2007 CHRYSLER 300 child restraint

LATCH — Child Seat Anchorage System (Lower
Anchors and Tether for CH ildren)
Your vehicle’s rear seat is equipped with the child
restraint anchorage system called LATCH. The LATCH
system provides for the installation of the child restraint
without using the vehicle’s seat belts, instead securing
the child restraint using lower anchorages and upper
tether straps from the child restraint to the vehicle
structure.
LATCH-compatible child restraint systems are now avail-
able. However, because the lower anchorages are to be
introduced over a period of years, child restraint systems
having attachments for those anchorages will continue to
have features for installation using the vehicle’s seat
belts. Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for
connection to the top tether anchorages have been avail-
able for some time. For some older child restraints, many
child restraint manufacturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retrofit kits. You are urged to take advantage of all
the available attachments provided with your child re-
straint in any vehicle.All three rear-seating positions have lower anchorages
that are capable of accommodating LATCH-compatible
child seats. You shouldNEVERinstall LATCH-
compatible child seats such that two seats share a com-
mon lower anchorage. If installing child seats in adjacent
rear-seating positions, or if your child restraints are not
LATCH-compatible, install the restraints using the vehi-
cle’s seat belts.
LATCH Anchorages
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System
We urge that you carefully follow the directions of the
manufacturer when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
were provided with the child restraint system.
The rear seat lower anchorages are round bars,
located at the rear of the seat cushion where it
meets the seat back, and are just visible when
you lean into the rear seat to install the child
restraint. You will easily feel them if you run your finger
along the intersection of the seatback and seat cushion
surfaces.
In addition, there are tether strap anchorages
behind each rear seating position located in the
panel between the rear seat back and the rear
window. These tether strap anchorages are
under a plastic cover with this symbol on it.Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward-
facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether strap anchorage and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.
You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next,
attach the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the
seat cover material. Then rotate the tether anchorage
cover directly behind the seat where you are placing the
child restraint and attach the tether strap to the anchor-
age, being careful to route the tether strap to provide the
most direct path between the anchor and the child
restraint. Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat,
removing slack in the straps according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
2

NOTE:
•
Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seat backs as you remove slack in
the strap.
•When using the LATCH attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not
being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through
the child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This
should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an
inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle
that the seat belts are not toys and should not be
played with, and never leave your child unattended in
the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
belt
The passenger seat belts are equipped with either cinch-
ing latch plates or automatic locking retractors, which are
designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child
restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip.
Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder
belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch plate will
keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt system will
loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally, and pull
it tight if necessary.
Seat belts with an automatic locking retractor have a
distinctive label on the seat belt webbing. The seat belt
must be in the automatic locking mode in order to enable
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

a child restraint to be tightly installed. Refer to “Auto-
matic Locking Mode” in this section for details. A locking
clip should not be necessary once the automatic locking
feature is enabled. Position the shoulder and lap belt on
the child restraint. The automatic locking retractor is
activated by first attaching the child seat, then pulling all
of the webbing out of the retractor, then allowing back in.
Tighten webbing. To release, simply unbuckle the seat
belt by depressing the button, allowing the webbing to
retract into the retractor.
In the rear seat, you may have trouble tightening the
lap/shoulder belt on the child restraint because the
buckle or latch plate is too close to the belt path opening
on the restraint. Disconnect the latch plate from the
buckle and twist the short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate into the buckle with the
release button facing out.
If the belt still can’t be tightened, or if by pulling and
pushing on the restraint loosens the belt, you may need
to do something more. Disconnect the latch plate from
the buckle, turn the buckle around, and insert the latchplate into the buckle again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a different seating position.
To attach a child restraint tether strap:
1. Rotate the cover over the anchor directly behind the
seat where you are placing the child restraint.
2. Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat.
Tether Strap Mounting
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
2

3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor (B) and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
NOTE:Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into
the opening between the seat backs as you remove slack
in the strap.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in Section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 217
Catalytic Converter..................... 341
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............188,195
Cellular Phone.......................... 72
Chains, Tire........................... 279
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 314
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 264
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 333
Child Restraint...................50,52,55,56
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........54,55
Child Safety Locks....................... 25
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 290
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 360
Climate Control........................ 219
Clock.......................186,190,196,207
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 218
Compact Spare Tire..................... 274
Compass............................. 178
Compass Calibration.................... 178
Compass Variance...................... 179
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 175Console.............................. 153
Console, Floor......................... 153
Console, Overhead...................... 140
Contract, Service....................... 408
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 351
Cooling System........................ 349
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 351
Coolant Capacity..................... 382
Coolant Level.....................349,352
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 352
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 350
Inspection........................... 352
Points to Remember................... 352
Pressure Cap........................ 351
Radiator Cap........................ 351
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....350,382,383
Cruise Control (Speed Control).......... 118,121
Cruise Light........................... 163
Cup Holder.....................151,362,363
Customer Assistance.................... 406
Data Recorder, Event..................... 49
Daytime Running Lights................. 106
416 INDEX

High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer)
Switch............................... 107
Hitches
Trailer Towing....................... 301
Holder, Cup........................... 151
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener)
Transmitter........................... 141
Hood Release.......................... 101
Hoses............................353,354
Ignition............................... 11
Key ................................ 11
Ignition Key Removal.................... 11
Illuminated Entry....................... 17
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................. 13
Indicator, Traction Control................ 257
Infant Restraint.......................50,51
Inflation Pressure Tires................... 169
Information Center, Vehicle............... 171
Inside Rearview Mirror................... 68
Instrument Cluster................161,162,163
Instrument Panel and Controls............. 160
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 362Interior Appearance Care................. 361
Interior Fuses.......................... 363
Interior Lights......................... 108
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers).......... 110
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 315
Jack Operation......................... 317
Jacking Instructions..................... 317
Jump Starting......................... 322
Key, Programming....................... 14
Key, Replacement....................... 14
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer).................. 13
Key-In Reminder........................ 12
Keyless Entry System..................... 17
Keys................................. 11
Knee Bolster........................... 41
Lane Change and Turn Signals............. 107
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 33
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) . . . 54,55
420 INDEX

Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........ 149
Seats............................... 92
Steering.........................255,346
Steering, Checking.................... 346
Sunroof............................ 146
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column......... 116
Windows............................ 27
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 40
Preparation for Jacking................... 314
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 38
Programmable Electronic Features....142,145,182
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).............21,142,145
Radial Ply Tires........................ 274
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 351
Radio Broadcast Signals.................. 187
Radio, Navigation...................... 206
Radio Operation..................188,195,219
Radio Remote Controls.................. 215
Radio, Satellite......................207,212
Radio (Sound Systems)................188,195Rain Sensitive Wiper System............... 111
Rear Park Assist System.................. 136
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 97
Rear Window Defroster.................. 229
Rear Window Features................... 229
Rearview Mirrors........................ 68
Reclining Front Seats..................... 93
Recorder, Event Data..................... 49
Recreational Towing..................... 309
Reformulated Gasoline................... 290
Refrigerant............................ 345
Reminder, Seat Belt...................... 38
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)............... 17
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls...... 215
Remote Trunk Release.................... 31
Replacement Parts...................... 334
Replacement Tires...................... 277
Reporting Safety Defects................. 409
Restraint, Head......................... 94
Restraints, Child........................ 50
Restraints, Occupant..................... 32
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck.............. 324
Rotation, Tires......................... 280
424 INDEX