2005 CHRYSLER 300 brake

The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor's information varies from the
driver's intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
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 ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP OFF switch (the ESP 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.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP OFF
switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
ESP OFF Switch
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. If the
power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunc-
tion indicator light may be illuminated with the engine
running. Turn the steering wheel completely to the left
and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light should go out.
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or discharged), the BAS malfunc-
tion indicator light may be illuminated with
the engine running. Turn the steering wheelcompletely to the left and then to the right. The BAS
malfunction indicator light should go out.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The
speed control switch consists of a stalk mounted lever
located on the steering column.
Electronic Speed Control Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3

To Activate:
Push and release the speed control lever (ªON/OFFº)
once and an LED on the lever will illuminate indicating
that the electronic speed control is ON. To turn the
system OFF, Push and release the lever (ªON/OFFº)
again and the system and indicator will turn off.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidently
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you aren't using it.
To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, pull the
lever toward you and release. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:Speed control will only function in third, fourth,
or fifth gear when in the Autostick Mode Ð if equipped.
NOTE:The speed control may not engage if a different
size tire is installed on one wheel, such as the compact
spare tire.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the lever away
from you (ªCANCELº) or normal braking while slowing
the vehicle will deactivate the speed control without
erasing the memory. Pushing and releasing the lever
(ªON/OFFº) or turning off the ignition erases the speed
memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push the lever up and
release (ªACC/RESº). Resume can be used at any speed
above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Vary the Speed Setting:
When the speed control is set, speed can be increased by
pushing the lever up and holding (ªACC/RESº). When
the lever is released, a new set speed will be established.
Pushing the lever up and releasing (ªACC/RESº) once
will result in a 1 mph (1.6 km/h) speed increase. Each
time the lever is pushed up and released, speed increases
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
8. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light illuminates, and will be accompanied
by a single chime to warn of an overheated
engine condition. The engine temperature is
critically hot, and the vehicle should be turned off
immediately. The vehicle should be serviced as soon
as possible.
9. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn 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 turns on while 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 if 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 benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer.
10. Brake Assist System (BAS) Warning
Light/Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Warning
Light Ð If Equipped
The yellow Brake Assist System (BAS) mal-
function indicator light in the instrument
cluster comes on with the key in the ignition
switch turned to the ªONº position. The
light should go out with the engine running. If the
BAS malfunction indicator light comes on continu-
ously with the engine running, a malfunction has been
detected in either the BAS, or the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP) system. If this light stays illuminated,
have the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
The yellow malfunction indicator lamp for
the ESP is combined with the BAS on some
models. The yellow BAS malfunction indica-
tor light and the yellow ESP warning light in
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141
4

the instrument cluster both come on with the key in
the ignition switch turned to the ªONº position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/
ESP malfunction indicator light comes on continu-
ously with the engine running, a malfunction has been
detected in either the BAS or the ESP system. If this
light stays illuminated, have the BAS and ESP checked
at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
11. Airbag Light
This light turns on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light is not
on during starting, stays on, or turns on
while driving, have the system inspected by an autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
12. Brake System 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, there is a low brake fluid level or there is a
problem with the anti-lock brake system.The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity 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 condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two 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 position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
Ð If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS
Ð if equipped.
14. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143
4

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
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine is
obtained without pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. Turn the key to the ªSTARTº position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the ªOFFº position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather(below220ÉF or229ÉC) To
insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 207
5