2005 CHRYSLER 300 SRT warning lights

WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the front airbag
covers or attempt to manually open them. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured be-
cause the airbags are not there to protect you. These
protective covers for the airbag cushions are de-
signed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
•If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not stack luggage or other cargo
up high enough to block the location of the side
curtain airbag. The area where the side curtain airbag
is located should remain free from any obstructions.
•If your vehicle is equipped with left and right side
curtain airbags, do not have any accessory items
installed which will alter the roof, including adding
a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that
require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for
installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the
roof of the vehicle for any reason.
•Do not drill, cut or tamper with the knee bolster in
any way.
•Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios etc.
Along with the seat belts, front airbags work with the
instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved
protection for the driver and front passenger. Side Cur-
tain Airbags also work with seat belts to improve occu-
pant protection.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types
of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to
severe frontal collisions.
NOTE:The passenger front airbag may not deploy
even when the driver front airbag has if the Occupant
Classification System (refer toOccupant Classification
Systemin this section) has determined the passenger
seat is empty or is occupied by someone that is classified
in thesmall childcategory.
If your vehicle is so equipped, the Side Curtain Airbag on
the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to
severe side collisions. But even in collisions where the
airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the
right position for the airbags to protect you properly.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2

If you do have a collision which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those
you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium
floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals.
They are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
•As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues,
see your doctor. If these particles settle on your
clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for cleaning.
•It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the electrical
system remains functional, vehicles equipped with
power door locks will unlock automatically. In addition,
approximately 5 seconds after the vehicle has stopped
moving, the interior lights will illuminate to aid visibility.
NOTE:The interior lights can only be deactivated if the
key is removed from the ignition switch or the vehicle is
driven.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the
engine is started. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as
possible. A continuous chime will sound when this
light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
2. Low Fuel Indicator Light
The Low Fuel Light will turn on when there is
approximately 2 gallons (9 liters) of fuel remain-
ing in the tank. This light will remain on until
fuel is added.
3. Front Fog Light Indicator
This light shows the front fog lights are ON.4. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrow will flash with the exterior turn signal
when the turn signal lever is operated.
If the vehicle electronics sense that the vehicle has
traveled about one mile with the turn signals on, a chime
will sound to alert you to turn the signals off. If either
indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective
outside light bulb.
5. Speedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
6. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. Refer to Electronic Vehicle Information Center
for specific messages.
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.
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

15. Trip Odometer Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. The letter “A” or
“B” will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in
and hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip
odometer to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer must be
in trip mode to reset.
16. High Beam Light
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the Multi-Function lever away from
the steering wheel to switch the headlights to high
beam.
17. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check. During the bulb check, if the driver’s seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb
check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains
unbuckled, the Seat Belt Warning Light will flash orremain on continuously. Refer toEnhanced Driver
Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert™)in the Occu-
pant Restraints section for more information.
19. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
20. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected the light will come on while
the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key
when the vehicle has completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running your vehicle will usually be drivable, how-
ever, see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or en-
gine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The
light will come on when the ignition is first turned on
138 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

BULB REPLACEMENT
Low Beam Headlamp, High Beam Headlamp, and
Park/Turn Lamp
High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID)
The headlights are a type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the circuit even with the
headlight switch off and the key removed.Because of
this, you should not attempt to service a headlight bulb
yourself. If a headlight bulb fails, take your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A transient high tension occurs at the bulb sockets of
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights when the
headlight switch is turned ON. It may cause serious
electrical shock or electrocution if not serviced prop-
erly. See your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:When HID headlights are turned on there is a
blue hue to the lights. This diminishes and becomes more
white after approximately 10 seconds, as the system
charges.
•Open the hood.
•Twist the appropriate bulb socket assembly counter-
clockwise and pull out. Pull the bulb out of the socket
assembly.
NOTE:Removal of the air cleaner filter housing may be
necessary prior to replacing bulbs on driver’s side head-
lamp assembly.
270 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 193
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 253
Adding Fuel.......................... 218
Adding Washer Fluid..............104,106,251
Additives, Fuel........................ 216
Adjustable Pedals....................... 94
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 248
Air Conditioning Filter................177,249
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........... 178
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 249
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 206
Airbag................................ 35
Airbag Deployment....................40,45
Airbag Light....................40,47,57,135
Airbag Maintenance...................... 47
Airbag, Side........................... 44
Airbag, Window......................36,44
Alarm System.......................... 22
Alignment and Balance.................. 210
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 165
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............253,275
Disposal............................ 255Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 193
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 135
Anti-Theft Security Alarm................. 22
Appearance Care....................... 260
Auto Down Power Windows............... 24
Auto Up Power Windows................. 24
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 17
Automatic Headlights................... 100
Automatic Temperature Control............ 171
Automatic Transmission............183,259,260
Adding Fluid.....................260,276
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 260
Fluid Change........................ 260
Fluid Level Check..................... 259
Fluid Type.......................... 276
Autostick..........................185,190
Ball Joints............................ 250
Battery............................... 247
Jump Starting........................ 229
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 21
Location.........................230,247
304 INDEX

Break-In Recommendations............... 56
Checking Oil Level.................... 241
Compartment........................ 237
Coolant (Antifreeze)................252,276
Cooling............................ 252
Exhaust Gas Caution................56,217
Fails to Start......................... 182
Fuel Requirements.................214,275
Oil ..........................241,275,276
Oil Change Interval................... 242
Oil Selection......................242,275
Overheating......................... 225
Temperature Gauge................... 137
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 243
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................ 243
Enhanced Accident Response Feature......... 46
Event Data Recorder..................... 47
Exhaust Gas Caution...............56,217,251
Exhaust System........................ 251
Exterior Folding Mirrors.................. 64
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 244Air Conditioning..................177,249
Engine Fuel......................... 245
Engine Oil.......................243,276
Engine Oil Disposal................... 243
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 224
Turn Signal.......................... 134
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 101
Floor Console.......................... 126
Fluid Capacities........................ 275
Fluid Leaks............................ 58
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 258
Cooling System....................... 252
Engine Oil.......................... 241
Power Steering....................... 249
Fluids............................... 276
Fog Lights.........................101,134
Folding Rear Seat....................... 93
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 232
Fuel................................. 214
Adding............................. 218
Additives........................... 216
INDEX 307
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