2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY check oil

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.
558 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE:Life expectancy of wiper blades varies depend-
ing on geographical area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If any of these conditions
are present, clean the wiper blades or replace as neces-
sary.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked at regular intervals.
Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out any residual water.
The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when the Low Washer Fluid Light illuminates.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
After the engine has warmed, operate the defroster for a
few minutes to reduce the possibility of smearing or
freezing the fluid on the cold windshield. MOPAR All
Weather Windshield Washer Solution or equivalent, used
with water as directed on the container, aids cleaning
action, reduces the freezing point to avoid line clogging,
and is not harmful to paint or trim.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 569

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 577

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, SAFE or MIN
mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 605

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, brake
master cylinder, and the power steering 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
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S606 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Caps, FillerFuel .............................. 499
Oil (Engine) ........................ 560
Power Steering ...................... 447
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 573
Car Washes ............................ 580
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..............104,494
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 264
Cargo Compartment Luggage Carrier ..................... 274
Caution, Exhaust Gas ...................... 57
Cellular Phone ....................... 129,397
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 598
Chains, Tire ............................ 479
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 522
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 462
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............295,555
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............ 104Checks, Safety
.......................... 104
Child Restraint ........................ 89,91
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 94
Child Safety Locks ........................ 51
Child Seat .............................. 93
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 491
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 581
Climate Control ......................... 398
Clock ............................. 329,338
Coat Hook ............................ 264
Coin Holder ........................... 265
Cold Weather Operation ................... 429
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 397
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 474
Compass .............................. 318
Compass Calibration ..................... 319
Compass Variance ....................... 319
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 316
632 INDEX

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 573
Engine Oil ......................... 560
Domelight ............................. 203
Door Locks ............................. 34
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 37
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 236
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................. 443
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ...................... 444
Driving to Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy .... 314
E-85 Fuel ............................. 495
Economy (Fuel) Mode .................... 433
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 118
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 248
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 452
Brake Assist System ................... 453 Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)
...... 217
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 454
Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) ....................... 229,304
Emergency, In Case of Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 521
Jacking ......................... 522,531
Jump Starting ....................... 540
Overheating ........................ 521
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 555
Engine Air Cleaner ......................... 561
Block Heater ........................ 431
Break-In Recommendations ............. 103
Checking Oil Level ................... 558
Compartment ....................... 553
Compartment Identification ............. 553
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................. 600
Cooling ........................... 570
634 INDEX

Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 295
Oil Pressure ........................ 301
Park ........................... 205,595
Passing ............................ 209
Reading ........................... 233
Rear Servicing ....................... 597
Rear Tail ........................... 597
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 300
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 298
Service ......................... 593,594
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 295
Side Marker ..................... 596,597
SmartBeams ........................ 209
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 298
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ......... 293
Traction Control ..................... 456
Turn Signal ................... 107,595,597
Voltage ............................ 301 Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 290
Load Leveling System .................... 274
Loading Vehicle ................... 264,501,503
Capacities .......................... 503
Tires .............................. 466
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 37
Door .............................. 34
Lower Anchors and Tether for
CHildren (LATCH) ....................... 94
Lubrication, Body ....................... 568
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 274
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 564
Maintenance Procedures ................... 557
Maintenance Schedule .................... 604
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 248
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 295,555
Manual, Service ......................... 625
640 INDEX