2014 CHRYSLER 300 brake light

CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased ve-
hicle 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 somerelated motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS 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.
• A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 403

WARNING!
There may be situations on minor hills with a loaded
vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system
will not activate and slight rolling may occur. This
could cause a collision with another vehicle or object.
Always remember the driver is responsible for brak-
ing the vehicle.
Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, your trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, when the
brake pedal is released, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on a
hill and this could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object behind you. In order to avoid
rolling down the hill while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer brake prior to releas-
ing the brake pedal. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 411

WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compat-
ible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your
hitch and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Rec-
reational Vehicle dealer for additional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch In-
dustry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed
on your vehicle.
468 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE: Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
474 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. Add fluid to bring the level up to the top of the
“FULL” mark on the side of the master cylinder reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir. With disc
brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 537

Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment. This
type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and power steering and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the maintenance schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter
• Rotate the tires.
Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before your next scheduled
service
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake
•
Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 573

About Your Brakes....................... .400
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ................403
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (Cruise Control) . . .220
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............533
Adding Fuel ............................ .459
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .527
Additives, Fuel .......................... .454
Adjustable Pedals ........................ .214
Airbag ..................................59
Airbag Deployment ........................71
Airbag Light .............................67
Airbag Maintenance ........................72
Airbag, Side ..............................63
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................63
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .521
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................523
Air Conditioning Filter .....................360
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................523
Air Conditioning System ....................357 Air Pressure, Tires
........................ .427
Alarm Arm The System ........................19
Alarm Light ............................ .309
Alarm, Panic .............................24
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................18
All Wheel Drive (AWD) .....................395
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................532
Disposal ............................. .534
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................403
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................309
Appearance Care ........................ .542
Arming System (Security Alarm) ...............18
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .410
Auto Down Power Windows ..................40
Automatic Door Locks ......................32
Automatic Headlights ..................... .195
590 INDEX

Fluid Check.......................... .537
Master Cylinder ....................... .537
Parking ............................. .400
Warning Light ........................ .310
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................374
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................204
Bulb Replacement ........................ .560
Bulbs, Light ............................ .103
Camera, Rear ........................... .258
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .566
Caps, Filler Oil (Engine) .......................... .519
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................534
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................100
Cargo Area Features ...................... .292
Cargo Compartment ...................... .292
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................462
Car Washes ............................ .543Cellular Phone
.......................... .350
Certification Label ........................ .463
Chains, Tire ............................ .437
Changing A Flat Tire ...................... .484
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .416
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .307
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............99
Checks, Safety ............................99
Child Restraint ............................75
Child Restraints Child Seat Installation .....................93
Install A LATCH-compatible Child Restraint .....88
Installing Child Restraints Using The Vehicle Seat
Belt ..................................90
Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children .......82
Child Safety Locks .........................33
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... .452
Cleaning Wheels .............................. .544
592 INDEX