2013 CHRYSLER 200 brakes

Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 381

WARNING!(Continued)
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock
the trailer wheels.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. Max loading as defined on the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard.
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch uti-
lized.
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements – Tires
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
•
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before
towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General Information” in
“Starting and Operating” for the proper inspection
procedure.
• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for the proper tire
replacement procedures. Replacing tires with a higher
load carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 389

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have a collision.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
the 3range (with four-speed transmission) or select a
lower gear using the AutoStick® shift control (with
six-speed transmission).
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
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.
448 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cav-ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
26 — 15 Amp Lt. BlueAuto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay 2
27 — 10 Amp RedIgnition Run –
Occupant Classifica-
tion Module (OCM)/
Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC)
28 — 10 Amp RedIgnition Run —
Occupant Classifica-
tion Module (OCM)/
Occupant Restraint
Controller (ORC)
29 — — Hot Car (No Fuse Required)Cav-ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
30 — 20 Amp YellowIgnition Run – Heated
Seats – If Equipped
31 — — Spare
32 30 Amp Pink — Auto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay 1
33 — 10 Amp Red
Switch Bank/
Diagnostic Link
Connector/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
34 30 AmpPink — Anti-Lock Brakes
(ABS) Module – If
Equipped/Electronic
Stability Control
(ESC) Module – If
Equipped7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 463

Cav-ity Car-
tridge Fuse Mini
Fuse Description
35 40 Amp Green — Anti-Lock Brakes
(ABS) Module – If
Equipped/Electronic
Stability Control
(ESC) Module – If
Equipped
36 30 Amp Pink — Passenger Door Mod-
ule (PDM)/Driver
Door Module (DDM)
37 — 25 Amp NaturalPower Top Module –
If EquippedCAUTION!
•
When installing the Integrated Power Module
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is properly
positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may
allow water to get into the Integrated Power Mod-
ule, and possibly result in an electrical system
failure.
• When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If
a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates
a problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes....................... .324
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ................327
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............444
Adding Fuel ............................ .377
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .439
Additives, Fuel .......................... .371
Airbag ..................................60
Airbag Deployment ........................71
Airbag Light .............................68
Airbag Maintenance ........................73
Airbag, Side ..............................64
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................64
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .433
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................435
Air Conditioning ......................... .276
Air Conditioning Controls ...................276
Air Conditioning Filter .....................289
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..............290
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................435Air Conditioning System
....................276
Air Pressure, Tires ........................ .348
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................19
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antenna, Satellite Radio .....................264
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................443
Disposal ............................. .446
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................327
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................327
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ..........19
Appearance Care ........................ .454
Ashtray ............................... .197
Assistance Towing ........................ .126
Auto Down Power Windows ..................37
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................107
Automatic Door Locks ......................34
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............216
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........281
Automatic Transaxle ........................12
496 INDEX