2009 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY trailer

When the vehicle is started, the BSM warning light will
be momentarily illuminated in both outside rear view
mirrors to let the driver know that the system is opera-
tional. The BSM system sensors operate when the vehicle
is in any forward gear or REVERSE and enters stand by
mode when the vehicle is in PARK.
The BSM detection zone covers approximately one lane
on both sides of the vehicle (11 ft or 3.35 m). The zone
starts at the outside rear view mirror and extends ap-
proximately 20 ft (6 m) to the rear of the vehicle. The BSM
system monitors the detection zones on both sides of the
vehicle when the vehicle speed has reached approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher and will alert the
driver of vehicles in these areas.NOTE:
•The BSM system does NOT alert the driver about
rapidly approaching vehicles that are outside the
detection zones.
•The BSM system detection zone DOES NOT change if
your vehicle is towing a trailer. Therefore, visually
verify the adjacent lane is clear for both your vehicle
and trailer before making a lane change. If the trailer
or other object (i.e., bicycle, sports equipment) extends
beyond the side of your vehicle, this may result in the
BSM warning light remaining illuminated the entire
time the vehicle is in a forward gear.3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107

CAUTION!
•To avoid vehicle damage, the Rear Park Assist
should only be used as a parking aid and is unable
to recognize every obstacle, including small ob-
jects. Parking curbs might be temporarily detected
or not detected at all. Obstacles located above or
below the sensors will not be detected when they
are in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle.
•To avoid vehicle damage, the vehicle must be
driven slowly when using the Rear Park Assist, to
be able to stop in time when an obstacle is
detected. It is recommended that you look over
your shoulder when using the Rear Park Assist.
NOTE:
•Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
•Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
Enabling and Disabling The Rear Park Assist
There are times when you may want to disable the Rear
Park Assist, such as when towing a trailer.
Vehicles Equipped With the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)
You can turn the Rear Park Assist ON or OFF through the
EVIC. For details, refer to “Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” under “Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
Vehicles Equipped With the Compass Mini-Trip
Computer (CMTC)
You can turn the Rear Park Assist ON or OFF through the
CMTC by pressing the left reset button in the instrument
cluster. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, then
press and hold the RESET button for approximately two
seconds.
200 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

▫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

NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE — Six-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the Electronic
Range Select (ERS) mode by moving the lever—/+and
select the “5” range when frequent transaxle shiftingoccurs while using the DRIVE range, such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions,
(i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or
while towing heavy trailers). Under these conditions,
using the “5” range will improve performance and
extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting and
heat buildup.
DRIVE — Four-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the “3” range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers).
Under these conditions, using the “3” range will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 341

NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg”
on your vehicle’s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs
[295 kg]).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 363

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:
•The following table shows examples on how to calcu-
late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

LOADING TABLE — EXAMPLE ONLYFront Axle Rear Axle
TOTAL 2,500 lbs
(1 134 kg) 2,450 lbs
(1 111 kg)
GAWR 2,544 lbs
(1 154 kg) 2,544 lbs
(1 154 kg)
A loaded vehicle is shown in the above table. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
NOTE: Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” at-
tached to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR’s. This table is only an example.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing-related definitions will as-
sist you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight. The total load must be limited so
that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in its
loaded and
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STARTING AND OPERATING 399