2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT brake light

ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•Brake pedal pulsations, and
•A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
•The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to interference caused by
improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause possible loss of anti-lock
braking capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effec-
tiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the
stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake
pedal when you need to slow down or stop.
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come 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 comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
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 come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
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.
TheESP/TCS Indicator Light,located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightalso
flashes when TCS is active. If theESP/TCS Indicator
Lightbegins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

NOTE:When the ESP is switched off a feature of the
system remains active. This feature controls wheel spin
across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip differential.
If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other,
the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel
and allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. To improve the vehicle’s traction
when driving with tire chains, or when starting-off in
deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch
to the “Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the
“ESP OFF” button.WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESP mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.
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
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............400
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......401
▫Steering Linkage......................401
▫Body Lubrication.....................401
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................402
▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers.....402
▫Exhaust System......................403
▫Cooling System.......................404
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......409
▫Fuel System.........................409
▫Brake System........................410
▫Automatic Transmission................413
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........414▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................414
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cupholders....419

Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........419
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....419
▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......422

Vehicle Storage........................427

Replacement Bulbs......................427

Bulb Replacement......................428
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light..................428
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, And Backup
Light ..............................431
▫License Light........................434
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place, resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 411
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Engine Oil” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 441
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About Your Brakes....................315,317
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............317,321
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 153
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 406
Adding Fuel........................... 361
Adding Washer Fluid...............144,146,402
Additives, Fuel......................... 359
Adjustable Pedals....................... 148
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 394
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 399
Air Conditioning Filter.................290,400
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............399,400
Air Conditioning System................284,399
Air Pressure, Tires....................206,337
Airbag................................ 49
Airbag Deployment..................... 55,59
Airbag Light..................... 56,61,76,201
Airbag Maintenance....................... 61Airbag, Side.......................... 50,57
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............. 50,57
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm)................. 18,205
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alignment and Balance................... 343
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 270
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........405,406,435
Disposal............................ 407
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............317,321
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............200,319
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 205
Appearance Care........................ 414
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 101
Audio Systems (Radio).................232,251
Auto Down Power Windows................ 34
458 INDEX