2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY fuel cap

16. High Beam IndicatorThis indicator shows that the high beam head-
lights are on. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
17. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for five to eight seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver’s seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will illuminate
and the chime will sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in Section 2 for more information. 19. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position, before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious
conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
252 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

24. Message Display Area
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
CHAngE OIL............... Oil Change Required
HOTOIL ............... Tr ansaxle Oil Temperature
Exceeds Safe Threshold
door ............................. Door Ajar
gATE ........................... Liftgate Ajar
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
hood ............................ Hood Ajar
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
LoCOOL ........................ Low Coolant
LoWASH .................... LowW asher Fluid
LoW tirE ..................... LowTirePr essure
NOTE: Some of the above warnings will be displayed in
the Compass Mini-Trip Computer / Electronic Vehicle
Information Center Display Area located in the instru-
ment cluster. Refer to ”Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC)
Display— If Equipped” / ”Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) Display — If Equipped” later in this
section, for more information.
LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three
cycles.
HOTOIL
When this message is displayed there is a transaxle
over-temperature condition. When this condition occurs,
the “HOTOIL” message will be displayed in the odom-
eter along with a chime.
If this message appears, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle or faster, with the transmission in NEU-
TRAL, until the light goes off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 255

▫Reformulated Gasoline ............... 385
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ........... 386
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ..... 386
▫ MMT In Gasoline ................... 387
▫ Materials Added To Fuel .............. 387
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................ 387
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ........... 388
 Flexible Fuel (3.3L Engines Only) — If
Equipped ............................ 389
▫ E-85 General Information ............. 389
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) .................. 390
▫ Fuel Requirements .................. 390
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles E-85 And Gasoline Vehicles ....... 391▫
Starting .......................... 392
▫ Cruising Range .................... 392
▫ Replacement Parts .................. 392
▫ Maintenance ...................... 392
 Adding Fuel ........................ 393
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ............. 393
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .......... 394
 Vehicle Loading ..................... 395
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ............. 395
 Trailer Towing ....................... 399
▫ Common Towing Definitions ........... 399
▫ Towing Tips ....................... 411
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) 413
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 333

WARNING! (Continued)
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-
hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to
the right or left.
•Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation, also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel
consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side “B” Pillar.
The tire pressure should be checked and adjusted, and
the tires inspected for signs of wear or visible damage, at
least once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge
to check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated, even when they are under-inflated.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 367

CAUTION! (Continued)
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the TPMS sensor.
NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, using an accurate tire pressure
gage, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the “TPMS Warning Lamp.”
•Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
Base System
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure lev-
els. Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the valve
stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the Receiver
Module.
NOTE: It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.3L ENGINES ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel Ve-
hicles (FFV) only. These vehicles can be identified by the
unique fuel filler door label that statesEthanol (E-85) or
Unleaded Gasoline Only. This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline only powered vehicles.E-85 Fuel Cap
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 389

CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E-85.
ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.
E-85 Badge
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
As a reminder, a fuel icon with an arrow
indicating which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located on, is located in the
instrument cluster, just below the fuel gauge.
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
NOTE: The driver’s side sliding door cannot be opened
while the fuel door is open. This feature operates only
when the sliding door is fully closed prior to opening the
fuel door.
CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emissions control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system and may
cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to
turn on, due to fuel vapors escaping from the
system.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE: When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 393