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

green ⬙READY⬙light illuminated in the instrument clus-
ter, but, again, the gas engine is not running. When you
experience a “Silent Start” leave the key in the ON/RUN
position, then simply place your foot on the brake pedal,
move the shift lever into REVERSE or DRIVE and press
the accelerator pedal to drive the Hybrid vehicle in the
electric mode.
2-Mode Hybrid Transmission Operation
The 2-Mode Hybrid Transmission combines two electric
motors with four fixed gear ratios within a single trans-
mission housing. The electric motors can be used for
electric-only propulsion, boosting the internal combus-
tion engine or providing regenerative braking.
The 2-Mode Hybrid Transmission will select one of the
four fixed gear ratios, or operate as an electrically vari-
able transmission (variable ratio or EVT) depending on
driver input, vehicle speed and loading.
Unlike a conventional transmission, the 2-Mode Hybrid
Transmission can propel the vehicle without the engine
running during low speed, light load operation (electric
only mode).
NOTE: Your Hybrid vehicle can be run through typical
commercial car wash facilities. There are some precau-
tions that you should keep in mind.
• When entering an automatic/conveyor style car wash
facility, it is important that the driver follow the
attendant’s or posted instructions and that your shift
lever is shifted to NEUTRAL when instructed.
• A Hybrid vehicle that is in REVERSE or DRIVE with
the “READY” light illuminated and gas engine
stopped, is NOT a substitute for the NEUTRAL
position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
2

CAUTION!
Car wash equipment damage, vehicle damage or a
potential accident event could result if the car wash
facility instructions for PARK, NEUTRAL, DRIVE
and REVERSE are not followed.
Hybrid Vehicle Operating Characteristics
Your Hybrid vehicle operates differently compared to a
Non-Hybrid vehicle. The following is a description of the
major differences:
Regenerative Braking
Your Hybrid vehicle has a Regenerative Braking System
(RBS). The RBS increases the fuel economy of the vehicle,
particularly in stop-and-go city traffic. The electric mo-
tors which propel the vehicle forward can operate as
generators when braking. The RBS recharges the high
voltage battery under certain braking conditions by re-
capturing energy that would otherwise be lost while
braking. The electric power that is generated goes back
into the high voltage battery for later use, for example
when acceleration is desired.
The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes,
regenerative braking, or a combination to slow the ve-
hicle. The Hybrid power gauge indicates the amount of
regenerative braking. If the system detects slippery con-
ditions while braking, mainly friction is used to slow the
vehicle. The RBS can result in extended life of the
hydraulic service brakes; however, all inspection, sched-
uled maintenance, and service intervals for the vehicle
service brakes must be followed.
NOTE: Lighter brake pedal efforts and longer brake
pedal travel are normal Hybrid brake operations during
the first brake application. After start-up, during the first
brake application, the brake system undergoes a self-test
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

function. The brake pedal has a lighter effort (longer
travel) than during normal driving but provides full
power assist.
Climate Control (HVAC System)
Your Hybrid vehicle uses automatic temperature control
(ATC) HVAC system with specialized components. This
HVAC system utilizes a humidity sensor, cabin infrared
(IR) sensor, sun sensor, and ambient temperature sensor
to choose operation mode and control cabin comfort.
Your Hybrid vehicle also uses a heater auxiliary pump to
provide heat to the cabin while the vehicle is in electric
mode. The electrically driven AC compressor is not
connected to the engine like a standard gas vehicle. These
components allow the control to operate the HVAC
system in a very efficient manner to save fuel.
NOTE: It is recommended the vehicle be operated with
the air conditioning (AC) on in high ambient tempera-
tures as the high voltage battery is cooled by the cabin air.
Driving To Achieve Maximum Fuel Economy
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your
Hybrid vehicle’s break-in period. As with any vehicle,
fuel economy can be significantly impacted by your
driving style and accessory usage. For best results, keep
in mind the following:
Tire Inflation
Keep tires properly inflated and only use the recom-
mended size. Refer to “Tire and Loading Information
Placard” under “Tires Safety Information” in Section 5 of
your Owner’s Manual.
Driving Style
Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy re-
quired to move your vehicle. In general, better fuel
economy is achieved with mild to moderate acceleration
and deceleration.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

Moderate braking is particularly important since it al-
lows you to maximize the energy converted and stored
from the vehicle’s momentum by the Regenerative Brak-
ing System (RBS).
Additional Tips:
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Do not carry extra loads, when it is not necessary.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
IMPORTANT HYBRID SYSTEM INFORMATION
Before operating your new Hybrid vehicle, be sure to
read the following information.
Hybrid System Components
1 — High Voltage Battery (located un-
der the second row seat) 5 — Underhood Fuse Boxes and Inte- grated Power Module
2 — High Voltage Battery Service Dis-
connect 6 — Traction Power Inverter Module (TPIM) (Hybrid Control Module
3 — 12-Volt Battery (located under
drivers side running board) 7 — High Voltage Cables (Orange Col- ored)
4 — 2-Mode Hybrid Transmission
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Additional Hybrid System electrical components:
• Electric Power Steering Pump (12-Volt)
• Electric A/C Compressor
WARNING!
Your vehicle has both a high voltage DC and AC
system as well as a 12-Volt system. DC and AC high
voltage are both extremely dangerous and can cause
severe burns, electric shock, serious injury or even
death. In order to avoid personal injuries:
• DO NOT TOUCH THE HIGH VOLTAGE
CABLES (ORANGE COLORED) AND THEIR
CONNECTORS.
• Do not drill or probe the HIGH VOLTAGE
CABLES (ORANGE COLORED).
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
• Follow all Caution and Warning Labels attached to
the high voltage (Hybrid System) components.
• Do not remove or replace any of the Hybrid
System (high voltage) components. All replace-
ment or repairs of Hybrid System components
should be performed at an authorized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

High Voltage Battery
Your Hybrid vehicle is equipped with a maintenance free
Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery rated at approxi-
mately 300-Volts. The high voltage battery is located
under the second row seat.
The high voltage battery has an internal electric fan and
an interior air inlet to keep the battery cool.
High Voltage Battery Location
Air Inlet
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• Be sure to keep the battery air inlet vent (located
within the interior of the vehicle along the front of the
second row seats) free from blockage to avoid over-
heating the high voltage battery.
• Stow all cargo, parcels, and luggage securely fastened
in the rear of vehicle and not along the second row seat
floor.
If your vehicle is parked for 2–3 months, the high voltage
battery will discharge gradually. To keep the high voltage
battery in good operating condition, drive the vehicle at
least once every several months for a minimum of
30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km) or until the high voltage
battery has been completely recharged. Refer to “Hybrid
Gauge” and “Hybrid Energy Center” in Section 4 of this
supplement for further information.
If the high voltage battery becomes fully discharged and
the vehicle will not start, refer to “Jump-Starting Proce-
dures” in Section 6 of this supplement. If the engine fails
to start after following the appropriate “Jump-Starting
Procedures” see your authorized dealer.
Disposal of High Voltage Battery
Your vehicle’s high voltage battery is designed to last the
life of your vehicle. Should the battery require replace-
ment, see your authorized dealer for information on the
disposal of the high voltage battery, or on the internet at
http://www.high-voltage-battery-recycling.com
High Voltage Battery Service Disconnect
The high voltage battery service disconnect is located
behind a trim panel on the driver’s side second row seat.
If your vehicle requires service see your authorized
dealer.
NOTE: Always make sure the trim panel is securely
attached at all times.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

WARNING!
Never try to remove the high voltage service discon-
nect. The high voltage service disconnect is used
when your vehicle requires service by a trained
technician at an authorized dealer. Failure to follow
this warning can cause severe burns or electrical
shock that may result in serious injury or death.
Charge Assist — High Voltage Battery
The “Charge Assist” procedure allows you to charge the
high voltage battery using the 12-Volt battery system. If
the high voltage battery’s state of charge is too low and
the engine will not crank, the MyGIG radio will display
a “Charge Insufficient” message. For additional informa-
tion, refer to the “Charge Assist Procedure — High
Voltage Battery” in Section 6 of this supplement.
In The Event Of An Accident
If your Hybrid vehicle is involved in an accident, if
possible, pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location,
put the shift lever in PARK and remove the ignition key.
NOTE:
• If your vehicle is involved in an accident causing the
airbags to deploy, your vehicle will not start. See your
authorized dealer.
• If your vehicle needs to be towed, always use a flatbed
truck. For additional information, refer to “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in Section 6 of this supplement.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
• In order to avoid personal injuries or death, DO
NOT TOUCH ANY EXPOSED HIGH VOLTAGE
WIRING (ORANGE COLORED) inside or outside
of your vehicle, an electric shock may occur.
NEVER TOUCH THE ELECTRIC WIRING.
• If fluid is leaking on the ground or leaks in some
parts of the vehicle, never touch it because it may
be Electrolyte (strong alkali) from the high voltage
battery. If it gets on your skin or in your eyes, wash
it off immediately with large amounts of water,
and get immediate medical attention.
• If a vehicle fire occurs, extinguish it using a fire
extinguisher that is used exclusively for electrical
fires. Or use large amounts of water to prevent
flammable gas from being generated from the
batteries.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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