2011 CHRYSLER 300 User Guide

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feelyou are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent, we will contact local
police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go out with the engine running.
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system.
• If this 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), we recommend you drive to the nearest
service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when cold and inflatedto the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST
THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE
VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE
DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE
DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when thesystem is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time
the vehicle is restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including
the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle.
Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement
equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on or flashes continuously while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Ifthe A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the
vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam
or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized service center for service if your
vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parkingbrake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it indicates a possible
brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start.The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
• This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system lightremains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicleand shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four minutes when this light
turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we recommend you driveto the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignitionwhen the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position; the
light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Airbag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the vehicle servicedby an authorized service center immediately.
SERVICE AWD SYSTEM Message
• If the SERVICE AWD SYSTEM warning message appears after engine start up, or duringdriving, it means the AWD system is not functioning properly. We recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as Oil Change Required) appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button and cycle the ignition to the ON/RUN position (Do not start the engine.)
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Without pressing the brake pedal, push the ENGINE START/STOP button once to return the ignition to the OFF/LOCK position. WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking theappropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift transmission into NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the Temperature Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor and the Fan Control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in
removing heat from the engine cooling system.
• If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner
turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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JACKING, TIRE CHANGING
Jack/Spare Tire Location
Preparations For Jacking
• Park on a firm, level surface. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Set the parking brake and shift the transmission into PARK.
• Turn the ignition to LOCK and turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.• Block both the front and rear of the wheeldiagonally opposite of the jacking position.
For example, if changing the right front tire,
block the left rear wheel.
NOTE: Passengers should not remain in the
vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
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Jacking And Tire Changing Instructions
• Remove the spare tire, jack and lug wrench.
• If equipped with steel wheels, do not remove the wheel cover at this time. If equipped withaluminum wheels where the center cap covers the lug nuts, use the lug wrench to pry the center
cap off carefully before raising the vehicle.
• Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise one turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Assemble the jack and jacking tools. Connect the jack handle driver to the extension, then to the lug wrench.
• Place the jack underneath the lift area that is closest to the flat tire. Turn the jack screw clockwise to firmly engage the jack saddle with the lift area of the sill flange.
• Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screwclockwise. Raise the vehicle only until the tire
just clears the surface and enough clearance
is obtained to install the spare tire.
• Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (if equipped) and wheel.
• Position the spare wheel/tire on the vehicle and install the lug nuts with the cone-shaped
end toward the wheel. Do NOT attempt to
install a center cap or wheel cover on the
compact spare. Lightly tighten the lug nuts.
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the
jack, do not tighten the nuts fully until the
vehicle has been lowered.
• Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw counterclockwise, and remove the jack and
wheel blocks.
• Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while tightening for increased
leverage. Alternate nuts until each one has
been tightened twice. The correct wheel nut
tightness is 100 ft lbs (135 N•m). If in doubt
about the correct tightness, have them
checked with a torque wrench by your
authorized dealer or at a service station.
• Secure the tire, jack (base of jack faces front of vehicle), and tools in their proper
locations.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull farenough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never get any part of your body under a vehicle that is
on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can
be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm, level
surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Carefully follow these tire changing procedures to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle: Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the
roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable and could cause it to slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough to
remove the tire.
• A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or hard stop, could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided.
JUMP-STARTING
• If your vehicle has a discharged battery it canbe jump-started using a set of jumper cables
and a battery in another vehicle or by using a
portable battery booster pack.
• Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improperly so please follow the procedures in
this section carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster
pack follow the manufacturer’s operating
instructions and precautions.
Preparations for Jump-Start
• The battery is stored under an access cover in the trunk. Remote battery posts are located on
the right side of the engine compartment for jump-starting.
NOTE: The remote battery posts are viewed by standing on the right side of the vehicle looking
over the fender.
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