2012 CHRYSLER 200 checking oil

inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see yourauthorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87

CAUTION! (Continued)
•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 afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one
quart of oil when the reading is at the low end of the
range marking will raise the oil level to the high end of
the range marking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 461

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 368
Oil (Engine) ..................... 409,417
Power Steering ...................... 321
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 430
Car Washes ............................ 439
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............86,364
Cellular Phone ....................... 100,274
Chains, Tire ............................ 350
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 388
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 333
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 412
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint .................... 72,74,79,82
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............77,79
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Cigar Lighter ........................... 180 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 361
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 441
Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 424
Climate Control ......................... 274
Clock ........................ 221,224,242,251
Coin Holder ........................... 182
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 345
Compass ........................... 207,214
Compass Calibration ..................... 215
Compass Variance ....................... 215
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,213
Connector UCI .............................. 265
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 265
Console .............................. 147
Console, Floor ....................... 147,182
Contract, Service ........................ 479
488 INDEX

DrivingOn Slippery Surfaces .................. 316
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 317
E-85 Fuel ............................. 365
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 186
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 98
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 176
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 161
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 328
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 209
Emergency Trunk Release .................39,40
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 388
Jump Starting ....................... 398
Towing ............................ 404
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 412Engine
............................... 409
Air Cleaner ......................... 419
Block Heater ........................ 297
Break-In Recommendations .............. 84
Checking Oil Level ................... 415
Compartment ....................... 410
Compartment Identification ............. 410
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 428,456
Cooling ........................... 428
Exhaust Gas Caution ................86,364
Fails to Start ........................ 295
Flooded, Starting ..................... 295
Fuel Requirements ................. 360,455
Jump Starting ....................... 398
Oil ......................... 415,455,456
Oil Change Interval .............200,212,416
Oil Filler Cap .................... 409,417
Oil Filter ........................... 418
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 418
490 INDEX

Occupant Restraints..................... 64,68
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) .........40,61,62,64,67
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 360
Odometer ............................. 198
Trip ........................... 198,201
Oil Change Indicator .................. 200,212
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............200,212
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 418
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 418
Oil Pressure Light ....................... 196
Oil, Engine ......................... 415,456
Capacity ........................... 455
Change Interval ................ 200,212,416
Checking .......................... 415
Dipstick ........................... 415
Disposal ........................... 418
Filter .......................... 418,456
Filter Disposal ....................... 418
Identification Logo ................... 416 Materials Added to
................... 418
Recommendation .................. 416,455
Synthetic .......................... 418
Viscosity ........................ 417,455
Onboard Diagnostic System .............. 411,412
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 164
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Overheating, Engine ...................... 386
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,481
Paint Care ............................. 438
Panic Alarm ............................ 25
Parking Brake .......................... 322
Passing Light ........................... 153
Personal Settings ........................ 219
Pets .................................. 84
Phone, Cellular ......................... 100
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) ............. 100
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 337
10
INDEX 497