2009 CHRYSLER 300 SRT traction control

illuminate, and theESP OFFmessage will display in the
vehicle odometer. Press and release the TRIP ODOM-
ETER button located on the instrument cluster to clear
this message. The “ESP OFF” message may appear in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in Sec-
tion 4. To turn ESP ON again, momentarily depress the
ESP OFF switch.
NOTE:TheESP OFFmessage will display and the
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is moved
into the PARK position from any position other than
PARK and then moved out of the PARK position. This
will occur when the message was previously cleared.WARNING!
In the ESP “Full Off” mode, the engine torque
reduction and stability features are cancelled. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:When the ESP is switched OFF, a feature of the
system remains active. This feature controls wheel spin
across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip differential.
If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster than the other,
the system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel
and allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. To improve the vehicle’s traction
when driving with tire chains, or when starting off in
deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch
to the “Partial Off” mode by momentarily depressing the
ESP OFF switch.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Mal-
function Indicator Light will turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned OFF previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when the ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan-
dards Code (TIN)4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades 338 STARTING AND OPERATING

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and DRIVE. Usually, the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
NOTE:Turn OFF the Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
— if equipped, or Traction Control System (TCS) — if
equipped before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Program” or “Traction Control System” in Sec-
tion 5.CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween 1st and REVERSE, do not spin the wheels
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage
may result.
•Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389
6

Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices, and differences in road charac-
teristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 467
9

Oil Pressure.......................... 214
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 141
Passing............................. 139
Reading..........................140,180
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 210
Service...........................432,433
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 213
SmartBeams.......................... 135
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........ 211,356
Traction Control....................... 337
Turn Signal...................78,138,139,205
Vanity Mirror.......................... 87
Voltage............................. 213
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 205
Loading Vehicle......................373,375
Capacities........................... 375
Tires ............................... 343
Locks................................. 27
Auto Unlock.......................... 30Automatic Door........................ 29
Child Protection........................ 33
Door................................ 27
Power Door........................... 28
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 356
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................69,70
Lubrication, Body....................... 407
Lumbar Support........................ 124
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 404
Maintenance, General..................... 399
Maintenance Procedures................... 399
Maintenance Schedule.................... 442
Maintenance, Sunroof..................... 190
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 213,397
Manual, Service......................... 465
Map/Reading Lights..................140,180
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 417
480 INDEX

Inflation Pressures..................... 348
Life of Tires.......................... 351
Load Capacity........................ 343
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 356
Pressure Warning Light.................. 211
Quality Grading....................... 466
Radial.............................. 350
Replacement......................... 352
Rotation............................. 355
Safety...........................338,347
Sizes............................... 340
Snow Tires........................... 355
Spinning............................ 350
Tread Wear Indicators................... 351
To Open Hood.......................... 132
Towing............................... 375
24-Hour Towing Assistance............... 102
Behind a Motor Home.................. 375
Disabled Vehicle....................... 390Recreational.......................... 375
Towing Assistance....................... 102
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 375
Traction Control......................... 332
Trailer Towing.......................... 375
Transmission........................... 418
Automatic......................313,317,418
Fluid............................... 440
Shifting............................. 313
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 23
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 181
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)........ 20
Transporting Pets........................ 75
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 351
Trip Odometer.......................... 210
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid)....................39,40
INDEX 487
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