2012 CHRYSLER 300 check engine light

Synchronizing ESC
If the power supply is interrupted (battery
disconnected or discharged), the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator 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 “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” should go out. However, if
the light remains on, have the ESC and BAS checked at
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
1 — U.S. DOT Safety Stan-
dards Code (TIN)4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 387

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.
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 “Malfunction7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 475

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 maynotbe 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:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system isnot readyand you should
notproceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
476 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering, and 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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S528 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 184
Bulb Replacement.....................516,517
Bulbs, Light..........................86,516
Camera, Rear........................... 235
Capacities, Fluid........................ 521
Caps, Filler
Oil (Engine)........................ 481
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............. 495
Car Washes............................ 503
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............83,424
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 431
Cellular Phone.......................... 332
Certification Label....................... 431
Chains, Tire............................ 406
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 449
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 389
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............279,475Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 82
Checks, Safety........................... 82
Child Restraint..................71,72,73,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors.............75,76
Child Safety Locks........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 421
Cleaning
Wheels............................ 504
Windshield Wiper Blades............... 488
Climate Control......................... 332
Clock................................ 328
Coin Holder........................... 262
Cold Weather Operation................... 351
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 331
Compact Spare Tire...................... 401
Computer, Trip/Travel.................... 297
Connector
UCI .............................. 328
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)....... 328
554 INDEX

Flashers
Hazard Warning..................... 448
Turn Signal....................86,181,276
Flat Tire Changing....................... 449
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range...................... 427
Engine Oil......................... 426
Fuel Requirements.................424,425
Maintenance........................ 427
Replacement Parts.................... 427
Starting........................... 427
Flooded Engine Starting................... 351
Floor Console.......................... 262
Fluid Capacities......................... 521
Fluid Leaks............................. 86
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission................ 500
Brake............................. 498
Cooling System...................... 492Engine Oil......................... 479
Transfer Case....................... 501
Fluid, Brake........................... 523
Fluids................................ 522
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 522
Fog Lights..........................179,276
Folding Rear Seat........................ 168
Forward Collision Warning..............222,289
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 462
Fuel................................. 420
Additives.......................... 423
Clean Air.......................... 421
Conserving......................... 294
Ethanol........................... 421
Filler Door (Gas Cap).................. 280
Gasoline........................... 420
Gauge............................ 280
Light............................. 289
Materials Added..................... 423
558 INDEX

Exterior............................ 86
Fog ............................179,276
Hazard Warning Flasher............... 448
Headlight Switch..................... 175
Headlights......................175,517
Headlights On Reminder............... 179
Headlights On With Wipers..........176,188
High Beam......................... 181
High Beam Indicator.................. 276
High Beam/Low Beam Select............ 181
Illuminated Entry..................... 21
Instrument Cluster................... 175
Intensity Control..................... 184
Interior............................ 184
License............................ 520
Lights On Reminder.................. 179
Low Fuel.......................... 289
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)...... 279
Map Reading.....................182,183Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness)........ 186
Passing............................ 181
Reading......................182,183,237
Seat Belt Reminder................... 284
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............ 281
Service.........................516,517
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator)................ 279
SmartBeams........................ 177
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............ 281
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).......277,410
Traction Control..................... 386
Turn Signal....................86,180,181
Vanity Mirror........................ 98
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 276
Load Leveling System.................... 270
Loading Vehicle......................431,433
Capacities.......................... 433
Tires .............................. 393
562 INDEX

Locks................................. 29
Auto Unlock......................... 32
Automatic Door...................... 32
Child Protection...................... 32
Door.............................. 29
Power Door......................... 31
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 410
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................75,76
Lubrication, Body....................... 488
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 483
Maintenance Procedures................... 478
Maintenance Schedule.................... 526
Maintenance, General..................... 478
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 279,475
Manual Transmission..................... 502
Fluid Level Check.................... 502
Manual, Service......................... 547Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 498
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 169
Memory Seat........................... 169
Memory Seats and Radio.................. 169
Methanol............................. 421
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 297
Mirrors................................ 94
Automatic Dimming................... 94
Electric Powered...................... 97
Electric Remote....................... 97
Exterior Folding...................... 95
Heated............................. 98
Outside............................ 95
Vanity............................. 98
Mode
Fuel Saver......................... 294
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 410
Mopar Parts.........................477,546
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INDEX 563