Chrysler 200: Instrument Cluster Descriptions

Chrysler 200: Instrument Cluster Descriptions

1. Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temperature.

Any reading below the red mark of the gauge shows that the engine cooling system is operating properly. The gauge pointer may show a higher than normal temperature when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in heavy stop and go traffic, or when towing a trailer.

If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark, the instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.

Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red) mark, turn the engine off immediately and call for service.

There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control to Floor and the Fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling system.

2. Fuel Door Reminder

This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is located on the left side of the vehicle.

3. Fuel Gauge

When the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN position, the pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.

4. Speedometer

Indicates the vehicle speed in miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour (km/h).

5. Low Fuel Light

When the fuel level drops to approximately 2.0 gallons (7.6 Liters), the fuel symbol will light and a single chime will sound.

NOTE:
This light will remain on until a minimum of approximately 3.0 gallons of fuel is added.

6. Charging System Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. The light should come on briefly when the ignition is first turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s electrical devices, such as the Front Fog Lights or Rear Window Defroster.

If the Charging System Light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your local authorized dealer.

If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.

7. Air Bag Warning Light

This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

8. Seat Belt Reminder Light

When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/ RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.

After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.

9. Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The light will come on and remain on when the ignition switch is turned from the OFF to the ON/RUN position, and the light will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED. The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.

This can be determined using the procedure shown in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.

10. Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condition.

As engine coolant temperatures rise and the gauge approaches H , this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will cause the temperature gauge to pass H , the indicator will continuously flash and a continuous chime will occur until the engine is allowed to cool.

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.

If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further information.

11. Brake Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system.

The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level.

The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.

NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering maneuvers which change fluid level conditions.

The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake fluid level checked.

If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dangerous.

Part of the brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.

Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.

The operation of the BrakeWarning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for approximately three seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.

NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

12. Tachometer

The silver area of the scale shows the permissible engine revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.

Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to prevent engine damage.

13. Shift Lever Indicator

The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the automatic transmission.

NOTE:
You must apply the brakes before shifting from PARK.

14. Odometer Display/Trip Odometer Display

The odometer display shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven. U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. If your odometer needs to be repaired or serviced, the repair technician should leave the odometer reading the same as it was before the repair or service. If s/he cannot do so, then the odometer must be set at zero, and a sticker must be placed in the door jamb stating what the mileage was before the repair or service. It is a good idea for you to make a record of the odometer reading before the repair/service, so that you can be sure that it is properly reset, or that the door jamb sticker is accurate if the odometer must be reset at zero.

The two trip odometers show individual trip mileage. To switch from odometer to trip odometers, press and release the Trip Odometer button. To reset a trip odometer, display the desired trip odometer to be reset then push and hold the button until the display resets (approximately 2 seconds). Refer to “Trip Odometer Button” for additional information.

Vehicle Odometer Messages

When the appropriate conditions exist, the odometer will display the following messages:

door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Door Ajar
dECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trunk Ajar
LoW tirE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LowTire Pressure
CHANgE OIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Change Required
gASCAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Cap Fault
HOTOIL. . . . . . . . . . . Engine Oil Temperature Exceeds Safe Threshold

NOTE:
If the instrument cluster is equipped with the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), then warnings such as ”Low Tire,” “Door Ajar” and “Trunk Ajar” will display in the EVIC. (Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” for specific messages).

LoW tirE

When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three cycles.

HOTOIL

When this message is displayed there is a engine oil over-temperature condition. When this condition occurs, the “HOTOIL” message will be displayed in the odometer along with a chime.

Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.

gASCAP

If the vehicle diagnostic system detects a leak or change in the evaporative system, or the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the words “gASCAP” will display in the odometer display area. If this occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset button to turn off the “gASCAP” message.

(Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information). If the problem continues, the message will appear the next time the vehicle is started. See your authorized dealer service center as soon as possible.

CHANgE OIL

Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “CHANgE OIL” message will flash in the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style.

Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.

To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Trip Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform the following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly 3 times within 10 seconds.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

NOTE:
If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.

4. For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”.

15. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped

This indicator shows that the Electronic Speed Control System is ON.

16. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Button

Trip Odometer

Press and release this button to change the display from odometer to “Trip A.” Press and release it a second time to change the display to “Trip B.” Press and release it a third time to change the display back to the odometer.

To reset the trip odometer, first display the trip mileage that you want to reset, “Trip A” or “Trip B.” Then push and hold the button (approximately 2 seconds) until the display resets to 0 miles (km). The odometer must be in Trip Mode to reset the trip odometer.

17. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light

This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, however see your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.

If the light is flashing when the engine is running you may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may require towing. Immediate service is required.

The light will come on when the ignition switch is first turned on and remain briefly as a bulb check. This is normal. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

18. Park/Headlight ON Indicator — If Equipped

This indicator will illuminate when the park lights or headlights are turned on.

19. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light — If Equipped

This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control system (ESC) has been turned off by the driver.

20. Turn Signal Indicators

The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior turn signal, when using the turn signal lever. A chime will sound if the vehicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.

NOTE:
If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.

21. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped

This indicator will illuminate when the front fog lights are on.

22. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped

This light will flash rapidly for approximately 16 seconds when the alarm system is arming.

The light will begin to flash slowly indicating that the system is armed. The light will stop flashing when the vehicle is disarmed.

23. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If Equipped

This light monitors the ABS. This light will come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for approximately three seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving, it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and that service is required, however, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not on.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock Brakes.

The ABS warning light should be checked frequently to assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light should come on. If the light does not come on, have the system inspected by an authorized dealer.

24. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/ Malfunction Indicator Light — If Equipped

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go out with the engine running. If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:
• The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN.

• Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will be ON, even if it was turned off previously.

• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESC activation.

25. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.

26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of an onboard diagnostic system called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key from LOCK to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause damage to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.

WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If Equipped

This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.

CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission TemperatureWarning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle, in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.

28. High Beam Indicator

This light indicates that the headlights are on high beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steering wheel to switch the headlights to low beam.

29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Display — If Equipped

This display shows the EVIC messages when the appropriate conditions exist. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” for further information.