2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY service indicator

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 driveability.
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
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer or a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
554 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in ”Un-
derstanding Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion. Tighten the gas cap until aclickingsound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened.
Press the odometer reset button to turn the message off.
If the problem 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 MIL. Resolving 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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 555

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).
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S604 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Schedule, Maintenance.................... 604
Seat Belt Maintenance .................... 584
Seat Belt Reminder ....................... 74
Seat Belts ........................... 57,105
Adjustable Shoulder Belt ................ 66
Adjustable Upper Shoulder Anchorage ...... 66
And Pregnant Women .................. 75
Child Restraint ................... 89,90,91
Extender ........................... 75
Front Seat .......................... 61
Inspection .......................... 105
Pretensioners ........................ 69
Rear Seat ........................... 61
Seats ................................. 164
Adjustment ......................... 170
Fold in Floor (Stow nGo) .............. 176
Heated ............................ 167
Memory ........................... 196
Power ............................ 165 Reclining
.......................... 171
Stow n Go (Fold in Floor) .............. 176
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ................ 17
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........571,600
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 16
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 621
Service Contract ......................... 623
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 295
Service Manuals ........................ 625
Setting the Clock ..................... 329,338
Settings, Personal ........................ 320
Shift Lever Override ...................... 545
Short Message Service (SMS) ................ 151
Shoulder Belts ........................... 61
Side Airbag ............................. 84
Signals, Turn ............. 107,207,208,290,595,597
644 INDEX

Weight............................ 509
Towing Assistance ....................... 143
Traction Control ......................... 452
Traction Control Switch ................... 452
Trailer Towing .......................... 503
Cooling System Tips .................. 516
Hitches ............................ 508
Minimum Requirements ................ 511
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 510
Wiring ............................ 514
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 509
Trailer Weight .......................... 509
Transaxle Selection of Lubricant ................. 601
Transmission ........................... 577
Automatic ....................... 431,577
Fluid .......................... 578,601
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 27 Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 236
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
........ 20
Transporting Pets ........................ 100
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 476
Trip Odometer .......................... 290
Turn Signals ................... 208,290,595,597
UCI Connector ......................... 352
Uconnect™ (Hands-Free Phone) ............. 129
Umbrella Holder ........................ 260
Uniform Tire Quality Grades ................ 627
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 352
Universal Transmitter ..................... 236
Unleaded Gasoline ....................... 491
Upholstery Care ........................ 582
Vanity Mirrors .......................... 120
Variance, Compass ....................... 319
Vehicle Certification Label ................. 501
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INDEX 647