2008 CHRYSLER 300 brake light

The Headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). For details, refer to “Delay Turning Headlights
Off,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
Daytime Running Lights — If Equipped
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 nighttime
driving.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound to alert the driver
when the driver’s door is opened.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
The front fog light switch is on the headlight
switch below the dimmer control. To activate the
front fog lights, turn on the parking lights or the
low beam headlights and press the fog light switch.
An indicator light in the instrument cluster illuminates
when the fog lights are turned on.
NOTE:The fog lights will operate with the low beam
headlights or parking lights on. However, selecting the
high beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Multi-Function Lever
The multi-function lever controls the operation of the
turn signals, headlight beam selection, and passing
lights. The lever is located on the left side of the steering
column.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a convenience system. It is not a
substitute for active driving involvement. It is always the driver ’s
responsibility to be attentive of road, traffic, and weather conditions,
vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead, and most importantly
brake operation to ensure safe operation of the vehicle under all road
conditions. Your complete attention is always required while driving
to maintain safe control of your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in an accident or serious personal injury.
•The ACC system:
Does not react to pedestrians, oncoming vehicles, and stationary
objects (i.e. a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle).
Does not predict the lane curvature or the movement of preceding
vehicles and will not compensate for such changes.
Cannot take street, traffic, and weather conditions into account, and
may be limited upon adverse sight distance conditions.
Does not always fully recognize complex driving conditions, which
can result in wrong or missing distance warnings.
May not detect a vehicle ahead when strong light (for example,
sunrise or sunset) is directly shining on the front of the vehicle.
Can only apply a maximum of 25% of the vehicle’s braking capability,
and will not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
WARNING!
You should switch off the ACC system:
•When driving in fog; heavy rain; heavy snow;
sleet; heavy traffic; and complex driving situations
(i.e. in highway construction zones).
•When entering a turn lane or highway off ramp;
when driving on roads that are winding, icy,
snow-covered, slippery, or have steep uphill or
downhill slopes; and when towing a trailer.
•When circumstances do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

Tapping the lever down once will result ina1mph
(Canada 1 km/h) decrease in set speed. Each subsequent
tap of the lever results in a decrease of 1 mph (Canada
1 km/h).
NOTE:
•When you use the lever to decelerate, if the engine’s
braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to
reach the set speed, the brake system will automati-
cally slow the vehicle.
•The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up
hill and down hill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting
may occur while climbing uphill or descending down-
hill. This is normal operation and necessary to main-
tain set speed.
Setting the Following Distance in ACC
The specified following distance for ACC can be set by
varying the distance setting between long, medium, and
short. Using this distance setting and the vehicle speed,
ACC calculates and sets the distance to the vehicle ahead.
This distance setting displays in the EVIC.
1 — Sensor Bars. Default Distance Setting is Three Bars = Long.UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 159
3

You can change the distance setting by pushing the lever
away from you and release (“DISTANCE”). Each time
this is done, the distance setting toggles between long,
medium, and short.
If there is no vehicle ahead, the vehicle will maintain the
set speed. If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the
same lane, the EVIC displays the “Sensed Vehicle Indi-
cator” icon, and the system adjusts vehicle speed auto-
matically to maintain the distance setting, regardless of
the set speed.The vehicle will then maintain the set distance until:
•The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above the set
speed.
•The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or view of
the sensor.
•The vehicle ahead slows to a speed below 15 mph (24
km/h) and the system automatically disables itself.
•The distance setting is changed.
•The system disengages. (Refer to the information on
ACC Activation).
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited; how-
ever, the driver can always apply the brakes manually, if
necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the
ACC system applies the brakes.
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

the oil change indicator system (after performing the
scheduled maintenance) perform the following proce-
dure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not
start the engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions-per-minute (r.p.m. x 1000) for each
gear range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the
red area.8. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned off imme-
diately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page 393 for
more information.)
9. Anti-Lock Brake Light — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System.
The light will turn on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for as long as
four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
204 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
light inspected by an authorized dealer. (See page 325 for
more information.)
10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the key in the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. The light
should go out with the engine running. The
system will turn this light on continuously while the
engine running if it detects a malfunction in either the
ESP or the BAS or both. (See page 331 for more informa-
tion.)11. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is either not on during
starting, or stays on, or turns on while driving,
then have the system inspected at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. (See page 64 for more information.)
12. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity to a portion of the hydraulic system in the event of a
failure. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops
below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers due to a change in fluid level. If so,
the vehicle should have service performed and the brake
fluid level checked.
Immediate repair is necessary if brake failure is indicated.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light will
turn on in the event of an EBD failure. Immediate repair
of the ABS system is required in the event of an EBD
failure.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK position to
the ON position. The light should turn on for approxi-
mately two seconds and then turn off. The light will
remain on if the parking brake is applied or if a brake
fault is detected. If the parking brake is not applied and
the light remains on, or if the light does not turn on, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:The light will turn on when the ignition switch
in the ON position and the parking brake is applied. This
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does
not show the degree of brake application. (See page 324
for more information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light — If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as
little throttle as possible. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions, and
do not switch off the ESP. (See page 328 for more
information.) (See page 331 for more information.)
14. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads (H),
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H,” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
4