2008 CHRYSLER 300 Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................12
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN).............12
▫FOB With Integrated Key.................12
▫Tip Start Feature.......................14
▫Ignition Key Removal...................14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................15

Sentry Key............................15
▫Replacement Keys......................16
▫Customer Key (FOB) Programming..........17▫General Information....................18

Security Alarm System — If Equipped.........18
▫Rearming Of The System.................18
▫To Arm The System.....................19
▫To Disarm The System...................19

Illuminated Entry System..................20

Remote Keyless Entry.....................20
▫To Unlock The Doors...................21
▫To Lock The Doors.....................23
2

▫To Unlatch The Trunk...................24
▫Using The Panic Alarm..................25
▫Programming Additional Transmitters........25
▫Transmitter Battery Service...............25
▫General Information....................26

Remote Starting System — If Equipped........27
▫How To Use Remote Start................27

Door Locks............................29
▫Manual Door Locks.....................29
▫Power Door Locks.....................30
▫Child Protection Door Lock...............33

Windows.............................36
▫Power Windows.......................36▫Wind Buffeting........................39

Trunk Lock And Release...................40

Trunk Safety Warning.....................41
▫Trunk Emergency Release................41

Occupant Restraints......................42
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................43
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure.....48
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners...................48
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert) ..........................49
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped.....50
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............51
▫Seat Belt Extender......................51
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag............52
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR)...............65
▫Child Restraint........................67

Engine Break-In Recommendations...........76

Safety Tips............................77
▫Transporting Passengers.................77▫Lock Your Vehicle......................77
▫Exhaust Gas..........................78
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................79
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................79
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Fob with Integrated Key and a Wireless
Ignition Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You
can insert the double-sided integrated key into the igni-
tion switch with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similar to an
ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three of
which are detented and one spring-loaded. The detented
positions are LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START position
is a spring-loaded momentary contact position. When
released from the START position, the switch automati-
cally returns to the detented ON position.
Fob with Integrated Key
The Fob with Integrated Key operates the ignition switch.
It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter and a valet key, which stores in the rear of the Fob.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the Fob go dead. The valet key is
also for locking the glove box. You can keep the valet key
with you when valet parking.
To remove the valet key from the Fob, slide the mechani-
cal latch at the top of the Fob sideways with your thumb
and then pull the key out of the Fob with your other
hand.
NOTE:You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinders with either side up.
Valet Key Removal
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the selector lever in “P” (Park). Turn the key to the
LOCK position and then remove the key.
NOTE:
•For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window
switches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for 10 minutes after
the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position.
Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
•For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power windowswitches, radio, power sunroof (if equipped), and
power outlets will remain active for up to 60 minutes
after the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion. Opening either front door will cancel this feature.
The time for this feature is programmable. For details,
refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories Until Exit,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE:The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Fob with Integrated
Key and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) to prevent unau-
thorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only Fobs that are
programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in
two (2) seconds if someone uses an invalid Fob to start
the engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for
three (3) seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on
after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used
an invalid Fob to start the engine. Either of these condi-
tions will result in the engine being shut off after two (2)
seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
NOTE:
•The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and
loss of security protection.
•Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Fobs, or any
other transponder-equipped components on the same
key chain willnotcause a fault unless the additional
part isphysically held against the Fobbeing used tostart the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the Fobs provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE:Only Fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a Fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit PIN number. Keep the PIN in a secure
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE