Chrysler Dishes Out New Features for 2009 Models
Minivans and cars with all-wheel drive are two of the most popular topics over at Ask.cars.com. In keeping with the popularity of both, Chrysler is adding two new safety systems to its 2009 minivans, the Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, as well as adding a fuel-saving feature on the all-wheel-drive 2009 Chrysler 300C.
Two new detection systems, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Path, will keep Chrysler minivan drivers aware of what’s happening outside their vehicle. Blind spot detectors are commonly found on luxury and near-luxury cars, not necessarily minivans. Like the current systems available, Chrysler’s will warn drivers with an icon that illuminates in the side-view mirrors when a passing vehicle enters their blind spot.
The Rear Cross Path feature also warns drivers of passing vehicles, except it does so when a vehicle is crossing the rear bumper in tricky situations, like exiting a parking space with poor visibility.
On the all-wheel-drive front, a new device on Chrysler’s rear-wheel-drive-based cars — starting with the 300C and potentially moving to the Charger — will disconnect the front drive wheels from the all-wheel-drive system when not needed, transferring power 100% to the rear wheels and saving fuel. Chrysler claims an additional 1 mpg can be gained on the 300C AWD’s 15/22 city/highway mpg rating.
Another feature slated to appear before the end of 2008 is an
aftermarket wireless internet system — as if Chrysler’s minivans needed
one more multimedia outlet on top of their dual-rear LCD screens,
in-dash audio storage, DVD player and satellite television. Available
through Chrysler’s accessories division, the system will create an
internet hot spot for laptops and other devices.
Chrysler debuts safety, fuel-saving features on '09s (Automotive News)
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We purchased a 2008 Town and Country in October and have been having a pinging noise since we drove it off the lot that we believe comes from the exhaust system. We've taken it to the dealer 3 times and they say it's normal and can't be fixed. We have never had a car make this noise before. This is our third Chrysler/Dodge mini-van and will be our last. And that's really too bad because the stow and go seats are great. I hope Honda picks that up on their next update.
Just found out that the pinging noise we have when we turn off our engine to our Chrysler 2008 T&C is a result of a bad catalytic converter and/or resonator as per a Chrysler service bulletin through dealer connect/service/tech connect/case #K82543424.