2005 CHRYSLER 300 warning

Folding Rear Seat
The rear seatbacks can be folded forward to provide an
additional storage area. Pull on the loops shown in the
illustration to fold down either or both seatbacks. These
loops can be tucked away when not in use.When the seat back is folded to the upright position make
sure it is latched by strongly pulling on the top of the seat
back above the seat strap.
WARNING!
The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with the
rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded down
position) should not be used as a play area by
children when the vehicle is in motion. They could
be seriously injured in an accident. Children should
be seated and using the proper restraint system.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
3

Next, move to the outside of the vehicle and push the
safety catch to the left. The safety catch is located under
the center front edge of the hood.
Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position.To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 6
inches (15 cm) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
Unlock the steering column by pulling out the handle
located directly below the column. To tilt the column
move the steering wheel up or down as desired. To
lengthen or shorten the steering column pull out or push
in the steering wheel. Lock the steering column in
position by pushing the handle in until it fully engages.WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The
telescoping adjustment must be locked while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the telescoping adjustment locked
could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
POWER TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING
COLUMNÐIF EQUIPPED
The power tilt/telescoping steering column lever is lo-
cated below the multi-function lever on the steering
column. To tilt the column move the lever up or down as
desired. To lengthen or shorten the steering column pull
the lever toward you or push the lever away from you as
desired.
Steering Column Handle
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 109
3

NOTE:Note: If your vehicle is equipped with the
memory seat feature your remote keyless entry transmit-
ter or memory buttons on the driver's door panel can be
used to recall the steering column tilt and telescopic
positions. Refer to the ªSeatsºsection for details.WARNING!
Moving the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The TCS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a
TCS-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering
110 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

Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The yellow BAS malfunction indicator light
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 continuously 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.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. The
yellow BAS malfunction indicator light and the
yellow ESP warning light in 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 continuously 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.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)Ð IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3

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