2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT brake

Loose Fuel Filler Cap
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 EVIC.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the TRIP
ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
(See page 387 for more information.)
7. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions per minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear
range. Ease up on the accelerator before reaching the red
area.8. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light will turn on and a single chime will
sound to warn of an overheated engine condition.
When this light turns on, the engine temperature
is critically hot. The vehicle should be turned OFF
immediately and serviced as soon as possible. (See page
371 for more information.)
9. Anti-Lock Brake Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving,
then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not
functioning and service is required. However, the con-
ventional brake system will continue to operate normally
if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
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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 317 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. If the
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the
vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected. (See page 320 for more infor-
mation.)11. Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for six to eight 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 61 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 ABS.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

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
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder drops
below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers due to a change in fluid level. If so,
the vehicle should have service performed and the brake
fluid level checked.
Immediate repair is necessary if brake failure is indicated.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with ABS are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Both the Brake
Warning Light and the ABS Light will turn on in the
event of an EBD failure. Immediate repair of the ABS is
required in the event of an EBD failure.
The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the LOCK position to
the ON position. The light should turn on for approxi-
mately two seconds and then turn off. The light will
remain on if the parking brake is applied or if a brake
fault is detected. If the parking brake is not applied and
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

the light remains on, or if the light does not turn on, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
NOTE:The light will turn on when the ignition switch
is in the ON position and the parking brake is applied.
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It
does not show the degree of brake application. (See page
317 for more information.)
13. Electronic Stability Program (ESP)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator Light
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 320 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203
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•Door(s) Ajar (with a single chime if vehicle is in
motion)
•Trunk Ajar (with a single chime)
•Low Washer Fluid (with a single chime)
•Oil Pressure
•ACC Off — When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system is turned off. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Con-
trol (ACC)” in Section 3 (if so equipped).
•ACC Ready — When the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system is activated. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if so equipped).
•ACC Set — After setting the desired speed in the
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if so
equipped).
•Driver Override — If you apply the accelerator after
setting the desired speed in the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) system. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if so equipped).
•Distance Set — After changing the desired following
distance in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system,
this message will display momentarily. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if so
equipped).
•Attention — If the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
system predicts that its maximum braking level is not
sufficient to maintain the set distance, this message
will flash and a chime will sound while ACC continues
to apply its maximum braking capacity. When this
occurs, you should immediately apply the brakes as
needed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in
Section 3 (if so equipped).
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•The feature will “ready” when the vehicle speed is at
0 mph (0 km/h). The word “READY” will flash when
conditions are met for the event to begin.
•Dashes will display if the vehicle fails to reach 60 mph
(100 km/h) in less then 10 seconds.
•The time will continue to display until the FUNCTION
SELECT button is pressed.
•Pressing the FUNCTION SELECT button will clear the
current run time and display the vehicle’s best 0-60
mph (0-100 km/h) time.
•To clear the vehicle’s best 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) time,
press and hold the FUNCTION SELECT button for
five seconds.
Braking Distance
When selected, this screen displays the vehicle’s braking
distance and the speed at which the brake pedal was
depressed.
•This feature will only function when applying the
brakes at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h).
•Engaging the parking brake will disable this feature.
•The word “READY” will flash when conditions are
met for the event to begin.
•The distance and speed measurements display while
the event is taking place.
•The distance measurement will be aborted if the brake
pedal is released before the vehicle comes to a com-
plete stop.
•The distance and speed measurements will continue to
display until the FUNCTION SELECT button is
pressed.
•Pressing the FUNCTION SELECT button will clear the
current run and prepare the cluster to record a new
run.
218 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................297
▫Automatic Transmission................298
▫Normal Starting (Tip Start)..............299
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................299
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................300
▫After Starting........................301

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........301

Automatic Transmission..................301▫Automatic Transmission — General
Information.........................302
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . 304
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission..........305

AutoStick...........................310
▫AutoStickOperation..................310
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........311

Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............312
▫Acceleration.........................312
5

▫Traction............................312

Driving Through Water..................313
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................313
▫Shallow Standing Water.................313

Parking Brake.........................315

Brake System..........................317
▫Anti-Lock Brake System................317

Power Steering........................319

Electronic Brake Control System............320
▫ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............321
▫TCS (Traction Control System)............322
▫BAS (Brake Assist System)...............322
▫ESP (Electronic Stability Program).........323▫Synchronizing ESP....................326
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................327

Tire Safety Information...................328
▫Tire Markings........................328
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........331
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........332

Tires — General Information...............336
▫Tire Pressure.........................336
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................337
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................339
▫Tire Spinning........................340
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................340
294 STARTING AND OPERATING