2009 CHRYSLER 300 C brake light

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.
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. The ESP/TCS Indicator Light alsoflashes when the TCS is active. If the ESP/TCS Indicator
Light begins 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.
WARNING!
The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those result-
ing from excessive speed in turns, driving on very
slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, at-
tentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner that
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
STARTING AND OPERATING 345
5

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights and Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4- and 7-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
398 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
— If Equipped...................... 442
▫Exhaust System..................... 443
▫Cooling System..................... 445
▫Brake System....................... 451
▫Automatic Transmission............... 452
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.... 454
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 454
Fuses.............................. 459
▫Integrated Power Module.............. 459
▫Rear Power Distribution Center.......... 462
Vehicle Storage....................... 467
Replacement Bulbs.................... 467Bulb Replacement..................... 469
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, Inner Park Light, And
Outer Park Light – 300 Models........... 469
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light – 300C............ 471
▫Backup Light, Side Marker Light, And
Tail/Stop Turn Light — 300 Models....... 472
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, And
Backup Light — 300C Models........... 475
▫License Light....................... 478
Fluids And Capacities.................. 479
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 481
▫Engine............................ 481
▫Chassis........................... 482
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
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.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451
7

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
8 — 15 Amp
BlueDiagnostic Link Connector
(DLC)/Wireless Control
Module (WCM)/Wireless
Ignition Node (WIN)
9 — 20 Amp
YellowPower Outlet
10 — — —
11*———
12*———
13*———
14 — 10 Amp
RedAC Heater Control/
Cluster/Security Module -
If Equipped
15 — 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow Brake Module
- If Equipped
16 — — —Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
17 — 20 Amp
YellowCluster
18 — 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
19 — 10 Amp
RedStop Lights
20 — — —
21 — — —
22 — — —
23 — — —
24 — — —
25 — — —
26 — — —
27 — 10 Amp
RedOccupant Restraint Con-
troller (ORC)
464 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change, even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by refer-
ring to the steps described under “Oil Change Required”
under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in
Section 4 or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” under
“Instrument Cluster Descriptions” in Section 4.
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, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 485
8
M
A
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E
N
A
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C
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S
C
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E
D
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L
E
S

About Your Brakes....................... 339
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 341
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 157
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 447
Adding Fuel........................... 384
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 442
Additives, Fuel......................... 382
Adjustable Pedals....................... 152
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 437
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 440
Air Conditioning.....................298,300
Air Conditioning Controls................. 298
Air Conditioning Filter.................307,441
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 308
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 440
Air Conditioning System..........298,300,301,440
Air Pressure, Tires....................218,358
Airbag................................ 54
Airbag Deployment.....................60,64Airbag Light.....................61,66,80,213
Airbag Maintenance....................... 65
Airbag, Side..........................55,62
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............55,62
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,217
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................333,454
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 288
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........446,447,479
Disposal............................ 449
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............341,343
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 213
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 217
Appearance Care........................ 454
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 108
512 INDEX

Auto Down Power Windows................ 38
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 32
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 39
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 90
Automatic Door Locks...................31,32
Automatic Headlights.................... 140
Automatic Oil Change Indicator........... 211,227
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 301
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 453
Automatic Transmission...........323,328,452,453
Adding Fluid......................453,482
Autostick............................ 332
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 453
Fluid Change......................... 453
Fluid Level Check...................... 452
Fluid Type........................... 482
Gear Ranges.......................323,328
Overdrive........................... 325Shifting..........................323,328
Special Additives...................... 453
Torque Converter...................... 326
Automatic Transmission Limp Home
Mode...........................327,331,332
Autostick............................. 332
Axle Fluid............................. 482
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 482
Battery............................... 438
Emergency Starting..................... 417
Jump Starting......................... 417
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Location..........................418,438
Belts, Seat............................44,80
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 441
B-Pillar Location........................ 353
Brake Assist System...................... 344
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 343
INDEX 513
10