Chrysler Aspen (2009 year). Manual — part 23

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.

4. Depress brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
four seconds.

7. After shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL button.

8. Start the engine.

9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that
there is no vehicle movement.

11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in
DRIVE.

12. Turn ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.

13. Shift the transmission into PARK.

14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.

NOTE:

Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be

met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until the four seconds
elapses and the shift has been completed.

If any of these requirements (with the exception of Step 3
- Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL
button or are no longer met during the four second timer,
then the NEUTRAL indicator light will flash continu-
ously until all requirements are met or until the NEU-
TRAL button is released.

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, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

364

STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL and the engine RUNNING. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL, ensure that the engine is
OFF prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.

Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.

1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Shut engine OFF.

3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position without
starting the engine.

4. Depress brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
depress the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL button for
one second.

7. After the NEUTRAL indicator light turns off, release
the NEUTRAL button.

8. After the NEUTRAL button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position identified by the
selector switch.

9. Shift the transmission into PARK.

10. Start the engine.

11. Shift the transmission into DRIVE.

NOTE:

Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be

met prior to depressing the NEUTRAL selection button,
and must continue to be met until one second elapses and
the shift has been completed.

STARTING AND OPERATING

365

5

If any of these requirements are not met prior to depress-
ing the NEUTRAL button or are no longer met during the
one second time, then all of the position indicator lights
will flash continuously until all requirements are met or
until the NEUTRAL button is released.

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, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

NOTE:

A flashing NEUTRAL position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

CAUTION!

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar

on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.

• Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because

fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage
internal parts.

366

STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

m Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
m Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
▫ Removing The Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
▫ Tire Changing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

m Jump–Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

m Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
m Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . . . . . . . 380
m Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

▫ Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
▫ Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

The hazard warning flasher switch is located on the top
of the steering column, just behind the steering wheel.

To operate the hazard warning flashers press the switch
and all front and rear directional signals will flash
intermittently. Press the switch a second time to turn off
the hazard warning flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
hazard warning flasher system will continue to operate
with the ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.

NOTE:

With extended use, the hazard warning flasher

may wear down your battery.

Hazard Warning Flasher Switch

368

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JACKING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING!

• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The

vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you
need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.

• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing

tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

Jack Location

The scissor jack and tire changing tools are stowed under
the second row seat.

The jack is secured in place with a winged stud and a
fixed stud. It is very important to secure the jack tightly
in place by engaging the slot in the base to the fixed stud
under the middle seat. The winged stud inserts through
the eyelet in the end of the jack’s worm screw.

Jack Location

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

369

6

Removing The Spare Tire

The spare tire on your vehicle is located underneath the
vehicle in the rear.

Remove the spare tire before attempting to jack the
vehicle.

1. Remove the rubber plug from the floor in the cargo
area.

2. Engage the jack wrench extension to the spare tire
winch through the hole in the floor.

Spare Tire Location

Spare Tire Winch

370

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

3. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to lower the spare
tire. Continue to turn the wrench until the spare tire can
be pulled out from under the vehicle.

It is recommended that you stow the flat tire or spare to
avoid tangling the loose cable.

CAUTION!

The winch mechanism is designed for use with the
jack extension tube only. Use of an air wrench or
other power tools is not recommended and can dam-
age the winch.

Tire Changing Procedure

WARNING!

Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center
where it can be raised on a lift.

Do not raise this vehicle using a bumper jack. The scissor
jack is designed as a tool for changing tires on this vehicle
only. It is not recommended that the jack be used for
service purposes or to lift more than one wheel at a time.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

371

6

Preparations
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or
slippery areas. Set the parking brake and place the shift
lever in PARK (automatic transmission). On 4-wheel
drive vehicles, shift the transfer case to the “4L” position.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.

• Turn on the hazard warning flasher.

• Block both the front and rear of the

wheel diagonally opposite the jack-
ing position. For example, if the
right front wheel is being changed,
block the left rear wheel.

• Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the

vehicle is being jacked.

Instructions

Jack Warning Label

372

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!

Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from

the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.

• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to

be raised.

• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic

transmission in PARK; a manual transmission in
REVERSE.

• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a

jack.

• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a

jack.

• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and

for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.

• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely

careful of motor traffic.

• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated are

securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.

• Turn on the Hazard warning flasher.

1. Remove the spare wheel, jack, and tools from storage.

2. Using the wheel wrench, loosen, but do not remove,
the wheel nuts by turning them counterclockwise one
turn while the wheel is still on the ground.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

373

6

3. When changing a front wheel, place the jack under the
frame rail behind the wheel. Locate the jack as far
forward as possible on the straight part of the frame
(prior to inboard transition). Operate the jack using the
jack drive tube and the wheel wrench; the tube extension
may be used but is not required.

When changing a rear wheel, assemble the jack drive
tube to the jack and connect the drive tube to the
extension tube. Place the jack under the axle as close to
the tire as possible with the drive tubes extending to the
rear. Connect the jack tube extension and wheel wrench.

Front Jacking Location

Left Rear Jacking Location

374

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Before raising the wheel off the ground, make sure that
the jack will not damage surrounding truck parts and
adjust the jack position as required.

4. Raise the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench clock-
wise, until the wheel just clears the surface.

WARNING!

Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle unstable and cause an accident. It could
slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the
vehicle only enough to remove the tire.

5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel off. Install
the spare wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end
of the nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To
avoid risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully
tighten the nuts until the vehicle has been lowered.

NOTE:

Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do

not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.

6. Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts in
a crisscross pattern. Correct nut tightness is 135 ± 10 ft lbs
(183 ± 14 N·m) dynamic torque. If in doubt about the
correct tightness, have them checked with a torque
wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service station.

Right Rear Jacking Location

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

375

6

WARNING!

A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could injure someone in the vehicle. Al-
ways stow the jack, tools and the extra tire and wheel
in the places provided.

7. Remove wheel blocks. Do not install chrome or alu-
minum wheel center caps on the spare wheel. This may
result in cap damage.

8. Lower the jack to its fully closed position. Stow the
replaced tire, jack, and tools as previously described.

9. Adjust the tire pressure when possible.

NOTE:

Do not oil wheel studs. For chrome wheels, do

not substitute with chrome plated wheel nuts.

WARNING!

Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to
help prevent personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from

the edge of the roadway as possible before raising
the vehicle.

• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to

be raised.

• Apply the parking brake firmly before jacking.
• Never start the engine with the vehicle on a jack.

• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a

jack.

• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.

• Only use the jack in the positions indicated.

(Continued)

376

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)

• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely

careful of motor traffic.

• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are

securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.

To Stow The Flat Or Spare
Turn the wheel so that the valve stem is downward. Slide
the wheel retainer through the center of the wheel and
position it properly across the wheel opening.

For convenience in checking the spare tire inflation, stow
with the valve stem toward the rear of the vehicle.

Rotate the winch mechanism until the wheel is drawn
into place against the underside of the vehicle. Continue
to rotate until you feel the winch mechanism slip or click
two times. It cannot be overtightened. Push against the
tire several times to be sure it is firmly in place.

JUMP–STARTING PROCEDURES

WARNING!

• Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not

allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush the contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.

• A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-

mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery
or any other booster source with an output that
exceeds 12 volts.

Check the Battery Test Indicator (if equipped). If a light or
bright colored dot is visible in the indicator, DO NOT
jump-start the battery.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

377

6

If the indicator is dark or shows a green dot, proceed as
follows:

1. Wear eye protection and remove all metal jewelry such
as watch bands or bracelets which might make an
unintended electrical contact.

2. Park the booster vehicle within cable reach but with-
out letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK and turn the ignition
OFF on both vehicles.

3. Turn OFF the heater, radio and all unnecessary elec-
trical loads.

4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the same cable to the positive terminal of the discharged
battery.

WARNING!

Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.

5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact on the engine.

WARNING!

Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark could
cause the battery to explode.

(Continued)

378

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)

During cold weather when temperatures are below
freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged battery
may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting because
the battery could rupture or explode. The battery
temperature must be brought up above freezing
point before attempting a jump-start.

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.

WARNING!

Any procedure other than above could result in:
• Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out

the battery vent;

• Personal injury or property damage due to battery

explosion;

• Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or

of immobilized vehicle.

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, it can
often be moved by a rocking motion. Move the shift lever
rhythmically between FIRST and REVERSE, while apply-
ing slight pressure to the accelerator.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

379

6