2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY check engine

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, also keep the front of
the condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the “Brake System Warning Light” indicates system
failure.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 575

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.
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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.
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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
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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

Fuel Requirements................. 495,496
Maintenance ........................ 498
Replacement Parts .................... 498
Starting ........................... 498
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 429
Floor Console .......................... 265
Fluid Capacities ......................... 599
Fluid Leaks ............................ 107
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ................ 579
Brake ............................. 575
Power Steering ...................... 447
Fluids ................................ 600
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 600
Fog Light Service ........................ 596
Fog Lights ....................... 207,290,596
Fold in Floor (Stow n Go) Seating........... 176
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 544 Fuel
................................. 491
Adding ........................... 499
Additives .......................... 493
Clean Air .......................... 491
Conserving ......................... 314
Economy Mode ...................... 433
Ethanol ........................... 492
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............297,499
Filler Door (Gas Cap) .................. 297
Gasoline ........................... 491
Gauge ............................ 297
Light .......................... 301,310
Materials Added ..................... 493
Methanol .......................... 492
Octane Rating ....................... 600
Requirements .................... 491,599
Saver Mode ........................ 314
Tank Capacity ....................... 599
Fuel Optimizer ......................... 314
636 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