2010 CHRYSLER 300 steering wheel

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” also flashes when the 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.
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

switch. Once the situation requiring “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn the ESP on again by momentarily press-
ing the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
Synchronizing ESP
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” may illuminate with the engine running. If
this should occur, turn the steering wheel completely to
the left and then to the right. The “ESP/BAS Malfunction
Indicator Light” should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The Malfunction Indicator Light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The “ESP/
BAS Malfunction Indicator Light” and the
“ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in the instrument
cluster both come on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. They should go out with the engine
running.
The system will turn the “ESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition switch
cycles, and you have driven the vehicle several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
and the ESP is synchronized (refer to Synchronizing ESP),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.(Continued)
362 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. Using minimal 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
Brake Control” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.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.
•Revving 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 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 417

Fluid Check....................... 450,483
Master Cylinder ....................... 450
Parking ............................. 335
Warning Light ........................ 222
Brakes ............................... 449
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 317
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 80
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 150
Bulb Replacement ..................... 468,470
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,468
Calibration, Compass ..................... 243
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 480
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 379
Oil (Engine) .......................... 432
Power Steering ........................ 334
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 447
Car Washes ............................ 455 Carbon Monoxide Warning
...............81,378
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 381
Cellular Phone ........................ 96,292
Certification Label ....................... 382
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 401
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 347
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 427
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 81
Checks, Safety ........................... 81
Child Restraint .................. 71,72,73,76,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 37
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 375
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 457
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 440
Climate Control ......................... 292
Clock ..................... 251,252,254,257,266
518 INDEX

Starting............................. 27,309
Automatic Transmission ................. 309
Cold Weather ......................... 312
Engine Fails to Start .................... 312
Remote .............................. 27
Starting and Operating .................... 309
Starting Procedures ...................... 309
Steering Column Controls ...................... 148
Column Lock ......................... 154
Power .............................. 334
Tilt Column ....................... 154,155
Wheel, Tilt ........................ 154,155
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls ......................... 290
Storage ............................ 204,468
Storage, Vehicle ...................... 302,468
Storing Your Vehicle ...................... 468
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 417 Sun Roof
.............................. 196
Sunglasses Storage ....................... 189
Sunroof Maintenance ..................... 199
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 56
Sway Control, Trailer ..................... 385
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 433
System, Remote Starting .................... 27
Tachometer ............................ 220
Telescoping Steering Column .............154,155
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 296
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......223,401
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 74
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Tilt Steering Column ................... 154,155
Time Delay, Headlight .................... 145
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 351
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 349
10
INDEX 533