Dodge 2009 Aspen Configuration guide

Chrysler LLC
81-326-0937 Second Edition Printed in U.S.A.
Aspen/Durango
OWNER’S MANUAL Hybrid Supplemen
2009
149032 Aspen-D rango_S pp.qxd:149032cov 6/12/08 8:19 AM Page 1

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2008 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................5
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................19
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL .................................... 21
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................. 55
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ................................................67
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ................................................ 87
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................113
9
INDEX ....................................................................127
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
1

INTRODUCTION
This booklet is a supplement to the Owner’s Manual.
This manual was prepared with the assistance of service
and engineering specialists and is intended to aid the
operators of Hybrid vehicles in understanding the opera-
tion and required maintenance procedures for such ve-
hicles. This supplement applies to Hybrid vehicles only.
You are urged to read this Owner’s Manual carefully.
Following the instructions and recommendations pro-
vided herein will help assure safe and reliable 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.
Copyright© 2008 Chrysler LLC
4 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys .................. 6
䡵Hybrid System Operation .................. 7
▫Hybrid Operation ...................... 7
▫Hybrid Vehicle Operating Characteristics .... 10
▫Driving To Achieve Maximum Fuel
Economy ........................... 11
䡵Important Hybrid System Information ........ 12
▫Hybrid System Components ............. 12
▫High Voltage Battery ................... 14
▫Disposal Of High Voltage Battery .......... 15
▫High Voltage Battery Service Disconnect ..... 15
▫Charge Assist — High Voltage Battery ...... 16
▫In The Event Of An Accident ............. 16
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
It is not recommended to leave the ignition switch in the
ACC position for extended periods of time. This will
discharge the 12-Volt battery and may degrade the bat-
tery life and/or prevent the vehicle from starting. For
information on using the vehicles accessories (radio,
video system or power outlets) refer to “Electrical Power
Outlets” in Section 3 of this supplement.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — ACC 4 — ON/RUN
2 — LOCK 5 — START
3 — OFF
6 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

HYBRID SYSTEM OPERATION
Your Hybrid vehicle combines the power of a gasoline
engine and electric motors to minimize fuel consumption
and emissions. This vehicle requires no special fuels and
never has to be plugged in to recharge. Understanding
the unique characteristics of your vehicle will help ensure
maximum performance and best fuel economy from your
vehicle.
Your Hybrid vehicle is also equipped with two electrical
voltage systems. A 12-Volt system which is used to power
the conventional electrical system and a high voltage
system which is used to power the motors in the 2-Mode
Hybrid Transmission as well as other high voltage sys-
tem components.
Hybrid Operation
Shifting
You must press the brake pedal fully before shifting out
of PARK. During this first brake application, the brake
system is undergoing a self-test function. The brake pedal
travel will be longer then usual. This is normal. Press
firmly on the brake to prevent rolling. Refer to “Regen-
erative Braking System” under “Hybrid Vehicle Unique
Operating Characteristics” in this Section for further
information.
Driving
When the “READY” light is illuminated the gas engine
can shut off automatically to save on fuel, and start
automatically to provide power when it is needed. While
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop or standing still,
the gas engine will normally shut off and the vehicle will
operate on electric power only. Conditions that may
cause the gas engine to start up or remain running
include:
• Moderate or rapid acceleration
• Vehicle speed
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 7
2

• Climbing a hill
• Charge level of high voltage battery
• Engine temperature, transmission temperature or
coolant temperature
• Hybrid System malfunction (Hybrid service lamp on)
• Tow/Haul activated
• Hood is ajar
• Shift lever position 2 or 1
NOTE: The gas engine can also automatically shut off
with the shift lever in PARK, REVERSE, DRIVE or
NEUTRAL.
Stopping In Traffic With Auto Stop/Start Function
The gas engine may shut off as you decelerate to a stop,
this is normal and will conserve fuel at idle. Restarting
the vehicle is not necessary.
When you desire to move forward with traffic flow,
simply press the accelerator pedal and continue acceler-
ating from idle up to your cruising speed. The gas engine
will restart and shut down again automatically when
commanded by the Hybrid System. Shutting down and
restarting (cycling) of the gas engine during low speed
traffic conditions less than 30 mph (48 km/h) is normal.
Re-Starting A Warm Engine
Your Hybrid vehicle is equipped with ⬙Silent Start⬙fuel
saving technology. The decision to enable the gas engine
on a restart is automatically determined by the Hybrid
System.
Under certain conditions, the gas engine will not start
(usually when restarting a warmed-up engine that has
recently been parked) when the ignition key is inserted
and turned to the START position. This is normal and is
considered a ⬙Silent Start⬙. When the ignition key is
released to the ON/RUN position you will observe the
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE