2009 CHRYSLER 300 SRT 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 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.
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Cooling System..................... 411
▫Brake System....................... 416
▫Automatic Transmission............... 418
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 419
Fuses.............................. 424
▫Integrated Power Module.............. 424
▫Rear Power Distribution Center.......... 427
Vehicle Storage....................... 431
Replacement Bulbs.................... 432Bulb Replacement..................... 433
▫Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
And Park/Turn Light................. 433
▫Tail/Stop, Tail, Turn Signal Light, And
Backup Light....................... 433
▫License Light....................... 437
Fluids And Capacities.................. 438
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 439
▫Engine............................ 439
▫Chassis........................... 440
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
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.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 417
7

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.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.
444 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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About Your Brakes....................327,329
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............329,332
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . 152
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 413
Adding Fuel........................... 371
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 408
Additives, Fuel......................... 369
Adjustable Pedals....................... 147
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 403
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 405
Air Conditioning Filter.................300,406
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 301
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............405,406
Air Conditioning System................294,405
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 348
Airbag................................ 51
Airbag Deployment.....................58,61
Airbag Light.....................59,63,77,207
Airbag Maintenance....................... 63Airbag, Side..........................53,59
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............53,59
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm (Security Alarm).................18,211
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 282
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........412,413,438
Disposal............................ 414
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............329,332
Anti-Lock Warning Light...............206,331
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Anti-Theft System....................... 211
Appearance Care........................ 419
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm)......... 18
Assistance Towing....................... 102
Auto Down Power Windows................ 36
Auto Unlock, Doors....................... 30
Auto Up Power Windows.................. 37
470 INDEX

Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 84
Automatic Door Locks...................29,30
Automatic Headlights.................... 135
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 294
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives...................... 419
Automatic Transmission.............317,418,419
Adding Fluid......................419,440
Autostick............................ 321
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 419
Fluid Change......................... 419
Fluid Level Check...................... 418
Fluid Type........................... 440
Shifting............................. 317
Special Additives...................... 419
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . 320,321
Autostick............................. 321
Axle Fluid............................. 440
Axle Lubrication (Axle Fluid)............... 440Battery............................... 404
Emergency Starting..................... 385
Jump Starting......................... 385
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 23
Location..........................386,404
Belts, Seat............................42,77
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 407
B-Pillar Location........................ 343
Brake Assist System...................... 333
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 332
Brake Fluid............................ 440
Brake, Parking.......................... 327
Brake System........................329,416
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................329,332
Fluid Check.......................417,440
Master Cylinder....................... 417
Parking............................. 327
Warning Light.....................207,329
Brakes.............................329,416
INDEX 471
10

Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 315
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 75
Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 141
Bulb Replacement.....................432,433
Bulbs, Light..........................78,432
Calibration, Compass..................... 227
Capacities, Fluid........................ 438
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 371
Oil (Engine).......................... 401
Power Steering........................ 326
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 414
Car Washes............................ 420
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............76,370
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 373
Cellular Phone........................88,293
Certification Label....................... 373
Chains, Tire............................ 353Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 340
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 397
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 76
Checks, Safety........................... 76
Child Restraint..................66,67,68,70,72
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............69,70
Child Safety Locks........................ 33
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 367
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 421
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 407
Climate Control......................... 293
Clock.....................235,237,252,256,265
Coin Holder........................... 194
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 292
Compass.............................. 226
Compass Calibration..................... 227
Compass Variance....................... 227
472 INDEX

Dipsticks
Oil (Engine).......................... 400
Power Steering........................ 326
Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 390
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 414
Engine Oil........................... 402
Door Locks............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 29
Door Opener, Garage..................... 181
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 323
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 324
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™).... 288
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 197
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 86
Electrical Power Outlets................... 190Electronic Brake Control System............. 332
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)....148,152
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 333
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 211
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 214
Emergency Deck Lid Release................ 40
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 389
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 378
Jump Starting......................... 385
Overheating.......................... 379
Towing............................. 390
Emergency Trunk Release................... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......397,442
Engine............................... 395
Air Cleaner.......................... 403
Block Heater......................... 312
Break-In Recommendations................ 75
Checking Oil Level..................... 400
474 INDEX