2005 CHRYSLER 300 tires

turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
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 tread and sidewall for cuts or
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 fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
2

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the mirror during cleaning,
never spray any cleaning solution directly onto the
mirror. Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and
wipe the mirror clean.
Driver's Side Outside Mirror Auto Dimmer Ð If
Equipped
The driver's side outside mirror automatically adjusts for
annoying headlight glare from vehicles behind you. This
feature can be turned on or off by pressing the button at
the base of the Inside Rearview Mirror.
Tilt in Reverse FeatureÐ If Equipped
The9Tilt in Reverse9feature tilts the outside rearview
mirrors down when the vehicle is shifted into REVERSE
with the ignition switch in the RUN position. This feature
provides the customer with a better view of the ground
and vehicle in the area of the rear tires when backing up.
The mirrors move back to their previous position when
the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE. This feature is
disabled from the factory, but can be enabled by theelectronic vehicle information center (EVIC). Refer to
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in this
manual for details.
Exterior Mirrors Folding Feature Ð If Equipped
Some models have exterior mirrors that are hinged and
may move either forward or rearward to resist damage.
The hinges have three detent positions; full forward, full
rearward, and normal.
Outside Mirror Ð Driver's Side
Adjust the outside mirror to center on the adjacent lane of
traffic, with a slight overlap of the view obtained on the
inside mirror.
Outside Mirror Ð Passenger's Side
Adjust the convex outside mirror so you can just see the
side of your vehicle in the portion of the mirror closest to
the vehicle. This type of mirror will give a much wider
view to the rear, and especially of the lane next to your
vehicle.
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The traction control system (TCS) warning
light is located in the instrument cluster. The
TCS light will flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin. This
indicates that the TCS system is active. If the TCS
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the TCS warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS, press the
TCS switch (the TCS warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
The TCS OFF switch is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the TCS OFF switch until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the TCS switch.To turn the system back ON, press the TCS OFF switch a
second time until the traction control Indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:
²
The traction control system comes on each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur even if
you used the switch to turn the system OFF.
²The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
TCS OFF switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)Ð IF EQUIPPED
BAS is standard on vehicles equipped with electronic
stability program (ESP). The BAS is designed to optimize
the vehicle's braking capability during emergency brak-
ing maneuvers. The system applies optimum pressure to
the brakes in emergency braking conditions than might
otherwise be afforded solely by the driver's braking style.
This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the antilock brake system (ABS). Applying the
brakes very quickly results in maximum BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system, you must apply
continuous braking power during the stopping sequence.
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

reset. The light will remain on or flashing until the tire
pressure is properly set or the problem with the sensor
is corrected.
This light will turn on momentarily as a bulb check when
the engine is started.
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the tire and loading information placard.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinfla-
tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the tire and loading information
placard.
22. Voltage Light
This light monitors the electrical system volt-
age. The light should turn on momentarily as
the engine is started. If the light stays on or turns onwhile driving, it indicates a problem with the charging
system. Immediate service should be obtained.
23. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. The
light 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,
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.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you 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.
146 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures....................207
NNormal Starting......................207
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped........209
mTransmission Shifting...................209
N4 Speed Automatic Transmission..........209
N5 Speed Automatic Transmission..........214
NAutomatic Transmission Ð General
Information.........................219
mAutoStick Ð If Equipped................222
NAutoStick Operation...................222
mParking Brake.........................222
mBrake System.........................224NAnti-Lock Brake System................225
mPower Steering........................227
mTire Safety Information..................228
NTire Markings........................228
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........231
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........232
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............236
NTire Pressure.........................236
NTire Inflation Pressures.................237
NRadial-Ply Tires......................239
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........239
NTire Spinning........................240
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NTread Wear Indicators..................241
NReplacement Tires.....................241
NAlignment And Balance.................242
mSelf±Sealing TiresÐIf Equipped............243
mTire Pressure Monitor System Ð If Equipped. . 243
NTire Pressure Monitoring Ð Base System.....243
NTire Pressure Monitoring Ð
Premium System......................245
NGeneral Information...................247
mTire Chains...........................248
mSnow Tires...........................249
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........249
mFuel Requirements.....................250
NReformulated Gasoline.................251
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............251
NMMT In Gasoline.....................252NSulfur In Gasoline.....................252
NMaterials Added To Fuel................253
NFuel System Cautions..................253
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............253
mAdding Fuel..........................254
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............254
mVehicle Loading.......................256
NVehicle Certification Label...............256
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......257
NGross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........257
NOverloading.........................257
NLoading............................257
mTrailer Towing........................259
NWarranty Requirements.................259
mRecreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)
................261
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically ªpumpsº the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents the
rear wheels from over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces applied to the rear
axle.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay
on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
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