Chrysler ASPEN User manual

Aspen
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Aspen
81-026-0850 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................79
4
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS ......................................... 197
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................267
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................365
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................381
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................439
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................447
10
INDEX ....................................................................457
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mRollover Warning ........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................5
mWarnings And Cautions ...................7
mVehicle Identification Number ...............7
mVehicle Modifications/Alterations ............8
1

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than
many passenger cars. It is capable of performing better in
a wide variety of off-road applications. Driven in an
unsafe manner, all vehicles can go out of control. Because
of the higher center of gravity, if this vehicle is out of
control it may roll over when some other vehicles may
not.
Do not attempt sharp turns, abrupt maneuvers, or other
unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle
control. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result
in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and severe or fatal
injury. Drive carefully.
4 INTRODUCTION

Failure to use driver and passenger seat belts provided
is a major cause of severe or fatal injury. In fact, the U.S.
government notes that the universal use of existing seat
belts could cut the highway death toll by 10,000 or more
each year and could reduce disabling injuries by two
million annually. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Always buckle up.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
Rollover Warning Label
INTRODUCTION 5
1

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual, you may miss important
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 number also appears on the Auto-
mobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window
on your vehicle, the vehicle registration and title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
VIN Location
INTRODUCTION 7
1

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
8 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............13
mSentry Keyt...........................13
▫Replacement Keys ......................15
▫Customer Key Programming ..............15
▫General Information ....................17
mIgnition And Steering Lock .................17
▫Ignition Accessory Delay Feature ...........18
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........18
▫To Set The Alarm ......................19
▫To Disarm The System ...................19
mIlluminated Entry ........................20
▫Vehicles Equipped With Power Door Locks ....20
mRemote Keyless Entry .....................21
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........21
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ............22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................24
2

▫General Information ....................25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........25
▫Battery Replacement ....................27
mRemote Starting System — If Equipped ........28
mDoor Locks ............................29
▫Manual Door Locks .....................29
▫Power Door Locks .....................30
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............33
mWindows .............................34
▫Power Windows .......................34
▫Auto Down ..........................35
▫Auto Up Feature With Anti-Pinch Protection
(Driver’s And Front Passenger Door Only) ....35
▫Window Lockout Switch .................36
mLiftgate ...............................37
▫Power Liftgate — If Equipped .............38
mOccupant Restraints ......................41
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................42
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....46
▫Second Row Center Seat Belt ..............47
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode – If
Equipped ............................47
▫Rear 60/40 Seat Third Row Center Three Point
Belt — If Equipped .....................48
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................50
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................51
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............52
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................53
▫Driver And Right Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)—Airbags ...........53
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............62
▫Child Restraint ........................64
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........74
mSafety Tips ............................75
▫Exhaust System .......................75
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................76
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle has the
key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized
dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transmission
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position and remove the key.
Ignition Key
Ignition Switch Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For external door lock lubrication, refer to
“Body Lubrication” in Section 7.
SENTRY KEYT
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer system prevents unautho-
rized 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

The system uses ignition keys which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder) to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to try to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key, even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator 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 to try to start the engine.
Either of these conditions will result in the engine being
shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator 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 ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry KeytImmobilizer System is not compat-
ible with some aftermarket remote starting systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speedpass™, additional Sentry Keyst,
or any other transponder-equipped components on
the same key chain will not cause a key related
(transponder) fault unless the additional part is physi-
cally held against the ignition key being used when
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

starting the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Sentry Keytis programmed to a vehicle, it cannot
be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Keystfrom the vehicle
and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle
unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of keys. Du-
plication of keys may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by following the customer key programming
procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank key is one
which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry KeytImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to an
authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keyst, you can program
new Sentry Keystto the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeytTransponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 15
seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In addi-
tion, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keytinto the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
stop flashing. To indicate that programming is complete,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on
again for three seconds and then turn off.
The new Sentry Keytis programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry transmitter will also be programmed
during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Keyt, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem complies with FCC rules Part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
IGNITION AND STEERING LOCK
In the LOCK position, the steering and ignition systems
are locked to provide anti-theft protection for your ve-
hicle. If the steering wheel is locked, it may be difficult to
turn the key from the LOCK position when starting your
vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while
turning the key until it turns easily. The key can be
inserted or withdrawn only in the LOCK position. Push
in on the key in the ignition lock cylinder to rotate to the
LOCK position.
Ignition Switch Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

WARNING!
The key cannot be turned to LOCK until the shift
lever is in the PARK position. Do not attempt to pull
the shift lever out of PARK after the key is in the
LOCK position.
NOTE: The steering wheel will lock when the key is
removed, and when the steering wheel is turned around
115 degrees clockwise or 65 degrees counterclockwise
from the center position.
Ignition Accessory Delay Feature
The power window switches, radio, hands–free system
(if equipped), and power outlets will remain active for 10
minutes after the ignition switch is turned off. Opening
either front door will cancel this feature.
For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), the time for this feature is pro-
grammable. For details, refer to “Personal Settings
(Customer-Programmable Features)”/“KEY OFF
POWER DELAY > OFF” under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in Section 3 of this manual.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
This system monitors the vehicle doors, liftgate, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. When the Security
Alarm System is activated, the system provides both
audible and visual signals. The horn will sound repeat-
edly for three minutes and the headlights and Security
light in the instrument cluster will flash for an additional
15 minutes. The engine will not run until the system is
disarmed.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Set the Alarm:
The Security Alarm System will set when you use the
power door locks or use the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter to lock the doors. After all the doors are
closed and locked, the security light in the instrument
cluster will flash rapidly to signal that the system is
arming. The Security light in the instrument panel cluster
will flash rapidly for about 15 seconds to indicate that the
alarm is being set. After the alarm is set, the Security light
will flash at a slower rate to indicate that the system is
armed.
NOTE: If the Security light stays on continuously dur-
ing vehicle operation, have the system checked by your
authorized dealer.
To Disarm the System:
Use the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter to unlock the
doors. If something has triggered the system in your
absence, the horn will sound three times when you
unlock the doors. Check the vehicle for tampering.
The Security Alarm System will also disarm if the vehicle
is started with a programmed Sentry Keyt. If an unpro-
grammed Sentry Keytis used to start a vehicle, the
engine will start and run for two seconds and then shut
down. After six unsuccessul attempts at starting the
engine, the system will shut down until the correct key is
used. To exit alarming mode, press the RKE UNLOCK
button or start the vehicle with a programmed Sentry
Keyt.
The Security Alarm System is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
system will arm unexpectedly. If you remain in the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2