2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN check engine

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled/deionized water for
proper corrosion protection of your engine, which
contains aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
brake system warning light is on. If necessary, add fluid
to bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir
of the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of
the master cylinder area before removing the cap. With
disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check system for leaks.For correct fluid type, refer to ºBrake Master Cylinderº
under ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this
section.
WARNING!
²Use of brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specifica-
tions may result in sudden brake failure during
hard prolonged braking. You could have an acci-
dent.
²Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching on fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

CAUTION!
Do not allow a petroleum-base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Seal damage may result.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Level Check
NOTE:If equipped with a dipstick, use the following
procedure. If your vehicle has a capped dipstick, it is
sealed and should not be tampered with. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to ensure that the fluid level
is set properly.
Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal
operating temperature 180ÉF (82ÉC). This occurs after at
least 15 miles (24 km) of driving. At normal operating
temperature the fluid cannot be held comfortably be-
tween the fingertips.To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:
1. Operate the engine at idle speed and normal operating
temperature.
2. The vehicle must be on level ground.
3. Fully apply the parking brake and press the brake
pedal.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until
seated.
6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature. Verify that solid coating of oil is seen on
both sides of the dipstick. If the fluid is low, add as
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
²The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle's
oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
²Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
²Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under ªOIL CHANGE
REQUIRED ± If Equippedº under ªSystem Status (EVICDisplays)º in Section 3, or under ªOdometer/Trip Odom-
eterº under ªInstrument Cluster Descriptionº in Section
4.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 437
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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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
NOTE:** Vehicles built with the 4.7L engine are
equipped with 16 spark plugs; one set is located on the
top of the engine under the coils and the second set is
located on the side of the engine.
The spark plugs located under the coils are a standard
plug and must be changed every 30,000 miles (50 000
km).
The spark plugs located on the side of the engine are a
premium plug and must be changed every 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
438 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............206,296
Adding Fuel........................... 344
Adjustable Pedals....................... 153
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 393
Air Conditioner Maintenance............255,394
Air Conditioning........................ 255
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 267
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone................ 259
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............394,395
Air Conditioning System................255,394
Air Filter........................385,386,393
Air Pressure, Tires....................317,325
Airbag.............................54,215
Airbag Light..........................62,76
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................19,206
Alignment and Balance................... 324
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 248Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............401,431
Disposal............................ 403
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............296,299
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 206
Anti-Theft System.....................19,206
Appearance Care........................ 410
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 19
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Auto Unlock, Doors...................... 170
Automatic Dimming Mirror...............84,87
Automatic Door Locks..................31,170
Automatic Transaxle....................12,278
Automatic Transmission................278,406
Adding Fluid......................... 406
Fluid Level Check...................... 406
Fluid Type........................... 433
Gear Ranges.......................... 279
Special Additives...................... 408
Torque Converter...................... 283
460 INDEX

Axle Fluid............................. 433
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 409
Battery..........................385,386,393
Charging............................ 377
Emergency Starting..................... 377
Gas Caution.......................... 377
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 27
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 145
Belts, Seat.............................. 41
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 396
B-Pillar Location........................ 312
Brake Assist System...................... 300
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 299
Brake Fluid............................ 433
Brake System........................... 405
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................296,299
Fluid Check.......................... 405
Master Cylinder....................... 405Parking............................. 294
Warning Light.....................206,210
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 279
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 74
Bulb Replacement....................... 424
Bulbs, Light............................ 423
Calibration, Compass..................... 174
Camera, Rear........................... 163
Capacities, Fluid........................ 431
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 344
Oil (Engine).......................... 391
Power Steering........................ 294
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 402
Car Washes............................ 410
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............75,340
Cargo Management System................. 193
Cargo Organizer....................... 193
INDEX 461
10

Cargo Organizer........................ 193
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 346
Cellular Phone........................88,254
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
Certification Label....................... 346
Charging.............................. 377
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 309
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . 388
Child Restraint........................65,66
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............68,73
Child Seat.............................. 70
Circuit Breakers......................... 415
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 412
Climate Control......................... 255
Climate Control, Rear Zone..............259,265
Clock........................216,218,221,231
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 253
Compact Spare Tire...................... 319Compass Calibration..................... 174
Compass Variance....................... 174
Connector
UCI ................................ 241
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 241
Console, Floor.......................189,192
Console, Overhead....................165,166
Contract, Service........................ 453
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)....385,386,402
Cooling System......................... 400
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 401
Coolant Capacity...................... 431
Coolant Level......................400,403
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 403
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 400
Inspection........................... 403
Points to Remember.................... 404
Pressure Cap......................... 402
Radiator Cap......................... 402
462 INDEX