2008 CHRYSLER 300 power steering

▫Acceleration.........................319
▫Traction............................320

Driving Through Water..................320
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................320
▫Shallow Standing Water.................321

Parking Brake.........................322

Brake System..........................324
▫Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.....325

Power Steering........................327

Multi Displacement System (MDS) —
5.7L Engine Only.......................328

Traction Control System (TCS) — If Equipped . . 328

Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped.....330
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) —
If Equipped...........................331
▫Synchronizing ESP....................333
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator And
ESP/TCS Indicator Lights...............333

Tire Safety Information...................334
▫Tire Markings........................334
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........338
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........340

Tires — General Information...............344
▫Tire Pressure.........................344
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................345
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................347
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........348
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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.
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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.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) — 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) — IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
The Traction Control System (TCS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the ve-
hicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The
TCS cannot prevent accidents, including those result-
ing from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of a TCS-equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
The Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on ve-
hicles equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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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
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5

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............430
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............431
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............432
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........432
▫Steering Linkage......................433
▫Body Lubrication.....................433
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................433
▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers —
If Equipped.........................434
▫Exhaust System......................434
▫Cooling System.......................435
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
▫Fuel System.........................441▫Brake System........................441
▫Automatic Transmission................444
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....445
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........446
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................446
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 450

Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........451
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....451
▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......453

Vehicle Storage........................458

Replacement Bulbs......................459

Bulb Replacement......................460
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Coolant Bottle 9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Washer Fluid Bottle 414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 — Coolant Bottle
2 — Air Cleaner Filter 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Coolant Pressure Cap 9 — Washer Fluid Bottle
5 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery PostMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
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