2008 CHRYSLER 300 C steering wheel

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) —
IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, 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 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.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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
5

CAUTION!
When the ESP/TCS indicator light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Avoid spin-
ning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and it will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
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 and ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light and the
STARTING AND OPERATING 333
5

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, 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 ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:For vehicles equipped with ESP, refer to\4Syn-
chronizing ESP\4under\4Electronic Stability Program\4in
Section 5 of this manual if the ESP/BAS light (in the
instrument cluster) remains on continuously after start-
ing the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
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)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. For details, refer to
“Electronic Stability Program” or “Traction Control Sys-
tem” in this manual.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 407
6

\3Air Conditioner Maintenance.............430
\3A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............431
\3Power Steering — Fluid Check............432
\3Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........432
\3Steering Linkage......................433
\3Body Lubrication.....................433
\3Windshield Wiper Blades................433
\3Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers —
If Equipped.........................434
\3Exhaust System......................434
\3Cooling System.......................435
\3Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
\3Fuel System.........................441\3Brake System........................441
\3Automatic Transmission................444
\3All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....445
\3Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........446
\3Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................446
\3Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 450
\1Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........451
\3Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....451
\3Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......453
\1Vehicle Storage........................458
\1Replacement Bulbs......................459
\1Bulb Replacement......................460
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System....................... 436
Engine Oil........................421,422
Power Steering........................ 432
Transfer Case......................... 445
Fluids................................ 475
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 475
Fog Lights..........................134,202
Folding Rear Seat........................ 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 407
Front Suspension Ball Joints................ 432
Front Wheel Bearings..................... 446
Fuel................................. 365
Adding............................. 369
Additives............................ 367
Clean Air............................ 366
Conserving.......................... 219
Ethanol............................. 366
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 369
Filter............................... 426Gasoline............................ 365
Gauge.............................. 209
Hoses.............................. 441
Materials Added....................... 367
Methanol............................ 366
Octane Rating......................365,475
Requirements......................... 365
Saver Mode.......................... 219
Specifications......................... 475
Tank Capacity........................ 473
Fuel System Caution..................... 370
Fueling............................... 369
Fuses................................ 451
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink\2) ........... 177
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)...............369,417
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 366
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 365
Conserving.......................... 219
INDEX 503
10

Starting and Operating.................... 299
Starting Procedures...................... 299
Steering
Column Controls...................... 134
Column Lock......................... 144
Linkage............................. 433
Power...........................327,432
Tilt Column.......................144,145
Wheel, Tilt........................144,145
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 279
Storage............................190,458
Storage, Vehicle......................291,458
Storing Your Vehicle...................... 458
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 407
Sun Roof.............................. 184
Sunglasses Storage....................... 177
Sunroof Maintenance..................... 186
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 52Sway Control, Trailer..................... 377
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 424
System, Navigation...................... 252
System, Remote Starting.................... 27
Tachometer............................ 204
Telescoping Steering Column.............144,145
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC)........ 284
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......207,393
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 71
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Tilt Steering Column...................144,145
Time Delay, Headlight.................... 133
Tip Start............................... 14
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 340
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 338
Tire Markings.......................... 334
Tire Safety Information.................... 334
514 INDEX