2005 CHRYSLER 300 SRT steering wheel

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to Electronic
Stability Program, or Traction Control System in your
Owner’s Manual for Details.
232 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Child Restraint......................49,54
Extender............................ 34
Front Seat............................ 29
Operating Instructions.................. 29
Pretensioners......................... 33
Reminder........................... 138
Seats................................. 87
Glide-To-Exit......................... 91
Heated.............................. 88
Lumbar Support....................... 88
Power.............................. 87
Rear Folding......................... 93
Reclining............................ 88
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............... 22
Selection of Coolant..................253,276
Selection of Oil........................ 242
Sentry Key............................ 12
Service Assistance...................... 294
Service Contract........................ 296
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................. 139
Service Manuals........................ 299
Setting the Clock....................151,152Settings, Personal....................... 147
Shift Speeds........................... 183
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 32
Side Airbag............................ 44
Signals, Turn.......................... 134
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 231
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 211
Snow Tires............................ 212
Spark Plugs........................... 244
Speed Control......................... 111
Speedometer.......................... 134
Starting.............................. 181
Engine Fails to Start................... 182
Starting and Operating................... 181
Steering
Linkage............................ 250
Power...........................196,249
Tilt Column......................... 106
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 106
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls............................ 166
Storage...........................126,268
Storage, Vehicle.....................177,268
INDEX 313
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