2008 CHRYSLER 300 SRT engine

NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come on in the automatic mode.
Headlights On with Wipers
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned ON
if the HEADLIGHT switch is placed in the AUTO posi-
tion. In addition, the headlights will turn off when the
wipers are turned OFF if they were turned ON by this
feature.
The Headlights On with Wipers feature can be enabled or
disabled. Refer to ”Headlights On with Wipers,” under
“Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features),”
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in Section
4.
SmartBeams — If Equipped
The SmartBeam system provides increased forward light-
ing at night by automating high beam control through
the use of a digital camera mounted on the inside
rearview mirror. This camera detects vehicle specific light
HEADLIGHT Switch
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the
fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gal (4 l) of washer
fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid” appears in
the EVIC.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
144 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer Fluid
The headlight washer and windshield washer share the
same fluid reservoir. The reservoir is located in the front
of the engine compartment. Be sure to check the fluid
level in the reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir
with windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze)
and operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Vary the Speed Setting
While ACC is set, you can increase the set speed by lifting
and holding the lever in RESUME ACCEL. If the lever is
continually held, the set speed will continue to increase
in 5 mph (Canada 10 km/h) increments until the lever is
released. The increase in set speed is reflected in the EVIC
display.
Tapping the lever up once will result in a 1 mph (Canada
1 km/h) increase in set speed. Each subsequent tap of the
lever results in an increase of 1 mph (Canada 1 km/h).
While ACC is set, the set speed can be decreased by
pushing and holding the lever down in SET DECEL. If
the lever is continually held, the set speed will continue
to decrease in 5 mph (Canada 10 km/h) increments until
the lever is released. The decrease in set speed is reflected
in the EVIC display.Tapping the lever down once will result ina1mph
(Canada 1 km/h) decrease in set speed. Each subsequent
tap of the lever results in a decrease of 1 mph (Canada 1
km/h).
NOTE:
•When you use the lever to decelerate, if the engine’s
braking power does not slow the vehicle sufficiently to
reach the set speed, the brake system will automati-
cally slow the vehicle.
•The ACC system maintains set speed when driving up
hill and down hill. However, a slight speed change on
moderate hills is normal. In addition, downshifting
may occur while climbing uphill or descending down-
hill. This is normal operation and necessary to main-
tain set speed.
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The center console outlet is powered directly from the
battery (power available at all times). Items plugged into
this outlet may discharge the battery and/or prevent
engine starting.Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw power
from the vehicle’s battery even when not in use (i.e.,
cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long
enough, the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently
to degrade battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers, vacuum
cleaners, lights, etc.) will degrade the battery even more
quickly. Only use these intermittently and with greater
caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories or long
periods of the vehicle not being started (with accessories
still plugged in), the vehicle must be driven a sufficient
length of time to allow the alternator to recharge the
vehicle’s battery.
•Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do
not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from
the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage.
Center Console Power Outlet
188 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
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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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