2008 CHRYSLER 300 check engine

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
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18. Seat Belt Reminder Light
This light will turn on for 5 to 8 seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
A chime will sound if the driver’s seat belt is
unbuckled during the bulb check. The Seat Belt Warning
Light will flash or remain on continuously if the driver’s
seat belt remains unbuckled after the bulb check or when
driving. (See page 49 for more information.)
19. Vehicle Security Alarm (VSA) Indicator Light — If
Equipped
The VSA indicator Light flashes rapidly when the VSA is
arming, and slowly when the VSA is armed. (See page 18
for more information.)
20. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the fuel tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.21. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control system.
If the light comes on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the gear selector in park, and cycle the ignition key.
The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the
engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable.
However, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not come on during starting.
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driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices (i.e. radio) or slightly increase engine
speed (if at idle). If the light remains on, it means that the
charging system is experiencing a problem. See your
local authorized dealer to obtain SERVICE IMMEDI-
ATELY.
24. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD. The OBD system monitors engine
and automatic transmission control systems. The
light will turn on when the key is in the ON position
before engine start. If the light does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON, have the condition
checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the lightstays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 417 for more information.)
25. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
should turn on momentarily when the engine is
started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not show how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in section 7. (See page 421 for more information.)
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Left Rear Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer to
information on “Tire Pressure” and “Tire Pressure
Monitor” in the “Starting And Operating” section of
this manual.
•Right Front Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer
to information on “Tire Pressure” and “Tire Pressure
Monitor” in the “Starting And Operating” section of
this manual.
•Right Rear Low Pressure (with a single chime). Refer
to information on “Tire Pressure” and “Tire Pressure
Monitor” in the “Starting And Operating” section of
this manual.
•Check TPM System (with a single chime). Refer to
information on “Tire Pressure Monitor” in the “Start-
ing And Operating” section of this manual.
•Check Gascap (refer to “Adding Fuel” in Section 5 of
this manual for more details)
•Service Park Assist System (with a single chime)
•Oil Change Required (with a single chime)
Oil Change Required
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message
will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each
time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position. To
turn off the message temporarily, press and release the
Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator system
(after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform
the following procedure:
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, “P”
(Park), “R” (Reverse), and “N” (Neutral) will continue to
operate. Second gear will operate in the “D” (Drive)
shifter position. The Malfunction Indicator Light may be
illuminated.
A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to a dealer for service. To reset the transmission,
use the following procedure:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the “P” (Park) position.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the selector lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the problem has been momentary, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears.
Permanent Transmission Limp Home Mode
Permanent Limp Home Mode will be activated if the
transmission enters temporary Limp Home Mode three
times. Follow the reset procedure described under “Tem-
porary Transmission Limp Home Mode” in this section.
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Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following before
doing so:CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water before driving
through it. Never drive through standing water that is deeper
than the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path that is under
water and if there are any obstacles in the way before driving
through the standing water.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
•Driving through standing water may cause damage to your
vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always inspect your vehi-
cle’s fluids (i.e. engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for signs
of contamination (i.e. fluid that is milky or foamy in appear-
ance) after driving through standing water. Do not continue
to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as
this may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause it to
lockup and stall out and cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the new vehicle
limited warranty.STARTING AND OPERATING 321
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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
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WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
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