2006 CHRYSLER 300 lock

Next, move to the outside of the vehicle and push the
safety catch to the left. The safety catch is located under
the center front edge of the hood.
Use the hood prop rod (if equipped) to secure the hood in
the open position.
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 6
inches (15 cm) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
LIGHTS
Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights
These lights are mounted between the sun visors on the
overhead console. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn the light
OFF. The lights also turn on when a door is opened or the
dimmer control is turned fully upward, past the second
detent.
Hood Safety Catch
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Interior Lights
The interior lights come on when a door is opened.
To protect the battery, the interior lights will turn off
automatically 10 minutes after the ignition switch is
moved to the LOCK position. This will occur if the
interior lights were switched on manually or are on
because a door is open. This includes the glove box, but
not the trunk light. To restore interior light operation,
either turn the ignition switch ON or cycle the light
switch.
Dimmer Control
The dimmer control is part of the
headlight switch, and is located on the
left side of the instrument panel. With
the parking lights or headlights on,
rotating the dimmer control upward
will increase the brightness of the in-
strument panel lights.
Dome Light Position
Rotate the dimmer control completely upward to the
second detent to turn on the interior lights. The interior
lights will remain on when the dimmer control is in this
position.
Interior light Defeat (OFF)
Rotate the dimmer control to the extreme bottom“OFF”
position. The interior lights will remain off when the
doors are open.
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness Feature)
Rotate the dimmer control upward to the first detent.
This feature brightens all text displays such as the
Overhead Console
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
3

Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights
Rotate the headlight switch clockwise to the first detent
for parking light and instrument panel light operation.
Turn to the second detent for headlight, park light and
instrument panel light operation.
Automatic Headlights–If Equipped
This system automatically turns your headlights ON or
OFF based on ambient light levels. To turn the system ON,
rotate the headlight switch counter-clockwise to the AUTO
(A) position. When the system is ON, the Headlight Time
Delay feature is also ON. This means your headlights will
stay ON for up to 90 seconds after you turn the ignition
switch OFF. To turn the Automatic System OFF, move the
headlight switch out of the AUTO (A) position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come ON in the Automatic mode.
Headlights On With Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
The headlights will turn on approximately 10 seconds
after the wipers are turned on if the headlight switch is
placed in the AUTO position. The headlights will also
turn off when the wipers are turned off if they were
turned on by this feature. This feature can be turned on or
off using the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)—If equipped. Refer to”Headlights On With
Wipers”in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
section of this manual for details.
Headlight Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 103
3

SmartBeams—If Equipped
The SmartBeam system provides increased forward light-
ing at night by automating high beam control through
the use of a digital camera mounted on the inside
rearview mirror. This camera detects vehicle specific light
and automatically switches from high beams to low
beams until the approaching vehicle is out of view.
To Activate
1. Select“Automatic High Beams—ON”with the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“EVIC—Personal Settings”in Section 4 of this manual
for details.
2. Rotate the headlight switch counter-clockwise to the
AUTO (A) position.
3. Push the Multi-Function Lever away from you to
switch the headlights to HIGH BEAM position.
NOTE:This system will not activate until the vehicle is
at or above 25 mph (40 km/h).
To Deactivate
Perform either of the following steps to deactivate the
SmartBeam system.
1. Pull the Multi-Function Lever towards you to switch
the headlights from the HIGH BEAM to the LOW BEAM
position.
2. Rotate the headlight switch clockwise from the AUTO
(A) to the ON position.
NOTE:Broken, muddy, or obstructed headlights and
taillights of vehicles in the field of view will cause
headlights to remain on longer (closer to the vehicle).
Also, dirt, film, and other obstructions on the windshield
or camera lens will cause the system to function improp-
erly.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)
The high beam headlights will come on as Daytime
Running Lights whenever the ignition switch is on, the
headlights are off, and the parking brake is off. The
headlight switch must be used for normal night time
driving.
104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
Unlock the steering column by pulling out the handle
located directly below the column. To tilt the column
move the steering wheel up or down as desired. To
lengthen or shorten the steering column pull out or push
in the steering wheel. Lock the steering column in
position by pushing the handle in until it fully engages.WARNING!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The
telescoping adjustment must be locked while driv-
ing. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the telescoping adjustment locked
could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Headlight Washer Fluid ReservoirTilt Steering Column Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

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.
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE—IF EQUIPPED
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLink),
storage for sunglasses, and an optional power sunroof
switch.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
At the forward end of the console are two courtesy/
reading lights.
Press the lens to turn these lights on. Press a second time
to turn the lights off.
The lights also turn on when a front door or rear door is
opened. The lights will also turn on when the unlock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed.
Sunglasses Storage
At the rear of the console a compartment is provided for
the storage of a pair of sunglasses.
The storage compartment access is apush/pushdesign.
Push the finger depression on the overhead console to
open. Push the finger depression to close.
Overhead Console
122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE