2004 CHRYSLER 300 M airbag

•The side impact airbag control module monitors the
readiness of the electronic parts of the system when-
ever the ignition switch is in the “START” or “RUN”
positions. These include all of the items listed above
except for the AIRBAG light (which is controlled by
the frontal airbag system).
•In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered,
releasing a quantity of nontoxic gas. The inflating side
airbag exits through the seat seam into the space
between the occupant and the door. The side airbag
moves at a very high speed and with such a high force,
that it could injure you if you are not seated properly,
or if items are positioned in the area where the side
airbag inflates. This especially applies to children.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbag is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the airbag covers. Do not modify the
front bumper or vehicle body structure.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
2

Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for your
protection in an impact. While the airbag system
is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the
system immediately.
•The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time– babies and children too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat. According to crash statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seat rather than the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the right seat for
your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your child:
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Infants and Child Restraints
•
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.
•The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). “Convertible” child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than in-
fant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing by
children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are less
than one year old. Both types of child restraints are held
in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the LATCH
anchorage system. (See the LATCH — Child Seat An-
chorage System section for greater explanation.)
•Rearward-facing child seats mustNEVERbe used in
the front seat of a vehicle with a front passenger
airbag. An airbag deployment could cause severe
injury or death to infants in this position.
WARNING!
•A rearward facing infant restraint should only be
used in a rear seat. A rearward facing infant
restraint in the front seat may be struck by a
deploying passenger airbag which may cause se-
vere or fatal injury to the infant.
•Improper installation can lead to failure of an
infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions ex-
actly when installing an infant or child restraint.
Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you try a child
restraint in the vehicle seats where you will use it
before you buy it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2

To attach a child restraint tether strap:
1. Lift the cover over the anchor directly behind the seat
where you are placing the child restraint.
2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat. If
your vehicle is equipped with adjustable rear head
restraints, raise the head restraint and route the tether
strap under the head restraint and between the two posts.
If not possible, lower the head restraint and pass the
tether strap around the outboard side of the head re-
straint.3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident
if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for
brake fluid, fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are present, the cause should be corrected
immediately.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the pointer rises to the “H” mark, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
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.
16. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. Thelight will illuminate when the key is in the ON
position before engine start. If the bulb does not come
on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap or
poor fuel quality 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.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert to serious
conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or
severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.
17. Trip Odometer Reset Knob
To reset the trip odometer, push the reset knob for about
two seconds.
18. Airbag Light
The light will come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit during starting,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
4

Cavity Fuse Circuits
7 20 Amp
YellowTail, License, Parking, Illumina-
tion Lights, Instrument Cluster
8 10 Amp
RedAirbag
9 10 Amp
RedTurn Signal Lights, Turn Signal/
Hazard Indicator
10 15 Amp
Lt. BlueRight Low Beam
11 20 Amp
YellowHigh Beam Relay, High Beam
Indicator, High Beam Switch
12 15 Amp
Lt. BlueLeft Low Beam Headlight
13 10 Amp
RedFuel Pump Relay, Power Train
Control Module
14 10 Amp
RedCluster, Day/Night Mirror, Sun-
roof, Overhead Console, Garage
Door Opener, Body Control Mod-
ule
15 10 Amp
RedDaytime Running Light Module
(Canada)
16 20 Amp
YellowFog Light IndicatorCavity Fuse Circuits
17 10 Amp
RedABS Control, Back Up Lights,
Daytime Running Lights, A/C
Heater Control,
18 20 Amp
YellowPower Amplifier, Horn
19 15 Amp
Lt. BlueOverhead Console, Garage Door
Opener, Trunk, Overhead, Rear
Reading, and Visor Vanity Lights,
Trunk Release Solenoid, Power
Mirrors, Power Door Locks, Body
Control Module, Aspirator Motor
20 20 Amp
YellowBrake Lights
21 10 Amp
RedLeak Detection Pump, Low Rad
Relay, High Rad Relay, A/C
Clutch Relay
22 10 Amp
RedAirbag
23 30 Amp
GreenBlower Motor, ATC Power Mod-
ule
24 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Window Motors
25 20 Amp
C/BRKRPower Door Lock Motors, Power
Seats
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7

About Your Brakes...................162,163
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 116
Accident Damage....................... 225
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 215
Adding Fuel.......................... 177
Air Conditioning....................... 146
Air Conditioning Controls................ 146
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 151
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 209
Air Conditioning System................. 209
Air Pressure, Tires...................164,165
Airbag................................ 33
Airbag Deployment....................36,37
Airbag Light....................37,40,48,115
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Alarm System.......................... 23
Alignment and Balance.................. 174
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 139
Antifreeze Disposal..................... 215
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 215
Anti-Lock Brake System.................. 163
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 116
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 23Appearance Care....................... 223
Auto Down Power Windows............... 25
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 54
Automatic Door Locks.................... 16
Automatic Headlights.................... 66
Automatic Off, Interior Lights.............. 64
Automatic Temperature Control............ 146
Automatic Transaxle..................157,221
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 223
Fluid Level Check..................... 222
Reset Mode......................... 158
Selection Of Lubricant................. 221
Shifting............................ 158
Special Additives..................... 223
Autostick............................. 159
Ball Joints............................ 210
Battery............................189,208
Emergency Starting.................... 189
Gas Caution......................189,208
Jump Starting........................ 189
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 23
Location.........................189,208
266 INDEX