2010 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 LightThis 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 “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further 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 placed in the RUN 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 placed in the RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
220 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

10. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Brake Assist
System (BAS) Malfunction Indicator LightThe yellow Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
/ Brake Assist System (BAS) Malfunction Indi-
cator Light will turn on when the key in the
ignition switch is placed in the RUN 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.WARNING!
If a warning light remains on the system may not be
working and you will not have the benefit of ESP or
BAS. Under certain driving conditions, where ESP or
BAS would be beneficial, you - if you have not
adjusted your driving speeds and stopping in or to
account for the lack of the feature, may be in acci-
dent.
11. Airbag Warning Light This light will turn on for six to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
placed in the RUN position. 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. Refer to “Occupant
Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221

12. Brake Warning LightThis 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. In this case, the light will
remain on until the condition has been corrected.
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.
222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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
RUN 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.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the RUN 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 223

•Distance Set — After changing the desired following
distance in the ACC system, this message will display
momentarily. Refer to “Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC)” in “Understanding The Features Of Your
Vehicle” (if equipped).
•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 “Understanding The
Features Of Your Vehicle” (if equipped).
•ACC Blinded — If the ACC system deactivates due to
performance limiting conditions. Refer to “Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC)” in “Understanding The Fea-
tures Of Your Vehicle” (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 “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle” (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 “Understanding The Features Of Your
Vehicle” (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
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 309
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 309
▫ Keyless Go™ ....................... 310
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 311
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 312
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 312
▫ After Starting ....................... 314
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 314
Automatic Transmission ................. 314
▫ General Information .................. 315
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 317
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 317
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock Manual
Override .......................... 318
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped ....................... 319
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 319
5

▫Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
– If Equipped ....................... 324
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 324
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 328
▫ Operation ......................... 329
 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 329
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 330
▫ Acceleration ........................ 330
▫ Traction ........................... 331
 Driving Through Water ................. 331
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 332
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 332
 Power Steering ....................... 334 ▫
Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 334
 Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
(If Equipped) – 5.7L Engine Only ........... 335
 Parking Brake ........................ 335
 Anti-Lock Brake System ................. 338
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 340
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 340
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 340
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 341
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 341
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 344
▫ ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 344
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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition switch. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
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.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
Using Fob With Integrated Key (Tip Start)
NOTE:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309