2010 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY Owners Manual

When rear controls are locked by the front system, the
LOCK symbol on the temperature knob is illuminated
and any rear overhead adjustments are ignored.
Rear Mode Control
Auto Mode
The rear system automatically maintains the correct
mode and comfort level desired by the rear seat occu-
pants.
Headliner ModeAir comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.
Bi-Level Mode Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets. NOTE:
In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode Air comes from the floor outlets.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
320 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Winter Operation
To ensure the best possible heater and defroster perfor-
mance, make sure the engine cooling system is function-
ing properly and the proper amount, type, and concen-
tration of coolant is used. Refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for proper
coolant selection. Use of the air RECIRCULATION mode
during Winter months is not recommended, because it
may cause window fogging.
Vacation/Storage
Before you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes, in
fresh air with the blower setting on high. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild, rainy
and/or humid weather. To clear the windows, select
DEFROST or MIX mode and increase the front blower
speed. Do not use the RECIRCULATION mode without
A/C for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush and snow.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 321

Operating TipsA/C Air Filter— If Equipped
On vehicles equipped with Automatic Temperature Con-
trol (ATC), the climate control system filters out dust and
pollen from the air. Refer to “Air Conditioning” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement
instructions.
322 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 327
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 327
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 327
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F Or –29°C) ............... 328
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ............. 328
▫ After Starting ....................... 329
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 329
Automatic Transmission ................. 330
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 330
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 331
▫ Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission ....................... 331
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 332
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 338
▫ Acceleration ........................ 338
▫ Traction ........................... 338
5

Driving Through Water ................. 339
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 339
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 339
 Power Steering ....................... 341
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 342
 Parking Brake ........................ 343
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 345
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .......... 347
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 347
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 347
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 349
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 350
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light ............... 351 
Tire Safety Information ................. 352
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 352
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 355
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 356
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 357
 Tires — General Information ............. 361
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 361
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 362
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 363
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 364
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 364
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 365
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 366
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Life Of Tire ........................ 367
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 367
 Snow Tires .......................... 368
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 369
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 370
▫ Base System ........................ 372
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 374
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 378
▫ 3.3L And 3.8L Engine ................. 378
▫ 4.0L Engine ........................ 379
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 379
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 380
▫ E85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 380▫
MMT In Gasoline .................... 381
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 381
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 382
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 383
 Flexible Fuel (3.3L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 383
▫ E85 General Information ............... 383
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E85) ................... 385
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 385
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles E85 And Gasoline Vehicles ....... 386
▫ Starting ........................... 386
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 386
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 387
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STARTING AND OPERATING 325

▫Maintenance ........................ 387
 Adding Fuel ......................... 387
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 387
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 389
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 389
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 389
Trailer Towing ........................ 394
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 394
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 407
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 409
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
Never leave unattended children alone in a vehicle.
Leaving children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition switch. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
1. Do not press the accelerator.
2. Use the Fob with Integrated Key to briefly turn the
ignition switch to the START position and release it as
soon as the starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running.
3. If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure (Steps 1–3
above).
NOTE: This vehicle is equipped with a transmission
shift interlocking system. The brake pedal must be
pressed to shift out of PARK.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 327