2011 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY Owners Manual

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.
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, infresh 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.
350 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 351

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 357
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 357
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go – If Equipped ........ 358
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 359
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 360
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 361
▫ After Starting ....................... 362
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 362
Automatic Transmission ................. 363
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 363
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 364
▫ Fuel Economy (Econ) Mode ............. 364
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission ........ 365
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 366
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 371
▫ Acceleration ........................ 371
▫ Traction ........................... 371
5

Driving Through Water ................. 372
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 372
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 372
 Power Steering ....................... 374
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 375
 Parking Brake ........................ 375
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 377
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light .......... 379
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 380
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 380
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 381
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 382
Tire Safety Information ................. 385
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 385
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 389
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 390
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 391
 Tires — General Information ............. 395
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 395
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 396
▫ Tire Pressures For High-Speed Operation . . . 397
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 398
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 398
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 399
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 400
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 400
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 401
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 402
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 402
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 403
 Tire Chains .......................... 404
 Snow Tires .......................... 406
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 406
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 407
▫ Base System ........................ 410
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 412
Fuel Requirements ..................... 417
▫ 3.6L Engine ........................ 417
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 417
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 418
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 418
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 419
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 419
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 420
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 421
 Flexible Fuel — If Equipped .............. 421
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 421
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 423
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 423
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 355

▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 424
▫ Starting ........................... 424
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 424
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 425
▫ Maintenance ........................ 425
 Adding Fuel ......................... 425
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 425 ▫
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 427
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 427
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 427
 Trailer Towing ........................ 430
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 430
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 442
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 443
356 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 children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended 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. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Using Fob With Integrated Key (Tip Start)
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 357