked at an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
12. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
13. Tachometer
This gauge measures engine Revolutions-Per-Minute
(RPM x 1000).14. Shift Lever Indicator
The shift lever indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the position of the auto-
matic transmission shift lever, and the relation of each
position to all other positions. For a good signal the
display will place a box around the selected transmission
range (PRND21). If the PRNDL displays only the char-
acters PRND21 (no boxes), have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
15. Odometer / Trip Odometer
The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To
switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and
release the Trip Odometer button.
To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odom-
eter to be reset then push and hold the button until the
display resets (approximately two seconds).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
4

button has been pressed or ESP is only partially available
caused by lack of engine management or brake thermal
model.
19. Transmission Temperature Indicator
This light indicates that there is excessive trans-
mission fluid temperature that might occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light comes on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL until the light goes off.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. If the light remains
lit with the engine running your vehicle will usually be
drivable, however, see an authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engineis running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
and remain on for 15 seconds as a bulb check. If the light
does not come on during starting, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
21. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
210 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
22. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Warning Lamp
The malfunction lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with Brake
Assist System (BAS). The yellow ESP/BAS
warning lamp is in the instrument cluster it
comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, it should go out with the engine running. If the
ESP/BAS warning lamp comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either
the ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on afterseveral ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE:The ESP control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when it is actively operating.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system which monitors
the emissions and engine control system. If the
vehicle is ready for emissions testing, the MIL 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 MIL 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 MIL does not come on during
starting, see an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the MIL comes on and remains on while driving, it
suggests a potential engine control problem and the need
for system service. See an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see an 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 an 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
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
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
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NShallow Standing Water................ 291
mPower Steering........................ 293
NPower Steering Fluid Check............. 294
mMulti-Displacement System (MDS)
Ð 5.7L Engine Only..................... 294
mParking Brake........................ 294
mAnti-Lock Brake System................. 296
mElectronic Brake Control System........... 299
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 299
NTraction Control System (TCS)........... 300
NBrake Assist System (BAS).............. 300
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 302
NElectronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 303NTrailer Sway Control (TSC).............. 306
NESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light...................... 306
mTire Safety Information.................. 307
NTire Markings....................... 307
NTire Identification Number (TIN).......... 311
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 312
mTires Ð General Information.............. 316
NTire Pressure........................ 316
NTire Inflation Pressures................. 317
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation.... 319
NRadial Ply Tires...................... 319
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped........ 319
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

Power Steering 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 dealer.
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 manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from allsurfaces. For correct fluid type, refer to ºPower Steering
Reservoirº under ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section.
MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) Ð 5.7L
ENGINE ONLY
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine's eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
PARKING BRAKE
The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING