2011 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY engine overheat

into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO, refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in “Things
To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further
information.
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
•The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions con-
trol device and may seriously reduce engine per-
formance and cause serious damage to the engine.
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately. To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission 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
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Maintenance-Free Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery.
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 485

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine cold, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in
the coolant recovery bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing the
engine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service atten-
dant of this. As long as the engine operating temperature
is satisfactory, the coolant bottle only needs to be checked
once a month.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 495

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 36
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 202
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 371
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water ............................. 372
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 280
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 324
E-85 Fuel ............................. 421
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 364
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 119
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 212
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 380
Brake Assist System ................... 381
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 183
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 382
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 195,271Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 446
Jacking ......................... 447,455
Jump Starting ....................... 463
Overheating ........................ 446
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 477
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 483
Block Heater ........................ 362
Break-In Recommendations ............. 104
Checking Oil Level ................... 480
Compartment ....................... 475
Compartment Identification ............. 475
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 520
Cooling ........................... 491
Exhaust Gas Caution .............57,106,421
Fails to Start ........................ 361
Flooded, Starting ..................... 361
Fuel Requirements ................. 417,519
554 INDEX

Oil .........................480,519,520
Oil Change Interval ................... 481
Oil Disposal ........................ 482
Oil Filler Cap ....................... 481
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 482
Oil Selection ..................... 481,519
Oil Synthetic ........................ 482
Overheating ........................ 446
Starting ........................... 357
Temperature Gauge ................... 264
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 86
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 19
Ethanol ............................... 418
Event Data Recorder ...................... 89
Exhaust Gas Caution ................57,106,421
Exhaust System ...................... 106,483
Express Down Windows ................... 22
Extender, Seat Belt ........................ 76
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 119 Exterior Lights
.......................... 109
Fabric Care ............................ 504
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 261
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 483
Air Conditioning .................. 351,488
Engine Oil ....................... 482,520
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 482
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 174
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 446
Turn Signal ...................... 109,254
Flat Tire Stowage ........................ 460
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 424
Engine Oil ......................... 424
Fuel Requirements ................. 421,423
Maintenance ........................ 425
10
INDEX 555

Onboard Diagnostic System..............476,477
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 202
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors ............... 117,118
Overhead Console ....................... 198
Overhead Travel Information Center .......... 198
Overheating, Engine ................... 265,446
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,545
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 186
Parking Brake .......................... 375
Pedals, Adjustable ....................... 182
Personal Settings ........................ 285
Pets, Transporting ....................... 101
Phone, Cellular ......................... 130
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 130
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 391Power
Door Locks ......................... 34
Lift Gate ........................... 54
Mirrors ............................ 119
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) ........ 212
Seats ............................. 132
Sliding Door ......................... 47
Steering ........................ 374,375
Sunroof ........................... 209
Windows ........................... 42
Windows, Express Down ................ 22
Power Steering Fluid ..................... 521
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 75
Preparation for Jacking .................... 455
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 69
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 285
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 398
562 INDEX