2008 CHRYSLER 300 tow

To Cancel:
The system will disable ACC without erasing the
memory if:
•You softly tap the brake pedal.
•You depress the brake pedal.
•You pull the speed control lever toward you (“CAN-
CEL”).
•The Electronic Stability Program / Traction Control
System (ESP/TCS) activates.
To Turn Off:
The system will turn off and erase the set speed in
memory if:
•You push and release the (“ON/OFF”) button.
•You turn off the ignition.
•You switch off ESP.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 157
3

WARNING!
•Drivers must be careful when backing up even when
using the Rear Park Assist System. Always check
carefully behind your vehicle, look behind you, and
be sure to check for pedestrians, animals, other ve-
hicles, obstructions, and blind spots before backing
up. You are responsible for safety and must continue
to pay attention to your surroundings. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
•Before using the Rear Park Assist System, it is
strongly recommended that the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly is disconnected from the vehicle when
the vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do so can
result in injury or damage to vehicles or obstacles
because the hitch ball will be much closer to the
obstacle than the rear fascia when the warning dis-
play turns the red LEDs ON. Also, the sensors could
detect the ball mount and hitch ball assembly, de-
pending on its size and shape, giving a false indica-
tion that an obstacle is behind the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•The Rear Park Assist System is only a parking aid
and it is unable to recognize every obstacle, in-
cluding small obstacles. Parking curbs might be
temporarily detected or not detected at all. Ob-
stacles located above or below the sensors will not
be detected when they are in close proximity.
•The vehicle must be driven slowly when using the
Rear Park Assist System to be able to stop in time
when the obstacle is detected. It is recommended
that the driver looks over his/her shoulder when
using the Rear Park Assist System.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 175
3

Opening Sunroof - Express
Press the switch rearward and release, and the sunroof
will open automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully and then stop automatically. This is called
Express Open. During Express Open operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
Closing Sunroof - Express
Press the switch forward and release, and the sunroof
will close automatically from any position. The sunroof
will close fully and stop automatically. This is called
Express Close. During Express Close operation, any
movement of the switch will stop the sunroof.
Pinch Protect Feature
This feature will detect an obstruction in the opening of
the sunroof during Express Close operation. If an ob-
struction in the path of the sunroof is detected, thesunroof will automatically retract. Remove the obstruc-
tion if this occurs. Next, press the switch forward and
release to Express Close.
Pinch Protect Override
If a known obstruction (ice, debris, etc.) prevents closing,
press the switch forward and hold for two seconds after
the reversal occurs. This allows the sunroof to move
towards the closed position.
NOTE:Pinch protection is disabled while the switch is
pressed.
Venting Sunroof - Express
Press and release theVbutton in the center of the
switch, and the sunroof will open to the vent position.
This is called Express Vent, which operates regardless of
sunroof position. During Express Vent operation, any
movement of the switch will stop the sunroof.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
3

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

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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
4

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

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............371

Vehicle Loading........................372
▫Vehicle Certification Label...............372
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......372
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).........373
▫Overloading.........................373
▫Loading............................374

Trailer Towing.........................375
▫Common Towing Definitions.............375▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............379
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........380
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............381
▫Towing Requirements..................383
▫Towing Tips.........................388

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 389
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................389
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump starting procedures
and follow them carefully.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the normal starting procedure.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING