2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY checking oil

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

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time tocheck the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration, or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever 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 dealer, the message can be reset by referring to
the steps described under “Oil Change Required” in “Use
Factory Settings” of the EVIC section in this manual or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “Instrument
Cluster Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check 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, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
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M A I
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N A
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S
C
H E
D
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E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 493

Camera, Rear........................... 201
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 488
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 393
Oil (Engine) .......................... 447
Power Steering ........................ 348
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 460
Car Washes ............................ 468
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............94,388
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ....................... 235
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 227
Caution, Exhaust Gas ................... 51,388
Cellular Phone ....................... 1 15,311
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 487
Chains, Tire ............................ 373
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 418
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 359 Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)
............................. 252,442
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 94
Checks, Safety ........................... 94
Child Restraint ........................ 79,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 84
Child Safety Locks ........................ 46
Child Seat .............................. 88
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 385
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 470
Climate Control ......................... 311
Clock ........................... 273,277,286
Coat Hook ............................ 227
Coin Holder ........................... 228
Cold Weather Operation ................... 335
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 310
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 369
Compass ........................ 258,260,266
522 INDEX

Power Steering........................ 348
Disabled Vehicle Towing ................... 433
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 460
Engine Oil ........................... 448
Domelight ............................. 180
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 33
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 207
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 344
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water .............................. 345
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 307
E-85 Fuel ............................. 389
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 104
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 216
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 353Brake Assist System
.................... 354
Electronic Stability Program ............... 355
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 193
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 355
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 201,261
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 416
Jacking ........................... 418,420
Jump Starting ......................... 430
Overheating .......................... 416
Emission Control System Maintenance ......442,492
Engine ............................ 439,440
Air Cleaner .......................... 448
Block Heater ......................... 336
Break-In Recommendations ................ 93
Checking Oil Level ..................... 445
Compartment ...................... 439,440
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 489
524 INDEX

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 376
Mopar Parts ......................... 443,514
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 184
Navigation System (uconnect gps)........... 201
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 93
Occupant Restraints ................... 53,69,71
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .............66,69,70
Odometer ............................. 256
Oil Change Indicator ................ 256,257,264
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ...........256,257,264
Oil, Engine ......................... 445,489
Capacity ............................ 488
Change Interval ....................... 446
Checking ............................ 445
Disposal ............................ 448
Filter ............................ 448,489Filter Disposal
........................ 448
Identification Logo ..................... 446
Materials Added to ..................... 447
Recommendation ................... 446,488
Synthetic ............................ 447
Viscosity ......................... 447,488
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............441,442
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 207
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ...............102,103
Overhead Console ....................... 204
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 204
Overheating, Engine ................... 253,416
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,515
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 196
Parking Brake .......................... 349
Parking On Hill ......................... 349
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INDEX 531