2008 CHRYSLER 300 parking brake

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
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving: failure to do so can lead to brake
failure, and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. There will be some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This may be evident
by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake Warning Light.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine off)
the brakes will still function. The effort required to brake
the vehicle will be much greater than that required with
the power system operating.
324 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires–General Information” in this section for infor-
mation on tire pressures and for proper tire inflation
procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface as far from the
edge of the roadway as possible. Avoid icy or slippery
areas.
2.Set the parking brakeand place the gear selector in
PARK.
3. Turn OFF the ignition.
4. Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
5. Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is being jacked.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally
opposite the jacking position. For example, if changing
the right front tire, block the left rear wheel.
Hazard Flasher Switch
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 395
6

NOTE:The battery is stored under an access cover in
the trunk. Remote battery terminals are located in the
engine compartment for jump-starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
do not allow the vehicles to touch one another.
WARNING!
Do not permit vehicles to touch each other as this
could establish a ground connection and personal
injury could result.3. Set the parking brake, place the automatic transmis-
sion in “P” (Park), and turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
5. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the remote
jump-start positive battery post(+)in the engine com-
partment. Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive terminal of the booster battery. Refer to the
following illustration for jump-starting connections.
6. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery andthen to the engine ground (-)
of the vehicle with the discharged battery.Make sure
you have a good contact on the engine ground. Refer to
the following illustration for jump-starting connections.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405
6

Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 433
B-Pillar Location........................ 340
Brake Assist System...................... 330
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 330
Brake Fluid............................ 476
Brake, Parking.......................... 322
Brake System........................324,441
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 325
Fluid Check.......................443,476
Hoses.............................. 442
Master Cylinder....................... 443
Parking............................. 322
Warning Light.....................205,324
Brakes.............................324,441
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 306
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 76
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 137
Bulb Replacement.....................459,460
Bulbs, Light..........................79,459Calibration, Compass..................... 222
Capacities, Fluid........................ 473
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 369
Oil (Engine).......................423,424
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 438
Car Washes............................ 447
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............78,368
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 372
Catalytic Converter...................... 427
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............234,252
Cellular Phone.....................91,252,253
Certification Label....................... 372
Chains, Tire............................ 353
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 394
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 336
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 418
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 77
498 INDEX

Navigation Radio........................ 252
Navigation System....................... 252
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 76
Occupant Restraints....................... 42
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............365,475
Odometer..........................202,208
Trip .............................202,208
Oil Change Indicator..................203,218
Oil Change Indicator, Reset..............203,218
Oil, Engine.........................421,475
Capacity............................ 473
Change Interval..................203,218,423
Checking.........................421,422
Dipstick..........................421,422
Disposal............................ 425
Filter............................425,475
Filter Disposal........................ 425
Identification Logo..................... 423Materials Added to..................... 424
Recommendation...................423,473
Synthetic............................ 424
Viscosity.......................423,424,473
Oil Filter, Change........................ 425
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 425
Onboard Diagnostic System..............417,418
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 177
Operating Precautions.................... 417
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 87
Overdrive............................. 309
Overhead Console....................... 176
Overheating, Engine...................207,393
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......... 490
Paint Care............................. 446
Panic Alarm............................ 25
Park Sense System, Rear................... 172
Parking Brake.......................... 322
INDEX 509
10

Parking On Hill......................... 322
Passing Light........................... 136
Pedals, Adjustable....................... 147
Personal Settings........................ 227
Pets.................................. 76
Phone, Cellular....................91,252,253
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)........91,252,253
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 340
Port
Universal Serial Bus (USB).............234,252
USB .............................234,252
Power
Brakes.............................. 324
Deck Lid Release....................... 40
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 451
Door Locks........................... 30
Mirrors.............................. 89
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 187
Seats............................... 117Steering............................. 327
Steering, Checking..................... 432
Sunroof............................. 184
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column........... 145
Windows............................. 36
Power Steering Fluid..................432,476
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 51
Preparation for Jacking.................... 395
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 48
Programmable Electronic Features............ 227
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Radial Ply Tires......................... 347
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 438
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 232
Radio, Navigation....................... 252
Radio Operation...................234,253,281
510 INDEX