Chrysler Aspen (2009 year). Manual — part 21

3. However, after driving the vehicle for up to 10 min-
utes above 15 mph (25 km/h), the TPM Telltale Lamp
will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid.

4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid.

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the full size spare tire,
the TPMS will update automatically and the TPM Telltale
Lamp will turn OFF, as long as no tire pressure is below
the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four active
road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS
to receive this information.

Premium System – If Equipped

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to

monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.

NOTE:

It is particularly important for you to check the

tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.

The TPMS consists of the following components:

• Receiver module
• Four tire pressure monitoring sensors
• Three trigger modules (mounted in three of the four

wheel wells).

• Various TPMS messages, which display in the Elec-

tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), and a
graphic displaying tire pressures.

• Yellow Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.

332

STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster, and an audible chime will
be activated when one or more of the four active road tire
pressures are low. In addition, the EVIC will display a
graphic of the pressure value(s) with the low tire(s)
flashing.

Should a low tire condition occur on any of the four
active road tire(s), you should stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the low tire(s) that is flashing on the graphic
display to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pres-
sure value. The system will automatically update, the
graphic display of the pressure value(s) will stop flash-
ing, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
extinguish once the updated tire pressure(s) have been
received. The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10
minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) to receive this
information.

Check TPMS Message
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds, and remain on solid when a
system fault is detected. The system fault will also sound
a chime. The EVIC will display a “CHECK TPM SYS-
TEM” message for three seconds. This text message is
then followed by a graphic display, with “- - -“ in place of
the pressure value(s) indicating which tire pressure
monitoring sensor(s) is not being received.

If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light will no longer flash, the

9CHECK TPM SYSTEM9

text message will not be present, and a pressure value
will be displayed instead of dashes. A system fault can
occur by any of the following scenarios: 1) Jamming due
to electronic devices or driving next to facilities emitting
the same radio frequencies as the TPM sensors;. 2)
Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that

STARTING AND OPERATING

333

5

affects radio wave signals; 3) Lots of snow or ice around
the wheels or wheel housings; 4) Using tire chains on the
vehicle; 5) Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM
sensors.

NOTE:

Your vehicle is equipped with a non-matching

full size spare wheel and tire assembly.

1. This spare tire does not have a tire pressure monitor-
ing sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor the tire
pressure in the spare tire.

2. If you install the full size spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the TPM Telltale Light will still turn ON. In
addition, the graphic in the EVIC will still display a
flashing pressure value.

3. However, after driving the vehicle for up to 10 min-
utes above 15 mph (25 km/h), the TPM Telltale Light will

flash on and off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid.
The EVIC will display a “CHECK TPM SYSTEM” mes-
sage for three seconds and then display dashes (- - -) in
place of the pressure value.

4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will
sound and the TPM Telltale Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid. The EVIC will
display a “CHECK TPM SYSTEM” message for three
seconds, and then display dashes (- - -) in place of a
pressure value.

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire, and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the full size spare tire,
the TPMS will update automatically. In addition, the
TPM Telltale Light will turn OFF and the graphic in the
EVIC will display a new pressure value instead of dashes
(- - -), as long as no tire pressure is below the low-
pressure warning limit in any of the four active road tires.

334

STARTING AND OPERATING

The vehicle may need to be driven for up to 10 minutes
above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive
this information.

General Information

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
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 received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KR5S120123
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2671-S120123

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

All engines (except 5.7L engines) are de-
signed to meet all emissions regulations
and provide excellent fuel economy and
performance when using high quality un-
leaded “regular” gasoline having an oc-
tane rating of 87. The use of premium

gasoline is not recommended. Under normal conditions,
the use of premium gasoline will not provide a benefit
over high quality regular gasolines, and in some circum-
stances may result in poorer performance.

The 5.7L engine is designed to meet all
emissions regulations and provide satisfac-
tory fuel economy and performance when
using high quality unleaded gasoline hav-
ing an octane range of 87 to 89. The manu-
facturer recommends the use of 89 octane

for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline
is not recommended. Under normal conditions, the use of

STARTING AND OPERATING

335

5

premium gasoline will not provide a benefit over high
quality regular and mid-grade gasolines, and in some
circumstances may result in poorer performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such
as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi-
ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline
before considering service for the vehicle.

Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and
endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World-
wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties
necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance,
and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom-
mends the use of gasoline that meets the WWFC speci-
fications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline

Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.

We strongly support the use of reformulated gasolines.
Properly blended reformulated gasolines will provide
excellent performance and durability for the engine and
fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends

Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.

336

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.

E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles

Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.

If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:

• operate in a lean mode

• OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
• poor engine performance
• poor cold start and cold drivability
• increased risk for fuel system component corrosion

To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:

• drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
• change the engine oil and oil filter
• disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the

engine controller memory

More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.

STARTING AND OPERATING

337

5

MMT In Gasoline

MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT. It is even more
important to look for gasolines without MMT in Canada,
because MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in
Federal and California reformulated gasoline.

Materials Added To Fuel

All gasolines sold in the United States are required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor-
mance, damage the emission control system.

(Continued)

338

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)

• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune
or malfunctioning and may require immediate
service. Contact your authorized dealer for service
assistance.

• When pulling a heavy load or driving a fully

loaded vehicle when the humidity is low and the
temperature is high, use a premium unleaded fuel
to help prevent spark knock. If spark knock per-
sists, lighten the load, or engine piston damage
may result.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• The use of fuel additives which are now being

sold as octane enhancers is not recommended.
Many of these products contain high concentra-
tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle
performance problems resulting from the use of
such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of
the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

STARTING AND OPERATING

339

5

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper

maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.

• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle

to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.

FLEXIBLE FUEL (4.7L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED

E-85 General Information

The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by the unique
yellow fuel filler cap (gas cap) that shows E85 / Gasoline.
This section only covers those subjects that are unique to

340

STARTING AND OPERATING

these vehicles. Please refer to the other sections of this
manual for information on features that are common
between Flexible Fuel and gasoline-only powered ve-
hicles.

CAUTION!

Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler cap (gas cap)
can operate on E-85.

E-85 Fuel Cap

E-85 Badge

STARTING AND OPERATING

341

5

ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)

E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.

WARNING!

Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.

Fuel Requirements

If your vehicle is E-85 compatible, it will operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85
fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.

For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternat-
ing between E-85 and unleaded gasoline is recom-
mended.

When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:

• you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling
• you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for at

least 5 miles (8 km)

Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.

NOTE:

Use seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel (ASTM

D5798). With non-seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel, you may
experience hard starting and rough idle following start
up even if the above recommendations are followed,
especially when the ambient temperature is below 32°F
(0°C).

342

STARTING AND OPERATING

Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles

FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPAR

t engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting

Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API Certified and meet
the requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395
contains additional requirements, developed during ex-
tensive fleet testing, to provide additional protection to
Chrysler LLC engines. Use MOPAR

t or an equivalent oil

meeting the specification MS-6395.

Starting

The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.

CAUTION!

Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.

Cruising Range

Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/Liter
than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel
consumption. You can expect your miles per gallon
(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decrease
by about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.

Replacement Parts

Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol, com-
patible parts.

STARTING AND OPERATING

343

5

CAUTION!

Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.

ADDING FUEL

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door. If the gas cap is
lost or damaged, be sure the replacement cap is for use
with this vehicle.

NOTE:

To avoid contact between fuel cap and paint,

hang tether strap over hook provided on inner fuel door.

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.

CAUTION!

A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.

344

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is

in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the Malfunction Indicator
Light to turn on.

NOTE:

Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you

hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.

If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.

WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) Message

After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A loose fuel filler cap message will
be displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas
cap until a

9clicking9 sound is heard. This is an indication

that the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
RESET button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If

STARTING AND OPERATING

345

5

the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.

VEHICLE LOADING

Certification Label

As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration Regulations, your vehicle has a certification
label affixed to the driver’s side door.

Certification Label

346

STARTING AND OPERATING

This label contains the month and year of manufacture,
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). A Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and shows the month, day, and
hour of manufacture. The bar code that appears on the
bottom of the label is your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
including driver, passengers, vehicle, options, and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum capacities of front and
rear axle systems. Total load must be limited so that
GVWR is not exceeded.

Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the allowable load
weight a vehicle can carry including the weight of the
driver, all passengers, options, and cargo.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible load on the front
and rear axles. The load must be distributed in the cargo
area so that the GAWR of each axle is not exceeded.

Each axle GAWR is determined by the component in the
system with the lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires, or wheels).

Heavier axles or suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased durability do not
necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.

Tire Size
This is the minimum allowable tire size for your vehicle.
Replacement tires must be equal to the load capacity of
this tire size.

Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.

STARTING AND OPERATING

347

5