2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN automatic transmission fluid

²vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph (48
km/h);
²the TOW/HAUL switch has not been activated;
²transmission has reached normal operating
temperature.
NOTE:If the vehicle is started in extremely cold tem-
peratures, the transmission may not shift into OVER-
DRIVE and will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the transmission fluid temperature has
risen to a suitable level. Refer also to the Note under
torque converter clutch, later in this section.
If the transmission temperature gets extremely hot, the
transmission will automatically select the most desirable
gear for operation at this temperature. If the transmission
temperature becomes hot enough, the ªTransmission
Temperature Indicator Lightº may illuminate and thetransmission may downshift out of OVERDRIVE until
the transmission cools down. After cooldown, the trans-
mission will resume normal operation.
The transmission will downshift from OVERDRIVE to
DRIVE if the accelerator pedal is fully depressed at
vehicle speeds above approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
When To Use TOW/HAUL Mode
When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, etc., and frequent transmission shifting oc-
curs, press the TOW/HAUL button. This will improve
performance and reduce the potential for transmission
overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When
operating in TOW/HAUL mode, 5th gear (if equipped) is
disabled and 2-3 and 3-4 shift patterns are modified.
Shifts into OVERDRIVE (4th gear) are allowed during
steady cruise (for improved fuel economy) and automatic
closed-throttle downshifts to 3rd gear (for improved
braking) will occur during steady braking.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ªTOW/HAUL Indicator Lightº will illuminate in the
instrument cluster to indicate when the switch has been
activated. Pressing the switch a second time restores
normal operation. If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired,
the button must be pressed each time the engine is
started.
Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy is included
in all automatic transmissions. A clutch within the torque
converter engages automatically at a calibrated speed at
light throttle. It engages at higher speeds under heavier
acceleration. This may result in a slightly different feeling
or response during normal operation in high gear. When
the vehicle speed drops below a calibrated speed, or
during acceleration, the clutch automatically and
smoothly disengages. The feature is operational in
OVERDRIVE and in DRIVE.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage
until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1-3 miles [1.6 - 4.8 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Pressing the TOW/HAUL button, when the transmission
TOW/HAUL Button
STARTING AND OPERATING 283
5

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips Ð Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the
TOW/HAUL feature should be selected.
NOTE:Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating
the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. For transmission
fluid change intervals, refer to ªMaintenance Scheduleº
in Section 8.
7-Pin Connector
1 Ð Battery 5 Ð Ground
2 Ð Backup Lamps 6 Ð Left Stop/Turn
3 Ð Right Stop/Turn 7 Ð Running Lamps
4 Ð Electric Brakes 360 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Tow/Haul (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the TOW/HAUL feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to DRIVE position 2
on more severe grades.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
þ
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
þWhen using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can resume cruising speed.
þUse speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
þCity Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.
þHighway Driving
Reduce speed.
þAir Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
þrefer to ªCooling System Operatingº under ªMainte-
nance Proceduresº in Section 7.
STARTING AND OPERATING 361
5

NExhaust System...................... 397
NCooling System...................... 400
NBrake System....................... 405
NAutomatic Transmission................ 406
NTransfer Case....................... 408
NAxles............................. 409
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 410
mFuses.............................. 415
NInterior Fuses....................... 415
NUnderhood Fuses
(Power Distribution Center)............. 417
NUnderhood Fuses
(Integrated Power Module).............. 420mVehicle Storage....................... 423
mReplacement Light Bulbs................. 423
mBulb Replacement..................... 424
NHeadlights/Parking/Turn Signal.......... 424
NTail Lights, Turn Signals And Backup Lights
Ð Replacement...................... 425
NLicense Lights....................... 427
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight.......... 428
NFog Lights......................... 429
mFluids And Capacities................... 431
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts....... 432
NEngine............................ 432
NChassis............................ 433
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT ± 4.7L
1 Ð Battery 7 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 9 Ð Integrated Power Module
4 Ð Engine Oil Fill 10 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
6 Ð Power Distribution Center 12 Ð Air Cleaner FilterMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3857

ENGINE COMPARTMENT ± 5.7L
1 Ð Battery 7 Ð Washer Fluid Reservoir
2 Ð Automatic Transmission Dipstick 8 Ð Engine Coolant Reservoir
3 Ð Engine Oil Fill 9 Ð Integrated Power Module
4 Ð Engine Oil Dipstick 10 Ð Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Ð Brake Fluid Reservoir 11 Ð Coolant Pressure Cap
6 Ð Power Distribution Center 12 Ð Air Cleaner Filter 386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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