2005 CHRYSLER 300 SRT traction control

•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a missile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be badly injured. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for children
from newborn size to the child almost large enough for an
adult safety belt. Always check the child seat Owner’s
Manual to ensure you have the right seat for your child. Use
the restraint that is correct for your child:
Infants and Child Restraints
•
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year oldandweigh at least 9 kg (20 lbs). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
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Headlight Washers.....................105
▫Adding Washer Fluid..................106

Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column.....106

Traction Control System (TCS)............107

Brake Assist System (BAS)...............108

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)..........109
▫Synchronizing ESP....................111

Electronic Speed Control.................111
▫To Activate..........................112
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............112
▫To Deactivate........................112
▫To Resume Speed.....................112
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............112
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............113

Overhead Console.....................114
▫Courtesy/Reading Lights................114▫Sunglasses Storage....................114

Garage Door Opener...................115
▫Programming Homelink................115
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 118
▫Using Homelink......................119
▫Erasing Homelink Buttons...............119
▫Reprogramming a Single Homelink Button . . . 119
▫Security............................119

Power Sunroof — If Equipped............120
▫Opening Sunroof - Express..............121
▫Closing Sunroof - Express...............121
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................121
▫Pinch Protect Override.................122
▫Venting Sunroof - Express...............122
▫Sunshade Operation...................122
▫Wind Buffeting.......................122
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 61
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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)
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.
The traction control system is part of the elec-
tronic stability program (ESP). 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 illuminated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To
return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS,
press the electronic stability program switch (the TCS
warning light in the instrument cluster goes out). Avoid
spinning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
The electronic stability program switch is located on the
center of the instrument panel. To turn the traction
control system OFF press the electronic stability program
switch until the traction control Indicator in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 107
3

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 electronic
stability program switch.
To turn the system back ON, press the electronic stability
program switch a second time until the traction control
Indicator turns OFF.NOTE:
•
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.
•The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system applies optimum pressure to the brakes in emer-
gency braking conditions than might otherwise be af-
forded solely by the driver’s braking style. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
antilock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous brak-
ing power during the stopping sequence. Do not reduce
brake pedal pressure.
Electronic Stability Program Switch
108 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 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.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 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
Electronic Stability Program Switch
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

self-calibrating. Therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt or soft until after the
break-in period. This is a normal condition, and pre-
cision shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
The selector lever is automatically locked while in the
PARK position. To move the selector lever out of the
PARK position, the brake pedal must be firmly depressed
before the shift lock will release.
Shift the selector lever to the desired position only when
the engine is idling normally and the brake pedal isapplied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The
vehicle may otherwise accelerate quickly when the selec-
tor lever is in DRIVE or REVERSE position.
Stopping
For brief stops, leave the transmission in gear and hold
the vehicle with the brake pedal. For longer stops with
the engine idling, shift into the NEUTRAL or PARK
position and hold the vehicle with the parking brake.
When stopping the vehicle uphill, do not hold it with the
accelerator; use the brake. This avoids unnecessary trans-
mission heat build-up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, control the vehicle speed by
gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and
never abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
only slight acceleration. Rocking a vehicle free in this
manner may cause the ABS or traction system malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on. Turn off the engine and
restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.
STARTING AND OPERATING 189
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7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the rear wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the rear wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet mud, loose sand, etc.).
Jump Starting
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 231
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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