2012 CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE service indicator

Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during ac-
celeration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop
when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan-
dards Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 351

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “GASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
“Reset” button to turn off the message. If the problem
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” Resolv-
ing the problem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
420 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

VEHICLE STORAGE
If you will not be using your vehicle for more than
21 days, you may want to take steps to preserve your
battery.
•Disengage the mini-fuse in the Power Distribution
Center labeled IOD (Ignition Off-Draw).
•Or disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
•Anytime 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 the fresh air and high blower setting. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to minimize the
possibility of compressor damage when the system is
started again.
REPLACEMENT BULBS
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.
LIGHT BULBS – Interior Bulb No.
Front Courtesy/Reading Lamp..........578/W5W
Center Courtesy/Reading Lamp ..........578/W5W
Visor Vanity Lamp ...................... A6220
Glove Box Lamp ....................... A6220
Shift Indicator Lamp ................. IKLE14140
Rear Compartment (Trunk) Lamp ............. 579
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 459

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving. Inspection and service should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S470 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 372
Oil (Engine) ..................... 417,425
Power Steering ...................... 323
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 438
Car Washes ............................ 446
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,368
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 375
Cellular Phone ....................... 1 14,285
Certification Label ....................... 375
Chains, Tire ............................ 354
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 394
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 336
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 420
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 81
Checks, Safety ........................... 81
Child Restraint .................. 69,70,71,75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,75Cigar Lighter
........................... 188
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 364
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 447
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 432
Climate Control ......................... 285
Clock ........................ 230,233,252,261
Coin Holder ........................... 190
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 284
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 348
Compass ........................... 216,223
Compass Calibration ..................... 223
Compass Variance ....................... 224
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 222
Connector UCI .............................. 276
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 276
Console, Floor .......................... 190
Contract, Service ........................ 487
496 INDEX

Lights On Reminder.................. 162
Low Fuel .......................... 203
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 214
Map Reading ....................... 167
Oil Pressure ........................ 204
Park ........................... 161,162
Passing ............................ 166
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 203
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............. 19
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 211
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......212,355
Traction Control ..................... 333
Turn Signal ............ 85,161,166,210,462,463
Voltage ............................ 203
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 202
Loading Vehicle ...................... 375,376
Capacities .......................... 376
Tires .............................. 340
Locks ................................. 30 Auto Unlock
......................... 32
Automatic Door ...................... 32
Door .............................. 30
Power Door ......................... 32
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 355
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 73,75
Lubrication, Body ....................... 431
Lumbar Support ........................ 154
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 427
Maintenance Procedures ................... 422
Maintenance Schedule .................... 470
Maintenance, General ..................... 422
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 214,420
Manual, Service ......................... 489
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 167
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 441
Memory Feature (Memory Seat) ............. 155
504 INDEX