2012 CHRYSLER 300 ignition

The Advanced Front Air Bags and Supplemental Driver
Side Knee Air Bag will not deploy in all frontal collisions,
including some that may produce substantial vehicle
damage — for example, some pole collisions, truck
underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other
hand, depending on the type and location of impact,
Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes with
little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe
initial deceleration.
The side air bags will not deploy in all side collisions.
Side air bag deployment will depend on the severity and
type of collision.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration
over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are
not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all colli-
sions, and also are needed to help keep you in position,
away from an inflating air bag.
The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the air bag system whenever the ignition is in the START
or ON/RUN position. If the ignition is in the OFF
position or in the ACC position, the air bag system is not
on and the air bags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the air bags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the air bag system. The diagnos-
tics also record the nature of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the air bags
to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on as a bulb check when the ignition is first turned
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
air bag system immediately.
Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag
Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering
wheel and on the right side of the instrument panel.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Ad-
vanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large
quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the
Advanced Front Air Bags. Different air bag inflation rates
are possible, based on the collision type and severity. The
steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of
the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as
the air bags inflate to their full size. The air bags fully
inflate in about 50 to 70 milliseconds. This is about half of
the time it takes to blink your eyes. The air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and
front passenger.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC) Inflator Units
During collisions where the impact is confined to a
particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may
deploy the SABIC air bags, depending on several factors,
including the severity and type of collision. In these
events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the
impact side of the vehicle.
A quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side
curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag pushes
the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and
covers the window. The air bag inflates in about 30
milliseconds (about one-quarter of the time that it takes
to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you
are not belted and seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side curtain air bag
inflates. This especially applies to children. The side
curtain air bag is only about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when
it is inflated.Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time,
vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of
whether or not an air bag should have deployed.
Front And Side Impact Sensors
In front and side impacts, impact sensors can aid the
ORC in determining appropriate response to impact
events.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if
the communication network remains intact, and the
power remains intact, depending on the nature of the
event the ORC will determine whether to have the
Enhanced Accident Response System perform the follow-
ing functions:
•Cut off fuel to the engine.
•Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or
until the ignition key is turned off.
66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power, until the ignition key is re-
moved or the ignition switch is changed to OFF using
the Keyless Go Start/Stop button.
•Unlock the doors automatically.
In order to reset the Enhanced Accident Response System
functions after an event, the ignition switch must be
changed from IGN ON to IGN OFF.
If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate
immediately after deployment.
NOTE:Front and/or side air bags will not deploy in all
collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with
the air bag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the air bags, any
or all of the following may occur:
•The nylon air bag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front
passenger as the air bags deploy and unfold. The
abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you
might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor.
They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are
not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if
you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if
you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
•As the air bags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic gas used for air bag
inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin,
eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat irrita-
tion, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your
doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow
the garment manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not attempt to modify any part of your air bag
system. The air bag may inflate accidentally or
may not function properly if modifications are
made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
for any air bag system service. If your seat includ-
ing your trim cover and cushion needs to be
serviced in any way (including removal or
loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts),
take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only
manufacturer approved seat accessories may be
used. If it is necessary to modify the air bag system
for persons with disabilities, contact your autho-
rized dealer.
Air Bag Warning Light
You will want to have the air bags ready to
inflate for your protection in a collision. The
Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal
circuits and interconnecting wiring associated
with air bag system electrical components. While the air
bag system is designed to be maintenance free, if any of
the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service
the air bag system immediately.
•The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during
the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is
first cycled to the ON/RUN position.
•The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to
eight-second interval.
•The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or
remains on while driving.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that they
cannot slip out of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
WARNING!
Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per-
sonal injury.
(Continued)
84 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Canadian/Gate Operator Programming.... 244
▫Using HomeLink................... 245
▫Security........................... 245
▫Troubleshooting Tips.................. 246
▫General Information.................. 247
Power Sunroof — If Equipped............ 247
▫Opening Sunroof — Express............ 248
▫Opening Sunroof — Manual Mode........ 248
▫Closing Sunroof — Express............. 248
▫Closing Sunroof — Manual Mode........ 249
▫Pinch Protect Feature................. 249
▫Venting Sunroof — Express............. 249
▫Sunshade Operation.................. 249▫Wind Buffeting...................... 250
▫Sunroof Maintenance................. 250
▫Ignition Off Operation................. 250
CommandviewSunroof With Power Shade —
If Equipped.......................... 251
▫Opening Sunroof — Express............ 252
▫Opening Sunroof — Manual Mode........ 252
▫Closing Sunroof — Express............. 252
▫Closing Sunroof — Manual Mode........ 252
▫Opening Power Shade — Express......... 252
▫Opening Power Shade — Manual Mode.... 253
▫Closing Power Shade — Express......... 253
▫Closing Power Shade — Manual Mode..... 253
92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Pinch Protect Feature................. 253
▫Wind Buffeting...................... 253
▫Sunroof Maintenance................. 254
▫Ignition Off Operation................. 254
▫Sunroof Fully Closed.................. 254
Electrical Power Outlets................. 254
Cupholders.......................... 259
▫Front Seat Cupholders................. 259
▫Rear Seat Cupholders................. 261
Storage............................. 262
▫Glovebox Storage.................... 262
▫Console Features.................... 262▫Door Storage....................... 264
▫Rear Seat Armrest Storage — If Equipped . . . 264
▫Cargo Area — Vehicles Equipped With 60/40
Split-Folding Rear Seat................ 265
Cargo Area Features................... 266
▫Trunk Mat — If Equipped.............. 266
▫Grocery Bag Hooks................... 267
Rear Window Features.................. 267
▫Rear Window Defroster................ 267
▫Power Sunshade — If Equipped.......... 268
Load Leveling System — If Equipped....... 270
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