2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY User Guide

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four wheels are off the ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle behind another vehicle (flat-towing with all four wheels on the ground)
is not recommended.
UTILITY
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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) Indicator Light
• If this indicator light flashes during acceleration, apply as little throttle as possible. Whiledriving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system off.
- 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.
• 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.
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• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate whenthe 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 and call for service.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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.
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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.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light/Brake Assist System
(BAS) Warning Light
• If the ESC/BAS warning light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected.
• If this light remains on after several ignition cy cles, and the vehicle has been driven several
miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you drive to
the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains 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.
- 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
Vehicles Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle theignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position.
Vehicles Not Equipped With Keyless Enter-N-Go™
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, 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, place the transmission in 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 blower 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.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range 200–230°F
(93–110°C). If the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C) or greater and you hear a chime, 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.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The jack, jack handle and winch handle tools are stowed behind the rear left side trimpanel in the rear cargo area. Turn the two cover latches to release the cover.
• Remove the pouch containing the scissorsjack, jack handle, and tools.
Spare Tire Removal
• The spare tire is stowed inside a protective cover located under the center of the vehiclebetween the front doors by means of a cable winch mechanism. The “spare tire drive” nut
is located on the floor, under a plastic cap at the front of the floor console or under front
super console forward bin liner.
To Access Spare Tire Winch Drive Nut
• To access the spare tire winch drive nut and lower the spare tire, you will need to refer toone of the following center console configurations.
Super Console
• For vehicles equipped with the Super Console, the spare tire winch assembly drive nut islocated beneath the console.
1. Pull the lower drawer out from the rear ofthe floor console.
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2. Open the front drawer to expose thestorage compartment.
3. Remove the liner from the console's storage compartment to access the spare
tire winch drive nut.
Premium/Base/Cargo Center Console
• Pull the Winch Cover assembly plug (ifequipped) to access the winch drive nut.
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