2011 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY check transmission fluid

15. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
16. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE:
•You must apply the brakes before shifting from PARK.
•The highest available transmission gear is displayed in
the lower right corner of the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC) whenever the Electronic Range
Select (ERS) feature is active. Use the +/- selector on
the shift lever to activate ERS. Refer to “Automatic
Transmission” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
17. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
18. Brake Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
262 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE gear can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, move the shift
lever into fifth gear.
NOTE:Moving the shift lever into fifth gear while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions
will improve performance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This
action will also provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals. NOTE:
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level before
towing.
•The transmission is sealed and requires an authorized
dealer to check the transmission fluid.
Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
442 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut OFF or before starting the
engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
The six–speed transmission is equipped with a capped
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended trans-
mission fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 499

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The six-speed automatic transmission is a sealed unit and
has no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the
transmission fluid checked or serviced.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the
fluid and filter should be changed.
500 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, the
brake master cylinder, the power steering and the
transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Open the left and right door (slowly) and inspect for
excessive dirt. If noise exist wipe clean and apply
krytox lube to the door rollers.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.8
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S526 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transaxle...................... 363
Selection Of Lubricant ................. 521
Shifting ........................... 366
Automatic Transmission ................... 499
Adding Fluid ....................... 500
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 500
Fluid Change ....................... 500
Fluid Level Check .................... 500
Fluid Type ...................... 499,521
Special Additives ..................... 500
B-Pillar Location ........................ 391
Battery ............................... 485
Jump Starting ....................... 463
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 26
Saving Feature (Protection) .............. 173
Belts, Seat ............................. 107
Blind Spot Monitoring .................... 122
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 489Brake Assist System
...................... 381
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 380
Brake Fluid ............................ 521
Brake System ........................... 497
Fluid Check ........................ 497
Parking ........................... 375
Warning Light ....................... 262
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 364
Brakes ............................... 497
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ....... 104
Bulb Replacement ....................... 515
Bulbs, Light ......................... 109,514
Calibration, Compass .................. 270,283
Camera, Rear ........................... 195
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 519
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 425
Oil (Engine) ........................ 481
10
INDEX 551

Replacement Parts.................... 425
Starting ........................... 424
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 361
Floor Console .......................... 228
Fluid Capacities ......................... 519
Fluid Leaks ............................ 109
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 500
Brake ............................. 497
Power Steering ...................... 375
Fluids ................................ 520
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 520
Fog Light Service ........................ 517
Fog Lights ....................... 173,254,517
Fold in Floor (Stow \bn Go) Seating........... 143
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 467
Fuel ................................. 417
Adding ........................... 425
Additives .......................... 419 Clean Air
.......................... 417
Conserving ......................... 280
Economy Mode ...................... 364
Ethanol ........................... 418
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............261,425
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 261
Gasoline ........................... 417
Gauge ............................ 261
Light .......................... 265,276
Materials Added ..................... 419
Methanol .......................... 418
Octane Rating ....................... 520
Requirements .................... 417,519
Saver Mode ........................ 280
Tank Capacity ....................... 519
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 280
Fuel Saver ............................. 280
Fuel, Flexible ........................... 421
Fueling ............................... 425
556 INDEX