2009 CHRYSLER 300 C brake

9. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If Equipped
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.
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.10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator Light
The yellow Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Malfunction Indi-
cator 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. The
system will turn this light on continuously while the
engine is running if it detects a malfunction in either the
ESP, the BAS or both.
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 an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
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12. Brake 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 anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP) sys-
tem. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to
the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during
each stop.The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in 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 has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
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 Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
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,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 215
4

•Cruise Off — When the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) system is turned off. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if equipped).
•ACC Ready — When the ACC system is activated.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3
(if equipped).
•ACC Set — After setting the desired speed in the ACC
system. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in
Section 3 (if equipped).
•ACC Cancelled — To disable the ACC system. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if
equipped).
•Sensed Vehicle Indicator — The system detects a
slower moving vehicle in the same lane. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if
equipped).
•Driver Override — If you apply the accelerator after
setting the desired speed in the ACC system. Refer to
“Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if
equipped).
•Distance Set — After changing the desired following
distance in the ACC system, this message will display
momentarily. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in Section 3 (if equipped).
•Attention — If the 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 maxi-
mum braking capacity. When this occurs, you should
immediately apply the brakes as needed to maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Refer to “Adap-
tive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if equipped).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 225
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 313
▫Automatic Transmission............... 313
▫Keyless Go (If Equipped)............... 314
▫Normal Starting..................... 315
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below -20°F Or -29°C)................ 316
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 316
▫After Starting....................... 318
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 318Automatic Transmission................. 318
▫General Information.................. 319
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 321
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 321
▫4-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 323
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 328
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 332
▫AutoStickOperation................. 332
5

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped...... 333
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 334
▫Acceleration........................ 334
▫Traction........................... 334
Driving Through Water................. 335
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 335
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 336
Power Steering....................... 337
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 338
Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
— 5.7L Engine Only.................... 339
Parking Brake........................ 339
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 341
Electronic Brake Control System........... 343▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 343
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 343
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 344
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 344
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 347
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 347
Tire Safety Information................. 348
▫Tire Markings....................... 348
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 352
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 353
Tires — General Information............. 357
▫Tire Pressure....................... 357
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Be sure to turn OFF the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the shift lever. Accidents
can also be caused by pressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause excessive heat in the ex-
haust system, resulting in overheating and vehicle
fire, which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
STARTING AND OPERATING 313
5

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Keyless Go (If Equipped)
This function allows the driver to op-
erate the ignition switch with the push
of a button, as long as the ENGINE
START/STOP button is installed and
the Keyless Go ignition key (FOBIK)
can be detected inside of the vehicle.
Removing and Re-Installing the Engine Start/Stop
Button
The ENGINE START/STOP button may be removed
from the receptacle to allow the vehicle ignition to be
controlled conventionally by inserting the FOBIK. The
button may be removed using the valet key from the
FOBIK as a thin tool. Insert the metal part of the valet key
under the chrome bezel at the 6 o’clock position, and
gently pry the button loose.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING