Blog

Many questions have been floating around about what certain indicators and symbols on the dashboard mean in the 2012 Chrysler 2012, specifically about the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Change Oil Message, and Gas Cap Message.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

One of the things that make the 2012 Chrysler 200 unique is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. TPMS is an electronic system that is designed to measure the pressure inside the four road tires and alert the driver when the pressure is getting low. But what do you do when the indicator light comes on?

The TPMS light is located in the instrument cluster. It will turn on and a chime will sound if the pressure is low in one or more of the tires. Once the light is illuminated, one or more of your tires is underinflated and should be inflated to meet the recommended standards of the tire manufacturer. This information is located on a placard on the inside edge of the driver’s side door.

Keep in mind that tire pressure changes with outdoor air temperature, so the tire pressure may not be accurate if being checked in a place such as an indoor garage in the winter. Some other things to keep in mind that tire pressure may increase from heat during operation. You should not reduce this normal pressure build up, or your tire pressure will be too low. Finally, do not use the TPMS warning light as a tire pressure gauge as it does not automatically turn off when the tire is back to proper pressure.

When your tire is properly inflated, you may have to drive for a while before the TPMS resets itself and the warning light turns off. It is possible that the warning light may stay on until all 4 tires are sufficiently inflated.

Check Gas Cap Message

If your vehicle diagnostic system detects a problem with the fuel filler cap, or the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the word “Gascap” will appear in the odometer or the words “Check Gas Cap” will appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center. If this happens to you, properly tighten the fuel filler cap. However, if the problem continues, the message will appear the next time your 2012 Chrysler 200 is started. You should see your authorized service center as soon as possible.

Check Oil Message

Your vehicle comes equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Change Oil” light will flash in the instrument center odometer for approximately 12 seconds, following a single audible chime. This is to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. Or, the “Oil Change Required” message will flash in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center display for about 5 seconds, after a single chime has sounded. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based. This means, the oil change interval may vary depending on your personal driving style.

As a side note, unless it is reset, this “Change Oil” or the “Oil Change Required” messages will continue to be illuminated each time you turn the ignition switch to the “on” position. To reset the oil change indicator system after performing the scheduled maintenance, turn the ignition switch to the “on” position, but do not start the engine. Next, fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within ten seconds and turn the switch back to the “lock” position. If either of the messages still appears in your view, the system did not reset and you should repeat the previous action.

(If you have more questions for any of these messages that may appear, please refer to your Owner’s Manual.)