Chrysler Aspen (2009 year). Manual — part 18

is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the transmis-
sion is able to shift into, and out of, Overdrive. For
vehicles with 4.7L or 5.7L engines (which have two
Overdrive gears), the transmission may not shift into 5th
gear until the transmission fluid and engine coolant are
warm.

NOTE:

If the vehicle has not been driven in several

days, the first few seconds of operation after shifting the
transmission into gear may seem sluggish. This is due to
the fluid partially draining from the torque converter into
the transmission. This condition is normal and will not
cause damage to the transmission. The torque converter
will refill within five seconds of shifting from PARK into
any other gear position.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION

NV 140 Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions – If Equipped

The NV 140 is a single speed (HI range only) transfer case
which provides convenient full-time four-wheel drive.
No driver interaction is required.

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

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NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions – If Equipped

The NV 244 Generation II is an electric-shift transfer case
and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch, which is
located on the instrument panel.

The NV 244 Generation II transfer case provides four
mode positions - Normal four-wheel drive (4WD) high
range, four-wheel drive lock (4WD LOCK) range, four-
wheel drive low (4WD LOW) range, and NEUTRAL.

This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differ-
ential that allows driving the vehicle in the normal
all-wheel drive position (4WD) at all times on any given
road surface, including dry, hard-surfaced roads. The
4WD mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. This eliminates driveline binding and
component wear normally associated with driving the
vehicle in the 4WD LOCK position on dry, hard-surfaced

roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.

When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOCK
and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock the front
and rear driveshafts together, through the transfer case
inter-axle differential, and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to these positions. The
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry, hard-surfaced
roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.

The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.

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NOTE:

The transfer case NEUTRAL position is to be

used for recreational towing only. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in this section for specific procedures on shifting
into and out of NEUTRAL.

Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing, the transfer case position is four-wheel drive
(4WD) and indicates the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD

⇔ 4WD LOCK).

The “SVC 4WD Warning Light” monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine
start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required. See your authorized dealer for service.

WARNING!

Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the

(SVC 4WD Warning Light” is

illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal
injury.

NOTE:

Do not attempt to make a shift while only the

front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.

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When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).

Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.

Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and allows the vehicle to move,
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position, refer to the following infor-
mation:

4WD
This range allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds on all road surfaces.

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4WD LOCK
This range locks the transfer case inter-axle differential,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction for loose, slippery road sur-
faces only.

4WD LOW
This range provides low speed four-wheel drive. It locks
the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This range
provides additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

N
This range disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in this
section.

Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case

NOTE:

The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between

4WD/4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no
traction). In this situation, a position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
on. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the

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wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.

NOTE:

Delayed shifting out of the 4WD LOCK position

may be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire
pressure, or excessive loading.

NOTE:

When shifting into, or out of 4WD LOW, some

gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.

Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

Preferred Shifting Procedure

1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h).

2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.

4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.

Alternate Shifting Procedure

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.

4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.

NOTE:

The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take

place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

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NOTE:

If any of the requirements to select a new

transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift. The indicator light will flash and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
the selection, turn the control knob back to the current
position, wait five seconds, and retry the shift.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:

1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.

2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.

3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.

4. Keep tires properly inflated.

5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the car in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

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Flowing/Rising Water

WARNING!

Do not drive on, or cross, a road or a path where
water is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off).
Flowing water can wear away the road or path’s
surface and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper
water. Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can
carry your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.

Shallow Standing Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.

CAUTION!

• Always check the depth of the standing water

before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.

• Determine the condition of the road or the path

that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.

• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving

through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.

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CAUTION!

• Driving through standing water may cause dam-

age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con-
tamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water.
Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid
appears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can

cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

WARNING!

• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-

cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h) when driving through standing water.

• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-

cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can

cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.

• Failure to follow these warnings may result in

injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.

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POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.

NOTE:

Increased noise levels at the end of the steering

wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.

Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

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Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all

surfaces. For correct fluid type, refer to ”Power Steering
Reservoir” under “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section.

MULTI-DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) — 5.7L
ENGINE ONLY

This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.

NOTE:

The MDS system may take some time to return

to full functionality after a battery disconnect.

PARKING BRAKE

The foot operated parking brake is positioned below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To release the
parking brake, pull the parking brake release handle.

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Be sure the parking brake is firmly set when parked and
the shift lever is in PARK position. When parking on a
hill, you should apply the parking brake before placing
the shift lever in PARK; otherwise the load on the
transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK.

NOTE:

The instrument cluster brake warning light

indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.

When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-

ing your vehicle, or the vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in Park. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.

(Continued)

Parking Brake

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.

• 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
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type, and tires must be properly inflated, to produce
accurate signals for the computer.

WARNING!

Significant over or under-inflation of tires or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.

The ABS conducts a low-speed self-test at about 12 mph
(20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly on the brake
while this test is occurring, you may feel slight pedal
movement. The movement can be more apparent on ice
and snow. This is normal.

The ABS pump motor runs during the self-test at 12 mph
(20 km/h) and during an ABS stop. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.

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WARNING!

Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.

WARNING!

• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent

the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

CAUTION!

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is subject to
possible detrimental effects of electronic interference
caused by improperly installed aftermarket radios or
telephones.

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NOTE:

During severe braking conditions, a pulsing

sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the ABS is functioning.

WARNING!

To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:

• Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the

pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.

• When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-

ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission or locking out overdrive whenever pos-
sible.

• Engines may idle at higher speeds during warm-up,

which could cause rear wheels to spin and result in
loss of vehicle control. Be especially careful while
driving on slippery roads, in close-quarter maneuver-
ing, parking, or stopping.

• Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially

when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, braking
ability, and control.

• After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes

may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.

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ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP) and Trailer Sway Control
(TSC). All six systems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions, and
are commonly referred to as ESP.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.

NOTE:

ABS improves steering control of the vehicle

during hard braking maneuvers.

WARNING!

• ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics

from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

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