2009 CHRYSLER 300 brake

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. If the light turns on while driving, safely
pull over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle should be
turned OFF immediately and serviced as soon as pos-
sible. (Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6
for more information).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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211
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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.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.
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 213
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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,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H,” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine OFF immediately and call for service.
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•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).
•ACC Blinded — If the ACC system deactivates due to
performance limiting conditions. Refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3 (if equipped).
•ACC Unavailable — If the ACC system turns off due
to a temporary malfunction that limits functionality.
Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” in Section 3
(if equipped).
•Service ACC — If the ACC system turns off due to an
internal system fault that requires service from an
authorized dealer. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in Section 3 (if equipped).
•Adjustable Pedals Disabled – Cruise Engaged (with a
single chime) — only available on vehicles equipped
with memory seats.
•Adjustable Pedals Disabled – Vehicle In REVERSE
(with a single chime) — only available on vehicles
equipped with memory seats.
•Channel # Transmit
•Channel # Training
•Channel # Trained
•Clearing Channels
•Channels Cleared
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 309
▫Automatic Transmission............... 309
▫Normal Starting..................... 310
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20°F Or
-29°C)............................ 311
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 311
▫After Starting....................... 312
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 312
Automatic Transmission................. 312▫General Information.................. 313
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 315
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override.......................... 315
▫4-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 316
▫5-Speed Automatic Transmission......... 321
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 326
▫AutoStickOperation................. 326
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped...... 326
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Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 327
▫Acceleration........................ 327
▫Traction........................... 328
Driving Through Water................. 328
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 329
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 329
Power Steering....................... 331
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 332
Parking Brake........................ 332
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 334
Electronic Brake Control System........... 336
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 336
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 337▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 337
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 338
▫Synchronizing ESP................... 340
▫ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light............... 341
Tire Safety Information................. 342
▫Tire Markings....................... 342
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 345
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 346
Tires — General Information............. 350
▫Tire Pressure....................... 350
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 351
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 353
306 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 309
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