2010 CHRYSLER 300 SRT check engine light

WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
25. Oil Pressure Warning Light This light indicates low engine oil pressure. The
light should turn on momentarily when the engine
is started. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, and shut OFF the engine as soon as possible. A
single chime will sound when this light turns on. Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine.
The engine oil level must be checked using the procedure
shown in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC)
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display that is located in the
instrument cluster.4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency.
Temporary Transmission Limp Home Mode
The transmission is monitored for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could result in transmission
damage, the transmission will engage Limp Home Mode.
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
the Limp Home Mode. In this mode, the transmission
will remain in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has stopped, PARK,
REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate. Sec-
ond gear will operate in the DRIVE position. The “Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL)” may be illuminated.
A reset feature is available to allow the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for service. To reset the
transmission, use the following procedure:1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK position.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the shift lever to the desired range. If the
problem is no longer detected, the transmission will
return to normal operation.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
With the ESP switched OFF, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESP mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.
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 is running if
it detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles
and you have driven the vehicle several miles (kilome-
ters) 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.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).” It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
”gASCAP” message will appear in the odometer or a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) (if equipped). If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

TRIP ODOMETER button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not
on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II
system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367

•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, 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.
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S418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 147
Bulb Replacement ..................... 406,407
Bulbs, Light .......................... 83,406
Calibration, Compass ..................... 213
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 412
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 337
Oil (Engine) .......................... 371
Power Steering ........................ 294
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 385
Car Washes ............................ 393
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............80,337
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 340
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,263
Certification Label ....................... 340
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 309
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 367Checking Your Vehicle For Safety
............. 79
Checks, Safety ........................... 79
Child Restraint .................. 69,70,71,74,76
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............73,74
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 333
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 394
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 378
Climate Control ......................... 263
Clock ..................... 221,222,224,227,236
Coin Holder ........................... 178
Cold Weather Operation ................... 278
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 262
Compass .............................. 213
Compass Calibration ..................... 213
Compass Variance ....................... 214
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 206
446 INDEX

Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 360
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 386
Engine Oil ........................... 372
Door Locks ............................. 27
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 29
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 164
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 290
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 291
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 258
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 181
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 92
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 174
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 300
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 155
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 302Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light
...... 195
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 199
Emergency Deck Lid Release ................ 42
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 359
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 344
Jump Starting ......................... 355
Overheating .......................... 344
Towing ............................. 360
Emergency Trunk Release ................... 42
Emission Control System Maintenance ......367,416
Engine ............................... 365
Air Cleaner .......................... 372
Block Heater ......................... 280
Break-In Recommendations ................ 78
Checking Oil Level ..................... 370
Compartment ......................... 365
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 382,413
Cooling ............................. 382
448 INDEX