Chrysler 2008 Town and Country, 2012 Town & Country Owner's manual

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Town & Country
Chrysler Group LLC
O W N E R S M A N U A L
2012 Town & Country
12Y531-126-AA First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
903751 T&C OM cover.indd 1 3/18/11 7:22 AM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION
....................................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
............................................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
............................................63
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
............................................... 149
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
.......................................................... 207
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
.........................................................251
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
......................................................... 269
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
..........................................................301
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
....................................................313
10
INDEX
........................................................................317
1
2
1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION .............................4
IMPORTANT NOTICE ..........................4
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL .....................5
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS .....................7
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER .................7
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS .............7
3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler
Group LLC vehicle. Be assured that it repre-
sents precision workmanship, distinctive styl-
ing, and high quality - all essentials that are
traditional to our vehicles.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Owner’s Manual and all the Supplements. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering
and transmission shifting. Learn how your ve-
hicle handles on different road surfaces. Your
driving skills will improve with experience, but
as in driving any vehicle, take it easy as you
begin. Always observe local laws wherever you
drive.
NOTE:
After reviewing the owner information, it
should be stored in the vehicle for conve-
nient referencing and remain with the ve-
hicle when sold.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or a collision.
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds
may result in loss of control, collision with other
vehicles or objects, going off the road, or
overturning; any of which may lead to serious
injury or death. Also, failure to use seat belts
subjects the driver and passengers to a greater
risk of injury or death.
To keep your vehicle running at its best, have
your vehicle serviced at recommended inter-
vals by an authorized dealer who has the
qualified personnel, special tools and equip-
ment to perform all service.
The manufacturer and its distributors are vitally
interested in your complete satisfaction with
this vehicle. If you encounter a service or
warranty problem which is not resolved to your
satisfaction, discuss the matter with your deal-
er’s management.
Your authorized dealer will be happy to assist
you with any questions about your vehicle.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
ALL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLI-
CATION IS BASED ON THE LATEST INFORMA-
TION AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION
APPROVAL. THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO
PUBLISH REVISIONS AT ANY TIME.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with
the assistance of service and engineering spe-
cialists to acquaint you with the operation and
maintenance of your new vehicle. It is supple-
mented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Fol-
lowing the instructions and recommendations
in this Owner’s Manual will help assure safe
and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
After you have read the Owner’s Manual, it
should be stored in the vehicle for convenient
reference and remain with the vehicle when
sold.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make
changes in design and specifications, and/or
to make additions to or improvements in its
products without imposing any obligations
upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
The Owner’s Manual illustrates and describes
the features that are standard or available as
extra cost options. Therefore, some of the
4
equipment and accessories in this publication
may not appear on your vehicle.
NOTE:
Be sure to read the Owner’s Manual first
before driving your vehicle and before at-
taching or installing parts/accessories or
making other modifications to the vehicle.
In view of the many replacement parts and
accessories from various manufacturers avail-
able on the market, the manufacturer cannot be
certain that the driving safety of your vehicle
will not be impaired by the attachment or instal-
lation of such parts. Even if such parts are
officially-approved (for example, by a general
operating permit for the part or by constructing
the part in an officially approved design), or if
an individual operating permit was issued for
the vehicle after the attachment or installation
of such parts, it cannot be implicitly assumed
that the driving safety of your vehicle is unim-
paired. Therefore, neither experts nor official
agencies are liable. The manufacturer only
assumes responsibility when parts, which are
expressly authorized or recommended by the
manufacturer, are attached or installed at an
authorized dealer. The same applies when
modifications to the original condition are sub-
sequently made on the manufacturer’s ve-
hicles.
Your warranties do not cover any part that the
manufacturer did not supply. Nor do they cover
the cost of any repairs or adjustments that
might be caused or needed because of the
installation or use of non-manufacturer parts,
components, equipment, materials, or addi-
tives. Nor do your warranties cover the costs of
repairing damage or conditions caused by any
changes to your vehicle that do not comply with
the manufacturers specifications.
Original Mopar parts and accessories and
other products approved by the manufacturer,
including qualified advice, are available at your
authorized dealer.
When it comes to service, remember that your
authorized dealer knows your vehicle best, has
the factory-trained technicians and genuine
Mopar parts, and is interested in your satis-
faction.
Copyright © 2011 Chrysler International.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine
which section contains the information you de-
sire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends
on the items of equipment ordered, certain
descriptions and illustrations may differ from
your vehicle’s equipment.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s
Manual contains a complete listing of all sub-
jects.
Consult the following table for a description of
the symbols that may be used on your vehicle
or throughout this Owner’s Manual:
5
6
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS
against operating procedures that could result
in a collision or bodily injury. It also contains
CAUTIONS against procedures that could re-
sult in damage to your vehicle. If you do not
read this entire manual, you may miss impor-
tant information. Observe all Warnings and
Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is
found on the left front corner of the instrument
panel, visible through the windshield. This num-
ber is also located on the right side rear sliding
door sill (under door sill moulding) and on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label af-
fixed to a window on your vehicle, the vehicle
registration and title.
NOTE:
It is illegal to remove or alter the VIN.
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/
ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and
safety and may lead to a accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
Vehicle Identification Number
7
8
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING
YOUR VEHICLE
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS ................... 12
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) .................. 12
STEERING WHEEL LOCK IF EQUIPPED ............ 14
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ............. 14
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ............. 14
SENTRY KEY ............................. 14
Replacement Keys ........................ 15
Customer Key Programming .................. 15
General Information ....................... 15
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM IF EQUIPPED .......... 15
To Arm The System ........................ 16
To Disarm The System ...................... 16
ILLUMINATED ENTRY IF EQUIPPED .............. 17
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) IF EQUIPPED ....... 17
Using The Keyless Entry Transmitter ............. 17
9
DOOR LOCKS ............................. 21
Manual Door Locks ........................ 21
Power Door Locks If Equipped ............... 22
KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO ....................... 23
WINDOWS ............................... 25
Power Vent Windows If Equipped .............. 25
Power Windows .......................... 25
SLIDING SIDE DOOR ......................... 27
Power Sliding Side Door If Equipped ............ 28
Sliding Side Door Child Protection Lock ........... 30
LIFTGATE ............................... 31
Power Liftgate If Equipped .................. 32
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS ...................... 33
Lap/Shoulder Belts ........................ 34
Seat Belts In Passenger Seating Positions .......... 37
Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR) .......... 38
Energy Management Feature .................. 38
Seat Belt Pretensioners ..................... 39
Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) If
Equipped .............................. 39
Active Hood System If Equipped .............. 41
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)..43
10
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ................ 43
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Air Bags ..... 44
Air Bag System Components .................. 44
Advanced Front Air Bag Features ............... 45
Air Bag Deployment Sensors And Controls ......... 47
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ................... 51
Child Restraints .......................... 52
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS ............. 59
SAFETY TIPS ............................. 59
Transporting Passengers .................... 59
Exhaust Gas ............................ 59
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The Vehicle .... 60
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ............................... 61
11
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle is equipped with a keyless ignition
system. This system consists of a Key Fob with
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter and a
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) with integral igni-
tion switch. You can insert the Key Fob into the
ignition switch with either side up.
Keyless Enter-N-Go Feature
This vehicle may be equipped with the Keyless
Enter-N-Go feature, refer to “Starting Proce-
dures” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates
similarly to an ignition switch. It has four oper-
ating positions, three with detents and one that
is spring-loaded. The detent positions are OFF,
ACC, and ON/RUN. The START position is a
spring-loaded momentary contact position.
When released from the START position, the
switch automatically returns to the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC) will display the ignition
switch position (OFF/ACC/RUN). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
If Equipped” in “Understanding Your In-
strument Panel” for further information.
Key Fob
The Key Fob operates the ignition switch. Insert
the square end of the Key Fob into the ignition
switch located on the instrument panel and
rotate to the desired position. It also contains
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
and an emergency key, which stores in the rear
of the Key Fob.
The emergency key allows for entry into the
vehicle should the battery in the vehicle or the
RKE transmitter go dead. The emergency key
is also for locking the lower glove compart-
ment. You can keep the emergency key with
you when valet parking.
To remove the emergency key, slide the me-
chanical latch at the top of the Key Fob side-
ways with your thumb and then pull the key out
with your other hand.
1 OFF
2 ACCESSORY
3 ON/RUN
4—START
12
NOTE:
You can insert the double-sided emergency
key into the lock cylinder with either side up.
Removing Key Fob From Ignition
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the Key Fob
to the OFF position and then remove the Key
Fob.
NOTE:
Power window switches will also remain
active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned to OFF, depending
upon the accessory delay setting. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allow-
ing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally in-
jured. Children should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, and do not leave a vehicle
equipped with Keyless Enter-N-Go in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child could op-
erate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key fob from the ignition and lock your
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle unat-
tended is dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Do not leave children or animals inside
parked vehicles in hot weather. Interior
heat build-up may cause serious injury or
death.
Emergency Key Removal
13
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the Key Fob from the ignition
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the Key Fob is
in the ignition and the ignition switch position is
OFF or ACC, a chime will sound to remind you
to remove the key.
NOTE:
The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the Key Fob is placed in the OFF or
ACC ignition position.
If your vehicle is equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go, opening the driver’s door when the vehi-
cle’s ignition switch is placed in ACC or ON/
RUN (engine stopped) will cause the reminder
chime to sound. Refer to “Starting Procedures”
in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK IF
EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive
electronic steering wheel lock. This lock pre-
vents steering the vehicle without the ignition
key. The steering wheel lock has six positions
(one every 60 degrees). If the steering wheel is
moved to one of these six position with the key
in the off positions, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel
With the engine running, rotate the steering
wheel one-half revolution, turn off the engine
and remove the key. Turn the steering wheel
slightly in either direction until the lock en-
gages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Cycle the ignition and start the engine.
NOTE:
If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to
the right to disengage it. If you turned the
wheel to the left to engage the lock, turn the
wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system prevents
unauthorized vehicle operation by disabling
the engine. The system does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation is automatic,
regardless of whether the vehicle is locked or
unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Key Fob
with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) to prevent
unauthorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only
Key Fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if an invalid Key Fob is used to start
the engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON/RUN
position, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on
for three seconds for a bulb check. If the light
remains on after the bulb check, it indicates
that there is a problem with the electronics. In
addition, if the light begins to flash after the
bulb check, it indicates that someone used an
invalid Key Fob to start the engine. Either of
these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
14
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there
is a fault in the electronics. Should this occur,
have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible
by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not
compatible with some after-market remote
starting systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
All of the Key Fobs provided with your new
vehicle have been programmed to the vehicle
electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:
Only Key Fobs that are programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. Once a Key Fob is
programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be pro-
grammed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unat-
tended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is
provided with a four-digit Personal Identifica-
tion Number (PIN). Keep the PIN in a secure
location. This number is required for authorized
dealer replacement of Key Fobs. Duplication of
Key Fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer.
NOTE:
When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
system serviced, bring all vehicle ignition
keys with you to an authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
Programming Key Fobs or RKE transmitters
may be performed at an authorized dealer.
General Information
The Sentry Key operates on a carrier fre-
quency of 433.92 MHz. The Sentry Key Immo-
bilizer system is subject to the following condi-
tions:
This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence.
This device must accept any interference
that may be received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM IF
EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the vehicle
doors, liftgate/power-liftgate, hood and power
sliding doors for unauthorized entry and the
ignition switch for unauthorized operation.
When the alarm is activated, the interior
switches for door locks, power sliding doors
and power liftgate are disabled. The Vehicle
Security Alarm provides both audible and vi-
sual signals. If something triggers the alarm,
and no action is taken to disarm it, the Vehicle
Security Alarm will turn off the horn after 29 sec-
onds, and turn off all of the visual signals after
an additional 31 seconds, then the Vehicle
15
Security Alarm will rearm itself. The engine will
run only if a valid key is used to start the
vehicle.
To Arm The System
Follow these steps to arm the Vehicle Security
Alarm:
1. Remove the key from the ignition system
(refer to Starting Procedures in Starting And
Operating for further information).
For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go, make sure the vehicle ignition system is
OFF.
For vehicles not equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go, make sure the vehicle ignition system is
OFF and the key is physically removed from
the ignition.
2. Perform one of the following methods to lock
the vehicle:
Press LOCK on the interior power door lock
switch with the driver and/or passenger door
open.
Press the LOCK button on the exterior Pas-
sive Entry Door Handle with a valid Key Fob
available in the same exterior zone (refer to
Keyless Enter-N-Go in Things To Know Be-
fore Starting Your Vehicle for further informa-
tion).
Press the LOCK button on the Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) transmitter.
3. If any doors are open, close them.
To Disarm The System
The Vehicle Security Alarm can be disarmed
using any of the following methods:
Press the UNLOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle
(if equipped, refer to Keyless Enter-N-Go in
Things To Know Before Starting Your Ve-
hicle for further information).
Cycle the vehicle ignition system out of the
OFF position.
For vehicles equipped with Keyless Enter-
N-Go, press the Keyless Enter-N-Go
Start/Stop button (requires at least one
valid Key Fob in the vehicle).
For vehicles not equipped with Keyless
Enter-N-Go, insert a valid key into the
ignition switch and turn the key to the ON
position.
NOTE:
The driver’s door key cylinder and the
liftgate button on the RKE transmitter
cannot arm or disarm the Vehicle Security
Alarm.
The Vehicle Security Alarm remains
armed during power liftgate entry. Press-
ing the liftgate button will not disarm the
Vehicle Security Alarm. If someone enters
the vehicle through the liftgate and opens
any door the alarm will sound.
When the Vehicle Security Alarm is
armed, the interior power door lock
switches will not unlock the doors.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to pro-
tect your vehicle; however, you can create
conditions where the system will give you a
false alarm. If one of the previously described
arming sequences has occurred, the Vehicle
Security Alarm will arm regardless of whether
you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the
16
vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound.
If this occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security
Alarm.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the
battery becomes disconnected, the Vehicle
Security Alarm will remain armed when the
battery is reconnected; the exterior lights will
flash, the horn will sound. If this occurs, disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY IF
EQUIPPED
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to
unlock the doors or open any door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting
in the outside mirrors (if equipped). Refer to
“Mirrors” in “Understanding The Features Of
Your Vehicle” for further information.
The lights will fade to off after approximately
30 seconds, or they will immediately fade to off
once the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN
from the OFF position.
NOTE:
The front courtesy overhead console and
door courtesy lights do not turn off if the
dimmer control is in the “Dome ON” po-
sition (extreme top position).
The illuminated entry system will not op-
erate if the dimmer control is in the “dome
defeat” position (extreme bottom posi-
tion).
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
IF EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the
doors and liftgate, open both front windows,
open or close the optional power liftgate, left
power sliding door, and right power sliding
door from distances up to approximately 35 ft
(11 m) using a hand-held RKE transmitter. The
RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.
NOTE:
Inserting the RKE transmitter with Inte-
grated Key into the ignition switch disables
all buttons on that transmitter; however, the
buttons on the remaining transmitters will
continue to work. Driving at speeds 5 mph
(8 km/h) and above disables all RKE trans-
mitter buttons for all RKE transmitters.
Using The Keyless Entry Transmitter
Remote Unlock Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the
RKE transmitter once to unlock the driver’s side
or twice to unlock all doors and liftgate. This will
also turn on the Illuminated Entry system.
Remote Lock Doors And Liftgate
Press and release the lock button on the RKE
transmitter to Lock Doors And Liftgate.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter With
Integrated Key
17
Remote Key Unlock on First Press
This feature lets you program the system to
unlock either the driver’s side, or all doors, on
the first press of the UNLOCK button on the
RKE transmitter.
For vehicles equipped with an Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)/Personal Settings (Customer-
Programmable Features)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.
For vehicles not equipped with the EVIC, the
Remote Unlock feature can be enabled or
disabled by performing the following steps:
1. Perform this operation while standing out-
side the vehicle.
2. Press and hold the LOCK button on a pro-
grammed RKE transmitter for at least 4 sec-
onds, but no longer than 10 seconds. Then,
press and hold the UNLOCK button while still
holding the LOCK button.
3. Release both buttons at the same time.
4. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle
by pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the
RKE transmitter with the ignition switch in the
OFF position and the Key Fob removed.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this
feature to its previous setting.
NOTE:
Pressing the LOCK button on the RKE trans-
mitter while you are inside the vehicle will
activate the Vehicle Security Alarm. Opening
a door with the Vehicle Security Alarm acti-
vated will cause the alarm to sound. Press
the UNLOCK button to deactivate the Ve-
hicle Security Alarm.
Power Open/Close Power Liftgate If
Equipped
Press the LIFTGATE button twice on the RKE
transmitter within five seconds to Open/Close
the Power Liftgate. The liftgate will beep for
three seconds and then open/close. If the
button is pushed while the liftgate is being
power closed, the liftgate will reverse to the full
open position.
The power liftgate may also be opened and
closed by pressing the LIFTGATE button lo-
cated on the overhead console.
If equipped with a rear interior switch on the left
rear pillar, pushing this switch once will close
the liftgate only. The liftgate cannot be opened
from this switch.
If the vehicle is locked and Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed, using RKE transmitter to open
the power liftgate does not unlock the vehicle
or disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
Power Open/Close Left Power Sliding Door
If Equipped
Press the LEFT Power Sliding Door button twice
on the RKE transmitter within five seconds to
Power Open/Close the Left Power Sliding Door.
If the button on the RKE transmitter is pushed
while the door is being power-closed, the door
will reverse to the full open position.
If the vehicle is locked and the Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed, pressing the LEFT Power Slid-
ing Door button twice unlocks the power sliding
door and disarms Vehicle Security Alarm.
18
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