2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY towing

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 416
 If Your Engine Overheats ............... 416
 Jacking And Tire Changing .............. 418
▫ Jack Location ...................... 418 
Jump-Starting Procedure ............... 430
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................ 432
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle .............. 433
▫ Towing With The Ignition Key .......... 433
6

NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to “Partial
Off” mode. For further information on ESC refer to
“Electronic Brake Control System” in Section 5.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster than
35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
CAUTION!
Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Towing With The Ignition Key
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions:
•The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL.
•The distance to be traveled must not exceed 100 miles
(160 km).
•The towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h).
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 433

CAUTION!
Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transmis-
sion gear failure.
If the transmission is inoperative, or if the vehicle is to be
towed more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be
towed with the front wheels off the ground.
CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method of
towing is with a flatbed truck. (Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal, liftgate and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC positions.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
434 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Towing Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the OFF position. The only approved
method of towing without the ignition key is with a
flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Flat towing of vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission, is only permitted within the limitations
described in this section.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
The manufacturerdoes not recommend that you tow a
front wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage
may occur.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 435

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message — gASCAP
Should the “Loose Fuel Filler Cap” or “gASCAP” mes-
sage appear, there may be a problem in the evaporative
system. Before taking the vehicle into an authorized
dealer, check first to see if the fuel filler cap is possibly
loose, improperly installed, or damaged. A loose fuel
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441

To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut OFF the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
WARNING!
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can
burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid
to contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Do not lean
over a battery when attaching clamps. If acid
splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the area imme-
diately with large amounts of water.
•Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep
flame or sparks away from the battery. Do not use
a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output greater than 12 volts. Do not allow cable
clamps to touch each other.
•Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏ Rotate tires.
❏ Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏ Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏ Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary.
❏ Change the automatic transaxle fluid & filter if using your vehicle for any of the following:
police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.
❏ Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
❏ Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for
damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order #Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 499

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