2005 CHRYSLER 300 SRT center console

For almost all properly installed rear facing child
restraints, the PAD indicator light will be illuminated
indicating that the front passenger air bag is turned off
and will not inflate. If the PAD indicator light is not
illuminated,DO NOTassume the air bag is turned off
and move the child restraint to the rear seat. A
deploying passenger air bag can cause death or seri-
ous injury to a child in a rear facing infant seat.
NOTE:Even though this vehicle is equipped with an
occupant classification system, children 12 years and under
should always ride buckled up in a rear seat in an appro-
priate child restraint (see section on child restraints).
Front Passenger Seat
OccupantPassenger Airbag
Disable (PAD) In-
dicator LightAirbag
Status
Adult OFF ON
Grocery Bags, Heavy
Briefcases and Other
Relatively Light ObjectsON OFF
Empty or Very Small
ObjectsOFF* OFF
* Since the system senses weight, some small objects
will turn the PAD Indicator Light on.
The OCS classifies an occupant using weight sensors
mounted in the base of the front passenger seat. Any
weight on the seat will be sensed by the system. Objects
hanging on the seat or other passengers pushing down
on the seat will also be sensed. The weight of an adult
will cause the system to turn the airbag on. In this case,
the OCS has classified the occupant of the seat as an
adult. An adult occupant needs to sit in a normal position
(with their feet on or near the floor) in order to be
properly classified. Reclining the seat back too far may
change how an occupant is classified by the OCS.
Drivers and adult passengers should verify that the PAD
Indicator Light is not illuminated when an adult is riding
in the front passenger seat. If an adult occupant’s weight
is transferred to another part of the vehicle (like the door
or instrument panel), the weight sensors in the seat may
not properly classify the occupant. Objects lodged under
the seat or between the seat and the center console can
prevent the occupant’s weight from being measured
properly and may result in the occupant being improp-
erly classified. Ensure that the front passenger seat back
does not touch anything placed on the back seat because
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:
•Do not modify the front passenger seat assembly or
components in any way.
•Do not modify the front seat center console or center
position seat in any way.
•Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. Al-
ways use the correct seat cover specified for the
vehicle.
•Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover.
•Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those
approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar.
•At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fas-
tener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/
Mopar.
WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the front passenger seat assembly, its related compo-
nents, or seat cover may inadvertently change the
airbag deployment in case of a frontal crash. This
could result in death or serious injury to the front
seat passenger if the vehicle is involved in an acci-
dent. A modified vehicle may not comply with
required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS).
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the
Occupant Restraint Controller detects a moderate-to-
severe collision, to help restrain the driver and front
passenger, and then to immediately deflate.
NOTE:A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2

Until Exit” under “Personal Settings” in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center section of this manual for
details.
Sunroof Fully Closed
Press the switch forward and release to ensure that the
sunroof is fully closed.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
There are two 12-volt electrical outlets on this vehicle.
Both of the outlets are protected by a fuse.
The 12 volt power outlet next to the ash receiver tray (if
equipped with an optional Smoker’s Package) has power
available only when the ignition is on. This outlet will
also operate a conventional cigar lighter unit.
WARNING!
Do not place ashes inside the cubby bin located on
the center console on vehicles not equipped with the
ash receiver tray. A fire leading to bodily injury
could result.
NOTE:If desired, the power outlet next to the ash tray
receiver (if equipped) can be converted by your autho-
rized dealer to provide power with the ignition switch in
the LOCK position.
Front Power Outlet
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 123
3

The center console outlet is powered directly from the
battery (power available at all times). Items plugged into
this outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent
engine starting.Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.), will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
alternator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or acces-
sory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage.
Center Console Power Outlet
124 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CUPHOLDERS
Front Seat Cupholders
The cupholders are located in the forward edge of the
center console.
Push down on the cover as shown to expose the cuphold-
ers. Close the cover when the cupholders are no longer
needed.
Rear Seat Cupholders
The rear seat cupholders are located in the center armrest
between the rear seats. The cup holders are positioned
forward in the armrest and side-by-side to provide
convenient access to beverage cans or bottles while
maintaining a resting place for the rear occupants’ el-
bows.
Front Seat Cupholders
Rear Seat Cupholders
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
3

STORAGE
Console Features
The center console includes a large internal storage bin.
The storage bin has a rubber mat for noise control. The
bin is also large enough to hold a portable AC/DC
converter to power lap tops, games, or other electrical
equipment. Two slots at the top right side of the bin
provide clearance for power cords to pass conveniently
out of the bin with the lid closed. This feature is ideal for
games, laptops, cell phones or other electrical equipment.
A four-slot coin holder can hold US dollar coins or
Canadian one and two-dollar coins, as well as quarters,
dimes and nickels. The bin has a Front-opening lid for
easy access inside by either the driver or front passenger.
There are also two shift bezel cubby bins with rubber
mats for holding small items. For vehicles not equipped
with the navigation radio, an extra storage bin is pro-
vided below the climate controls that holds up to four CD
jewel cases. The inside portion of the arm rest lid contains
a pen holder, a tissue holder, and a tire gauge holder.
Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
The tie-downs located on cargo area floor and on the rear
trim panels should be used to safely secure loads when
vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
•Cargo tie-down hooks are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion a hook could pull loose and allow the child
seat to come loose. A child could be badly injured.
Use only the anchors provided for child seat
tethers.
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and
vehicle handling. To avoid loss of control result-
ing in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting and
select the direction of the air by rotating the right mode
knob to one of the following positions.
•Defrost
Air is directed to the windshield through the
outlets at the base of the windshield. Air is
also directed to the front door windows through the
side window demister grilles.
•
Defrost/Floor
Air flows through the front and rear floor
outlets and the outlets at the base of the
windshield. Air is also directed to the front
door windows through the side window demister
grilles.
•
Floor
Air flows through the floor outlets located
under the instrument panel and into the rear
seating area through vents under the front seats.
•
Bi-Level
Air flows both through the outlets located in
the instrument panel and those located on thefloor. Air flows through the registers in the back of
the center console to the rear seat passengers. These
registers can be closed to block airflow.
•
Panel
Air flows through the outlets located in the
instrument panel. Air flows through the regis-
ters in the back of the center console to the rear seat
passengers. These registers can be closed to block
airflow.
Depress this button to turn on and off the air
conditioning during manual operation only. Con-
ditioned outside air is then directed through the
outlets selected on the mode control dial. The button
includes an LED that illuminates when manual operation
is selected, and will cause an audible beep.
NOTE:To manually control the air conditioning the
mode selector must be moved out of the AUTO position.
Press this button to turn on the rear window
defroster and the heated side mirrors (if
equipped). An LED in the button will illuminate and an
audible beep indicates that the rear window defroster is
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4

▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers.....251
▫Exhaust System......................251
▫Cooling System.......................252
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......256
▫Brakes.............................257
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................258
▫Fuel System Hoses....................259
▫Automatic Transmission................259
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........260
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................260
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 264

Power Distribution Centers...............264
▫Front Power Distribution Center...........264▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........266

Vehicle Storage........................268

Replacement Light Bulbs................269

Bulb Replacement......................270
▫Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp,
And Park/Turn Lamp..................270
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Lamp, And Backup
Lamp..............................272
▫License Lamp........................274

Fluids And Capacities...................275

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And
Genuine Parts
.........................276
▫Engine.............................276
▫Chassis............................276
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE