2012 CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE User Guide

POWER OUTLETS
• There are two 12 Volt electrical outlets onthis vehicle.
• The instrument panel power outlet, located below the climate control knobs,
has power available only when the ignition
is ON. This power outlet will also operate
a conventional cigar lighter unit.
• There is also a power outlet located on the inside of the center console. This power
outlet is powered directly from the battery
(power available at all times). Items
plugged into this power outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
NOTE:
• Do not exceed the maximum power of 160 Watts (13 Amps) at 12 Volts. If the 160 Watt(13 Amp) power rating is exceeded, the fuse protecting the system will need to be replaced.
• Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert any other object in the power outlet as this will damage the outlet and blow the fuse. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
ELECTRONICS
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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings
Engine/Transmission Max. Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer Tongue Wt.
1
2.4L/Auto 11 sq ft (1.0 sq.m) (See Note
2) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.6L/Auto 22 sq.ft. (2.0 sq.m)1,000 lbs (450 kg)100 lbs (45 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
1The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and it should never exceed the weight referenced on
the Tire and Loading Information placard.2Enclosed trailers or open utility trailers with front shields/guards are not recommended for use with four-cylinder engines with an automatic transmission.
Please see your authorized dealer for additional information.
CAUTION!
Towing a trailer with a larger than recommended frontal area could cause the engine to overheat or cause severe engine damage under extreme
conditions.
UTILITY
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground All Models
Flat Tow NONE NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK
Rear NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALL OK
Recreational Towing – All Models
• Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels are OFF the ground. This may
be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this
procedure:
• Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
• Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
• Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
• Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe transmissiondamage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If youfeel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we will contact
local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains
on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers)
at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not operate the vehicle.
Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during
acceleration, 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. The light also flashes
when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand
or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode by
momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold andinflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
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•IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION,
THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash
for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence
will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
NOTE:Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially
in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is
32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which
equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL
and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine
off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized service center for service if your
vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or theparking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates
a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake
System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on
through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally
and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend you do
not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system lightremains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop thevehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four minutes
when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommendyou drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle theignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing when the
engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might occurwith severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light
turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicleserviced by an authorized service center immediately.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a “clicking”sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single chime sounds,it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by takingthe appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the
radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Gas
• On hot days the engine oil temperature may become too hot during sustainedhigh-speed driving or if towing a trailer up long grades. If this happens, a HOTOIL
message will flash in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be reduced to 48 mph
(77 km/h) maximum until the engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:Although the maximum vehicle speed is reduced to 48 mph (77 km/h), you may
reduce vehicle speed further as needed. Once the engine oil temperature is reduced, you may
continue to drive normally.
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