2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY airbag

•Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and convertible child seats. Both types of child
restraints are held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder
belt or the LATCH child restraint anchorage system.
Refer to “Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)” later in this section.
•The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). Convertible child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old.
WARNING!
Rearward-facing child seats must NEVER be used in
the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger
airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe
injury or death to infants in this position.
•Rearward-facing child seats and infant carriers must
NEVERbe used while the second row Swivel ’n Go
seats are in the rearward-facing position.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
•If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. If this doesn’t
help, move the child to the center rear seating position
and use the lap belt. Never allow a child to put the
shoulder belt under an arm or behind their back.
NOTE: For additional information, refer to
www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana-
dian residents, should refer to Transport Canada’s web-
site for additional information. http://www.tc.gc.ca/
roadsafety/childsafety/menu.htm
WARNING!
•Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
•A rearward-facing child restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward-facing child re-
straint in the front seat may be struck by a deploy-
ing passenger airbag which may cause severe or
fatal injury to the infant.
•Occupants riding in Swivel ’n Go seating must be
wearing their seat belt and the seat must be locked
in either the forward or rearward position. Failure
to do so could result in serious injury or even
death.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints and some
rearward-facing infant restraints will also be equipped
with a tether strap, a hook and means for adjusting the
tension in the strap.
In general, you will first loosen the adjusters on the lower
straps and tether straps so that you can more easily attach
the hook or connector to the lower anchorages and tether
anchorages. Then tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat.
Not all child restraint systems will be installed as we
have described here. Again, carefully follow the instruc-
tions that come with the child restraint system.WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet could be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 89

REAR SEAT DELETE FEATURE (COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES ONLY) — IF EQUIPPED
Commercial cargo vehicles are not designed for use as a
family vehicle and are not intended for carrying children
in the front passenger seat. However, if you must carry a
child in a vehicle without a rear seat, the passenger seat
should be moved to the full rearward position and the
child must be in a proper restraint system based on its
age, size and weight.
WARNING!
NEVER carry a child in a rear facing infant carrier in
a vehicle without rear seats. In an accident, serious
injury or death may occur from the deploying pas-
senger airbag.This vehicle is equipped with a child restraint tether
anchor located on the lower rear of the front passenger
seat.
Use this tether anchor to secure only forward-
facing child restraints equipped with an upper tether
strap.Commercial Child Restraint Tether Anchor
90 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Rearward-facing infant restraints must never be se-
cured in the passenger seat of a vehicle with a
passenger airbag. In an accident, a passenger airbag
may deploy causing severe injury or death to infants
riding in rearward-facing infant restraints.
Restraining Infants and Small Children with Seat
Delete Feature (Commercial Vehicles Only)
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Use the restraint that is
correct for your child:
•The rearward-facing infant carrier is for babies weigh-
ing up to about 20 lbs (9 kg), and less than one year
old. THIS TYPE OF SEAT CANNOT BE USED IN A
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DE-
LETE FEATURE (Commercial Vehicles Only).
•The forward-facing child seat is for children from
about 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg), and more than one year
old.
•A convertible child seat, one that is designed to be
used for children who are too heavy for a rearward-
facing infant seat, may be used IN THE FORWARD
FACING POSITION ONLY, IT MUST NEVER BE
INSTALLED FACING TO THE REAR IN A VEHICLE
EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR SEAT DELETE FEA-
TURE (Commercial Vehicles Only). When a convert-
ible seat is properly installed facing forward, the
vehicle seat should be adjusted to therear most
position.
•Children more than 40 lbs (18 kg) should be secured in
the passenger seat in a child restraint or belt-
positioning booster seat with the seat adjusted to the
rear most position. Older children who do not use
child restraints or belt-positioning booster seats
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 91

If you are required to drive with the liftgate open, make
sure that all windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT use the
recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 95

20. Airbag Warning LightThis 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 tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating 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.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 253

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 459
Adding Fuel ........................... 393
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 456
Additives, Fuel ......................... 387
Adjustable Pedals ....................... 192
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 448
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 452
Air Conditioning ........................ 311
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 311
Air Conditioning Filter .................330,453
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 329
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .............317,325
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ............... 452
Air Conditioning System ............. 311,319,452
Air Conditioning System, Zone Control ........ 315
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 367
Airbag .............................. 64,70
Airbag Deployment ....................... 71
Airbag Light ................... 65,69,73,95,253Airbag Maintenance
....................... 72
Airbag, Side .......................... 69,70
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........66,69,70
Alarm Light ........................... 251
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 303
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........458,459,488
Disposal ............................ 460
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 251
Anti-Theft System ........................ 17
Appearance Care ........................ 468
Ashtray ............................... 222
Assistance Towing ....................... 130
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 39
Auto Up Power Windows ................39,216
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................ 102
Automatic Door Locks ................... 33,34
Automatic Headlights .................... 181
520 INDEX