2009 CHRYSLER 300 brake light

•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 ABS contains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output
radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capa-
bility. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness 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.
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded 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 hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
(Continued)
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road conditions. The
BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
that could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
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. Enginepower 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 also
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers
— If Equipped...................... 431
▫Exhaust System..................... 432
▫Cooling System..................... 435
▫Brake System....................... 440
▫Automatic Transmission............... 442
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.... 443
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 444
Fuses.............................. 449
▫Integrated Power Module.............. 449
▫Rear Power Distribution Center.......... 451
Vehicle Storage....................... 456
Replacement Bulbs.................... 456Bulb Replacement..................... 458
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Park/Turn Light, Inner Park Light, And
Outer Park Light – 300 Models........... 458
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light – 300C............ 460
▫Backup Light, Side Marker Light, And
Tail/Stop Turn Light — 300 Models....... 461
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, And
Backup Light — 300C Models........... 464
▫License Light....................... 467
Fluids And Capacities.................. 468
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 470
▫Engine............................ 470
▫Chassis........................... 471
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.WARNING!
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
•Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point, or is unidentified as to specification,
may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking. You could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 441
7

•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.
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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
476 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
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S

About Your Brakes....................... 332
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 334
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 154
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 437
Adding Fuel........................... 375
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 431
Additives, Fuel......................... 373
Adjustable Pedals....................... 149
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 427
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 429
Air Conditioning.....................294,296
Air Conditioning Controls................. 294
Air Conditioning Filter.................303,430
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 304
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............429,430
Air Conditioning System..........294,296,297,429
Air Pressure, Tires....................217,351
Airbag................................ 51
Airbag Deployment.....................57,61Airbag Light.....................58,63,77,212
Airbag Maintenance....................... 62
Airbag, Side..........................52,59
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............52,59
Alarm, Panic............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,216
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
All Wheel Drive (AWD)................326,443
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 283
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........436,437,468
Disposal............................ 439
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............334,336
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 211
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 444
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 104
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
502 INDEX

Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 31
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 37
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 85
Automatic Door Locks...................30,31
Automatic Headlights.................... 137
Automatic Oil Change Indicator..........209,225
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 297
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 443
Automatic Transmission...........316,321,442,443
Adding Fluid......................443,471
Autostick............................ 326
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 443
Fluid Change......................... 443
Fluid Level Check..................... 442
Fluid Type........................... 471
Gear Ranges.......................317,322
Overdrive........................... 319
Shifting..........................316,321Special Additives...................... 443
Torque Converter...................... 320
Automatic Transmission Limp
Home Mode......................321,324,325
Autostick............................. 326
Axle Fluid............................. 471
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 471
Battery............................... 427
Emergency Starting..................... 408
Jump Starting......................... 408
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Location..........................409,428
Belts, Seat............................42,77
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 430
B-Pillar Location........................ 346
Brake Assist System...................... 337
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 336
Brake Fluid............................ 471
INDEX 503
10

Brake, Parking.......................... 332
Brake System........................... 440
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 334
Fluid Check.......................441,471
Master Cylinder....................... 441
Parking............................. 332
Warning Light........................ 212
Brakes............................... 440
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 315
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 143
Bulb Replacement.....................456,458
Bulbs, Light..........................78,456
Calibration, Compass..................... 230
Capacities, Fluid........................ 468
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 375
Oil (Engine).......................... 425Power Steering........................ 332
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 438
Car Washes............................ 445
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,374
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 377
Cellular Phone........................90,293
Certification Label....................... 378
Chains, Tire............................ 358
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 397
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 343
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 421
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint....................65,67,70,72
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,70
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 371
504 INDEX