2006 CHRYSLER 300 brakes

An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements—Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

▫Body Lubrication.....................309
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................310
▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers—
If Equipped.........................310
▫Exhaust System......................311
▫Cooling System.......................312
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......316
▫Brakes.............................317
▫Brake Fluid Level Check................318
▫Fuel System Hoses....................319
▫Automatic Transmission................319
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD)—If Equipped.....320
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........321
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................321
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders—
300 Models..........................324▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders—
300C And 300 Touring Models............325

Power Distribution Centers...............325
▫Front Power Distribution Center...........325
▫Rear Power Distribution Center...........328

Vehicle Storage........................332

Replacement Light Bulbs................332

Bulb Replacement......................334
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, Inner Park Light, And Outer
Park Light–300 Models................334
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light–300C.............336
▫Backup Light, Side Marker Light, And Tail/Stop
Turn Light—300 Models...............338
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, And Backup
Light—300C Models..................340
▫License Light........................343
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Schedules section of this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 317
7

NOTE:Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be performed
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for
surface cracking, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any
evidence of cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose
should be replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration
of the hose can take place resulting in a possibility of a
burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light indicates system failure.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL”mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
318 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Front Power Distribution Center Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 20 Amp
YellowLeft High Intensity Discharge
Headlight - if equipped
2 20 Amp
YellowRight High Intensity Discharge
Headlight - if equipped
3 15 Amp
BlueAdjustable Pedals - if
equipped
4 20 Amp
YellowAC Clutch/Horn
5 20 Amp
YellowHeadlight Washer - If
Equipped
6 15 Amp
BlueFront Control Module (FCM)
7 20 Amp
YellowFog Lights
8 15 Amp
BlueLights–License, Park, Side
Marker, Stop, Turn
9 15 Amp
BlueFront Control Module (FCM)
10 5 Amp
OrangePowertrain Control Module
(PCM)/Starter
Cavity Fuse Circuits
11 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shutdown/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
12——
13——
14 25 Amp
ClearPowertrain Control Module
(PCM)
15 25 Amp
ClearInjectors, Ignition Coils
16——
17 30 Amp
PinkAntilock Brakes System (ABS)
Valves/Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)
18 30 Amp
PinkWindshield Wiper/Washer
19 50 Amp
RedRadiator Fan
20 20 Amp
BlueStarter
21 50 Amp
RedAntilock Brakes System (ABS)
Pump Motor
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

Cavity Fuse Circuits
18 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20——
21——
22——
23——
24——
25——
26——
27 10 Amp
RedAirbag/Occupant Classifica-
tion Module
28 10 Amp
RedCurtain Airbag - if equipped
29 5 Amp
OrangeAntilock Brakes Module/
Cluster/Front Control Module
(FCM)/Powertrain Control
Module (PCM)/Sentry Key
Remote Keyless Entry/Stop
LightsCavity Fuse Circuits
30 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power Mirrors
- if equipped/Steering Control
Module
31——
32——
33——
34——
35 5 Amp
OrangeAmplifier - if equipped/
Antenna/Ignition Delay/
Overhead Console - if
equipped/Passenger Door
Lock & Express Power Win-
dow Switch - if equipped/
Power Mirrors - if equipped/
Rain Sensor - if equipped/
Rear Defrost
36 20 Amp
YellowHands Free Phone - if
equipped/Media System
Monitor DVD - if equipped/
Radio/Satellite Receiver - if
equipped
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331
7

Synthetic........................... 302
Viscosity.........................301,344
Onboard Diagnostic System............295,296
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 123
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overhead Console...................... 122
Overheating, Engine..................146,274
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,369
Panic Alarm........................... 22
Park Assist System, Rear................. 114
Parking Brake......................... 223
Parking On Hill........................ 224
Passing Light.......................... 106
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 98
Personal Settings....................... 158
Pets.................................. 59
Phone, Cellular......................... 70
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 70
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 239
Power
Brakes............................. 225
Distribution Center.................... 326Door Locks.......................... 16
Mirrors............................. 69
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 131
Seats............................... 90
Steering............................ 228
Steering, Checking.................... 309
Sunroof............................ 128
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 112
Windows............................ 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 38
Preparation for Jacking................... 276
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 36
Programmable Electronic Features....124,127,158
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............124,127
Radial Ply Tires........................ 246
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 314
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 163
Radio Operation..................164,171,192
Radio Remote Controls.................. 189
Radio, Satellite......................... 183
382 INDEX