2007 CHRYSLER 300 SRT steering wheel

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes the ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System), the
TCS (Traction Control System), the BAS (Brake Assist
System), and the ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
These systems work together to enhance both vehicle
stability and control in various driving conditions.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions by controlling hydrau-
lic brake pressure. This prevents wheel lock-up to help
avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking. For
more information about ABS, refer to “Anti-Lock Brake
System” in Section 5 of this manual.
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
The BAS (Brake Assist System) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevail-
ing road conditions. The BAS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a
BAS-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.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
TheESP/TCS Indicator Light,located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightalso
flashes when TCS is active. If theESP/TCS Indicator
Lightbegins 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.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESP mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light may illuminate with the engine running. If this
should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the
left and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction
indicator light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
“ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light” and
the yellow “ESP/TCS Indicator 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.
The system will turn the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and you have driven the vehicle several miles at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the ESP is synchro-
nized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
STARTING AND OPERATING 219
5

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn off the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
before rocking the vehicle. For details, refer to “Electronic
Stability Program,” or “Traction Control” in this manual.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween “First” and R (Reverse), do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55 km/h) when you are stuck, and don’t
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 265
6

ExteriorLighting ........................ 95
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 279
Air Conditioning..................189,283
Engine Fuel......................... 279
Engine Oil.......................278,314
Engine Oil Disposal................... 278
Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 256
Turn Signal........................ 98,136
Flash-To-Pass........................... 99
Flooded Engine Starting.................. 197
Floor Console.......................... 127
Fluid Capacities........................ 313
Fluid Leaks............................ 58
Fluid Level Checks
Brake.............................. 293
Cooling System....................... 287
Engine Oil.......................... 275
Power Steering....................... 284
Fluids ............................... 314
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 314FogLights .......................... 98,136
Folding Rear Seat....................... 89
FreeingAStuckVehicle .................. 265
Front Suspension Ball Joints............... 284
Front Wheel Bearings.................... 295
Fuel................................. 246
Adding............................. 249
CleanAir ........................... 246
Ethanol............................. 247
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 249
Filter.............................. 279
Gasoline............................ 246
Gauge............................. 141
Hoses.............................. 292
Methanol........................... 247
OctaneRating .....................246,314
Requirements.....................246,313
Tank Capacity........................ 313
Fuel System Caution.................... 250
Fueling .............................. 249
Fuses................................ 300
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) .......... 116
350 INDEX

Rear Folding......................... 89
Reclining ............................ 86
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 15,140
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze).........288,314
Sentry Key (Immobilizer).................. 12
Service Assistance...................... 338
Service Contract........................ 340
Service Engine Soon Light
(MalfunctionIndicator) .................. 143
Service Manuals........................ 341
Setting the Clock.................157,160,171
Settings, Personal....................... 153
Shifting.............................. 199
Automatic Transmission.............199,203
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage............. 34
Shoulder Belts.......................... 30
Side Airbag............................ 43
Signals, Turn........................ 98,136
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 209
SmartBeams............................ 96
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 235
Snow Tires............................ 236
Spark Plugs........................... 278Speed Control (Cruise Control)............. 109
Speedometer.......................... 136
Starting.............................. 196
Automatic Transmission................ 197
Engine Fails to Start................... 197
Starting and Operating................... 196
Starting Procedures..................... 196
Steering
Column Controls...................... 98
Linkage............................ 284
Power...........................213,284
TiltColumn ......................... 107
Wheel, Tilt.......................... 107
Steering Wheel Mounted
Sound System Controls.................. 179
Storage ...........................127,306
Storage, Vehicle.....................188,306
StoringYourVehicle ..................... 306
Sun Roof............................. 121
Sunglasses Storage...................... 115
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 38
System, Navigation..................... 170
INDEX 357
10