2006 CHRYSLER 300 LX Owners Manual

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)—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.
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
traction control 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.
The traction control switch is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the traction control switch until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.
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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 traction control
switch.To turn the system back ON, press the traction control
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.
REAR PARK ASSIST SYSTEM—IF EQUIPPED
This system is used to help drivers determine if an
obstacle is in the way of the vehicle while it is backing up
in addition to the use of inside rearview and outside
mirrors.
Traction Control Switch
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When the driver selects Reverse the system scans for
objects behind the vehicle using four sensors located in
the rear bumper. Objects can be detected from up to 71
inches (180 cm). A warning display above the rear
window provides both visible and audible warnings
indicating the range of the object.WARNING!
Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Park Assist System. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind you, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before backing up.
Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury
or death.
The display contains two sets of yellow and red LEDs
that can be viewed from the driver seat using the rear
view mirror. Each side of the vehicle has its own warning
LEDs. The system provides a visual warning by illumi-
nating one or more yellow LEDs as the vehicle gets closer
to the object. As the vehicle continues to approaches the
object, one red LED is illuminated and the system emits
a series of short beeps. The tone will remain constant and
both red LEDs are illuminated once the vehicle is within
12 inches (30.5 cm) of the object.
Rear Park Assist Indicator
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NOTE:The Rear Park Assist System displays the outer
most yellow LED’s at a slightly dimmer level to indicate
that the system is ON.
NOTE:When an audio tone is indicated by the Rear
Park Assist display the system will MUTE the radio if it
is turned on.
The system can be turned on or off through the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) when the vehicle is in
PARK. Refer to“Personal Settings”in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center section of this manual for
details.
NOTE:
•
Ensure that the rear bumper is free of dirt and debris
to keep the system operating properly.
•Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of the system.
If“Service Park Assist System”appears in the EVIC after
making sure the rear bumper is clean please see your
authorized dealer.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)—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 the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefit of the system, you must apply con-
tinuous braking power during the stopping sequence. Do
not reduce brake pedal pressure.
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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.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The yellow ESP/BAS
malfunction indicator light and the yellow ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster both
come on when the ignition switch is turned to the“ON”
position. They should go out with the engine running. Ifthe ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light comes on con-
tinuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in either the ESP or the BAS system. If this
light stays illuminated, have the ESP and BAS checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)—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.
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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
ESP OFF Button
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wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS. If the power supply was
interrupted (battery disconnected or dis-
charged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light may be illuminated with the engine running. Turn
the steering wheel completely to the left and then to the
right. The ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light should
go out.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The
speed control switch consists of a stalk mounted lever
located on the steering column.
Speed Control Lever
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To Activate:
Push and release the speed control lever (“ON/
OFF”) once and the electronic speed control
indicator light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate indicating that the electronic speed
control is ON. To turn the system OFF, Push and release
the lever (“ON/OFF”) again and the system and indica-
tor will turn off.
To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, pull the
lever toward you and release. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:Speed control will only function in third, fourth,
or fifth gear when in the Autostick Mode—if equipped.
NOTE:The speed control may not engage if a different
size tire is installed on one wheel, such as the compact
spare tire.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the lever away
from you (“CANCEL”) or normal braking while slowing
the vehicle will deactivate the speed control without
erasing the memory. Pushing and releasing the lever
(“ON/OFF”) or turning off the ignition erases the speed
memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push the lever up and
release (“ACC/RES”). Resume can be used at any speed
above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Vary the Speed Setting:
When the speed control is set, speed can be increased by
pushing the lever up and holding (“ACC/RES”). When
the lever is released, a new set speed will be established.
Pushing the lever up and releasing (“ACC/RES”) once
will result in a 1 mph (1.6 km/h) speed increase. Each
time the lever is pushed up and released, speed increases
so that pushing the lever up and releasing three times
will increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h), etc.
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