2010 CHRYSLER 300 SRT ABS

The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will give you a false alarm. If one
of the previously-described arming sequences has oc-
curred, the Vehicle Security Alarm will arm regardless of
whether you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the
vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected the Vehicle Security Alarm will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected. The
exterior lights will flash, the horn will sound, and the
ignition will not start the vehicle. If this occurs, disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm.
Vehicles Equipped with Keyless Go
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or grasp the Passive Entry Unlock Door Handle (refer to
“Door Locks” in “Things To Know Before Starting” forfurther information), press the Keyless Go Start/Stop
button (requires at least one valid Key Fob in the vehicle),
or insert a valid Key Fob into the ignition switch (if the
Start/Stop button is removed) and rotate it to the RUN
position.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times when you
disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm. Check the vehicle for
tampering.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY — IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy lights will turn on when you use the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or unlock any
door.
The lights will fade to off after approximately 30 seconds
or they will immediately fade to off once the ignition
switch is turned ON from the LOCK position.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

Trunk Emergency Release
The trunk of your vehicle is equipped with an emergency
release handle. It is located on the inside of the trunk lid,
near the latch, and is coated so that it glows in a darkened
trunk. Pull on the handle to open the trunk.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
•Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the driver and
all passengers
•Advanced Front Airbags for driver and front passen-
ger
•Supplemental Side Airbag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
for the driver and passengers seated next to a window
— if equipped
•An energy-absorbing steering column and steering
wheel
•Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants
•Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners to enhance
occupant protection by managing occupant energy
during an impact event — if equipped
Trunk Emergency Release
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The top compartment holds small items, such as a pen
and note pad, while the larger bottom compartment will
hold CDs and alike. The bottom compartment also con-
tains a 12 Volt power outlet and a molded-in coin holder
(designed to hold various size coins). A slot in the left and
right side of the top compartment provides clearance for
power cords to pass conveniently out of the bin with the
lid closed. This feature is ideal for games, laptop’s,
cellular phones or other electrical equipment. The con-
sole’s front opening lid allows for easy access to these
compartments.
Cargo Area
The 60/40 split-folding rear seat provides cargo-carrying
versatility. The seatbacks fold down easily by pulling
nylon tabs between the seatbacks and the bolsters. When
the seats are folded down, they provide a continuous,
nearly-flat extension of the load floor.
WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in per-
sonal injury, follow these guidelines for loading your
vehicle:
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed
weight over or behind the rear axle can cause the
rear of the vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or be-
come a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or
collision.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 179

mileage was before the repair or service. It is a good idea
for you to make a record of the odometer reading before
the repair/service, so that you can be sure that it is
properly reset, or that the door jamb sticker is accurate if
the odometer must be reset at zero.
This display shows the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) messages when the appropriate conditions
exist. (Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” for further information).
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the odometer
display area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and
press the 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 Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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 Light
This 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. The vehicle should be turned OFF
immediately and serviced as soon as possible.
9. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light 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.
190 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 placed in the RUN position, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
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 placed in the RUN position.
The light should go out with the engine running. If the
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
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 on4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 191

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 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 193

▫Operation ......................... 289
▫ General Information .................. 290
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 290
▫ Acceleration ........................ 290
▫ Traction ........................... 291
 Driving Through Water ................. 291
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 291
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 292
 Power Steering ....................... 293
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 294
 Parking Brake ........................ 295
 Brake System ........................ 297
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System ............... 298 
Electronic Brake Control System ........... 300
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 301
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 301
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 302
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 302
▫ Synchronizing ESP ................... 306
▫ ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light ............... 306
 Tire Safety Information ................. 307
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 307
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 311
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 312
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 313
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system automatically “pumps”
the brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) prevents the
rear wheels from over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces applied to the rear
axle.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
•The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
•The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
•Brake pedal pulsations, and
•A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING