2009 CHRYSLER ASPEN oil temperature

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
4

Vehicle Warning Messages
For non-Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, when the appropriate conditions ex-
ist, messages such as ªdoor ajarº (indicates that a door(s)
may be ajar), ªgASCAPº (which indicates that your gas
cap is possibly loose or damaged),9CHANgE OILº
(indicates that the engine oil should be changed), ªLo-
WASHº (low washer fluid), and ªnoFUSEº (indicates
that the IOD fuse is removed from the Integrated Power
Module), will display in the odometer.
NOTE:If the vehicle is equipped with an EVIC, most
warnings will display in the EVIC. For additional infor-
mation, refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) Ð If Equippedº in Section 3.
The outside temperature will display in the odometer for
non-EVIC equipped vehicles. Pressing the trip odometer
RESET button toggles the feature back to the odometer.Change Oil Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The ªChange Oilº message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and
release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument
cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position(Do not
start the engine).
208 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPARtengine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
Chrysler LLC engines. Use MOPARtor an equivalent oil
meeting the specification MS-6395.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0ÉF (-18ÉC). In the
range of 0ÉF (-18ÉC) to 32ÉF (0ÉC), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/Liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol, com-
patible parts.
STARTING AND OPERATING 343
5

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Always
maintain the oil level within the SAFE zone on the
dipstick. Adding 1 quart/liter of oil when the reading is
at the bottom of the SAFE zone will result in a reading at
the top of the SAFE zone on these engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for
recommended engine oil change intervals.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer onlyrecommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.
American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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

required into the dipstick tube.Do not overfill.After
adding any quantity of oil through the oil fill tube, wait
a minimum of two minutes for the oil to fully drain into
the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmissionbelow
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be
between the two ªCOLDº (lower) holes on the dipstick
with the fluid at approximately 70ÉF (21ÉC) (room tem-
perature). If the fluid level is correctly established at
room temperature, it should be between the ªHOTº
(upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches
180ÉF ( 82ÉC). Remember it is best to check the level at the
normal operating temperature.CAUTION!
Be aware that if the fluid temperature is below 50ÉF
(10ÉC) it may not register on the dipstick. Do not add
fluid until the temperature is elevated enough to
produce an accurate reading.
7. Check for leaks. Release parking brake.
To prevent dirt and water from entering the transmission
after checking or replenishing fluid, make certain that the
dipstick cap is properly reseated. It is normal for the
dipstick cap to spring back slightly from its fully seated
position, as long as its seal remains engaged in the
dipstick tube.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......401,431,432
Temperature Gauge..................... 204
Cruise Control (Speed Control).............. 155
Cup Holder............................ 190
Customer Assistance..................... 451
Data Recorder, Event...................... 63
Daytime Running Lights................... 146
Dealer Service.......................... 390
Defroster, Rear Window................... 196
Defroster, Windshield................76,257,263
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 150
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 387
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 205
Dipsticks
Automatic Transmission................. 406
Oil (Engine).......................... 390
Power Steering........................ 294
Disarming, Theft System................... 19Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 403
Door Locks............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 170
Door Opener, Garage..................... 176
Drive Shaft Universal Joints................ 395
Driving
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water......................... 290
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)...... 252
E-85 Fuel............................. 340
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 85
Electrical Power Outlets................... 185
Electronic Brake Control System............. 299
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 299
Brake Assist System.................... 300
Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 302
Electronic Stability Program............... 303
INDEX 463
10

Traction Control System................. 300
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)............. 302
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 155
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........212,303
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC).............................163,167
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 379
Jacking............................. 371
Tow Hooks.......................... 380
Towing............................. 381
Emission Control System Maintenance......388,436
Engine
Air Cleaner.......................... 393
Block Heater......................... 278
Break-In Recommendations................ 74
Compartment......................385,386
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 432
Exhaust Gas Caution................40,75,340Fails to Start.......................... 276
Flooded, Starting...................... 276
Fuel Requirements..................... 431
Jump Starting......................... 377
Multi-Displacement..................... 294
Oil ...........................390,431,432
Oil Filler Cap...................385,386,391
Oil Selection.......................391,431
Oil Synthetic......................... 392
Starting............................. 275
Temperature Gauge..................... 204
Entry System, Illuminated.................. 20
Event Data Recorder...................... 63
Exhaust Gas Caution..............40,75,340,398
Exhaust System.......................75,397
Extender, Seat Belt........................ 53
Fabric Care............................ 412
464 INDEX