2021 CHRYSLER 300 warning

60 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
2. Reach under the hood, move the safety latch
to the left, and lift the hood.

Hood Safety Latch

CLOSING THE HOOD
Hoods equipped with gas props are closed from
the point where the props no longer hold the hood
open.
TRUNK
OPENING THE TRUNK
The trunk may be opened in several ways:
Power trunk release button on the instrument
panel
Trunk button on the key fob
Trunk Passive Entry button Ú page 20
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, the trunk
op e

n symbol will display in the instrument cluster
indicating that the trunk is open. The odometer
display will reappear once the trunk is closed.
With the ignition in the OFF position, the trunk
ope
n symbol will display until the trunk is closed.
Power Trunk Release Button The trunk can be opened from inside the
vehicle using the power trunk release
bu

tton located on the instrument panel
to the left of the steering wheel.
NOTE:
The transmission must be in PARK before the
b u
tton will operate.
Key Fob Trunk Release Button
Push the power trunk button on the key
fob twice within five seconds to release
th
e trunk.
Passive Entry Button

Push the trunk Passive Entry button which is located
o n

the right side of the trunk lid. With a valid Passive
Entry key fob within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the trunk, push
th

e Passive Entry button to open the trunk.
Trunk Passive Entry Button

CLOSING THE TRUNK
With one or more hands placed on the outside
trunk surface push the trunk lid down until you
hear the trunk lock latch into place.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving
your vehicle. If the hood is not fully latched, it
could open when the vehicle is in motion and
block your vision. Failure to follow this warning
could result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage, do not slam the
hood to close it. Lower hood to approximately
12 inches (30 cm) and drop the hood to close.
Ma

ke sure hood is fully closed for both latches.
Never drive vehicle unless hood is fully closed,
with both latches engaged.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 61
(Continued)
NOTE:
Before closing the trunk lid make sure your key fob
i s
n’t inside the trunk area. The trunk will latch then
automatically unlock if the key fob is detected, not
allowing the key fob to be locked in the trunk area.
TRUNK SAFETY
Trunk Emergency Release
As a security measure, a trunk internal emergency
r e

lease lever is built into the trunk latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being
locked inside the trunk, the trunk can be opened
by actuating the glow-in-the-dark handle attached
to the trunk latching mechanism.

Trunk Emergency Release

CARGO AREA FEATURES
60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat —
If Equipped
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.
When the seatback is folded to the upright
pos
ition, make sure it is latched by strongly pulling
on the top of the seatback above the seat strap.
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the
trunk, either by climbing into the trunk from
outside, or through the inside of the vehicle.
Always close the trunk lid when your vehicle is
unattended. Once in the trunk, young children
may not be able to escape, even if they entered
through the rear seat. If trapped in the trunk,
children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is securely
locked into position. If the seatback is not
securely locked into position, the seat will not
provide the proper stability for child seats
and/or passengers. An improperly latched
seat could cause serious injury.
The cargo area in the rear of the vehicle (with
the rear seatbacks in the locked-up or folded
down position) should not be used as a play
area by children at any time. They could be
seriously injured in a collision. Children should
be seated and using the proper restraint
system.
To help protect against personal injury,
passengers should not be seated in the rear
cargo area. The rear cargo space is intended
for load carrying purposes only, not for
passengers, who should sit in seats and use
seat belts.
2

62 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Trunk Mat — If Equipped
A trunk mat covers the bottom of the cargo area.
The trunk mat is used to protect the interior of the
trunk from mud, snow, and debris.
Grocery Bag Hooks
The rear cargo area is equipped with grocery bag
hooks, located on either side of the rear cargo
area.

Grocery Bag Hooks

Cargo Net — If Equipped
The rear cargo area may be equipped with a cargo
net to keep items secure while driving.
Rear Cargo Net

Attachment
To attach the cargo net, the clips must be hooked
t h

rough the loops on both sides of the cargo area.

Cargo Net Attachments

The weight and position of cargo and
pa

ssengers can change the vehicle center of
gravity and vehicle handling. To avoid loss of
control resulting in personal 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 become a dangerous projectile in a sudden
stop or collision.
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Do not exceed the maximum weight limit 50 lb
(22 kg) of the grocery bag hook. Damage may
occur to hook and mounting surface.
1 — Top Attachment
2 — Bottom Attachment

66 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. Instrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist, this
display shows the instrument cluster
display messages
Ú page 66.
3. S peedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. T emperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within the
normal range indicates that the engine
cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature 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 oper
-
ating range. 5. Fuel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points to the
side of the vehicle where the fuel
d oor
is located.
NOTE:
The warning / indicator Lights will briefly illuminate
f or
a bulb check when the ignition is first cycled.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY

Your vehicle is equipped with an instrument cluster
display, which offers useful information to the driver.
With the ignition in the OFF mode, opening/closing
of a door will activate the display for viewing, and
display the total miles, or kilometers, in the odometer. Your instrument cluster display is
designed to display important information about
your vehicle’s systems and features. Using a driver
interactive display located on the instrument panel,
your instrument cluster display can show you how
systems are working and give you warnings when
they are not. The steering wheel mounted controls
allow you to scroll through the main menus and
submenus. You can access the specific information
you want and make selections and adjustments.

LOCATION AND CONTROLS
The instrument cluster display features an
interactive display which is located in the
instrument cluster.
This system conveniently allows the driver to select
a


variety of useful information by pushing the
arrow buttons located on the left side of the
steering wheel. The instrument cluster display
menu items consist of the following:
Speedometer
Vehicle Info
Driver Assist — If Equipped
Fuel Economy
Trip
Audio
Messages
Screen Setup
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized
dealer for service if your vehicle overheats.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “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 the “H,” turn the engine
off immediately and call an authorized dealer for
service.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 69
The ACC screen may display once again if any ACC
activity occurs, which may include any of the
following:
Distance Setting Change
System Cancel
Driver Override
System Off
ACC Proximity Warning
ACC Unavailable Warning
LaneSense — If Equipped
The instrument cluster display displays the current
La n

eSense system settings Ú page 108. The
information displayed depends on LaneSense
s y
stem status. Push the LaneSense button
(located on the center stack below the Uconnect
display) until one of the following displays in the
instrument cluster display:
LaneSense Off
When LaneSense is deactivated, the display will
r e

ad “LaneSense Off.”
LaneSense On
When LaneSense is activated, the display will
re

ad “LaneSense On.”
Fuel Economy
The Fuel Economy Menu has two submenu pages;
one with Current Value (instantaneous calculation
of the fuel economy) displayed and one without the
Current Value displayed (toggle the left
or
right arrow button to select one):
Current Fuel Economy (MPG, L/100 km, or
km/L).
Range To Empty (miles or km).
Average Fuel Economy (MPG, L/100 km, or
km/L).
Lower end of gauge will be displayed in an
amber color and turn green as Fuel Economy
improves.
Hold the OK button to reset average fuel
economy information.
Trip Info
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Trip Menu item is displayed in the
i n
strument cluster display. Toggle the left
or
right arrow button to select Trip A or Trip B. The
Trip information will display the following:
Distance – Shows the total distance (mi or km)
traveled for Trip A or Trip B since the last reset.
Average Fuel Economy – Shows the average
fuel economy (MPG, L/100km or km/L) of Trip A
or Trip B since the last reset.
Elapsed Time – Shows the total elapsed time of
travel since the last reset.
Hold the OK
button to reset feature information.
Audio
This menu displays the Audio information of the
currently playing audio source (e.g. FM radio).
Messages
This feature shows the number of stored warning
messages, if any. Pushing the left
or right

a
rrow button will allow you to scroll through the
s t
ored messages.
Screen Setup
Push and release the up or down arrow
button until the Screen Setup Menu displays in the
i n
strument cluster display. Push and release the
OK button to enter the submenus. The Screen
Setup feature allows you to change what
information is displayed in the instrument cluster
as well as the location that information is
displayed.
NOTE:
Screen Setup is available only when the vehicle is
n ot
in motion.

1. Upper Left

Compass
Outside Temp
Time
3

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 71
NOTE:
The charging system is independent from load
reduction. The charging system performs a diag
-
nostic on the charging system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it may
indicate a problem with the charging system
Ú page 73.
The electrical loads that may be switched off (if
e q

uipped), and vehicle functions which can be
affected by load reduction:
Heated Seat/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel —
If Equipped
Heated/Cooled Cup Holders — If Equipped
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
m or

e of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system because
the electrical loads are larger than the capability
of the charging system. The charging system is
still functioning properly.
Turning on all possible vehicle electrical loads
(e.g. HVAC to max settings, exterior and interior
lights, overloaded power outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports) during certain driving
c
on

ditions (city driving, towing, frequent stop -
ping).
Installing options like additional lights, upfitter
electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms
and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated by
long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended period
of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was not
charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical load
left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volt portable appliances
like vacuum cleaners, game consoles and
similar devices.
What to do when an electrical load reduction
a c

tion message is present (“Battery Saver On” or
“Battery Saver Mode”)
During a trip:
Reduce power to unnecessary loads if possible:
Turn off redundant lights (interior or exte -
rior)
Check what may be plugged in to power
outlets +12 Volts, 115 Volts AC, USB ports
Check HVAC settings (blower, temperature)
Check the audio settings (volume)
After a trip:
Check if any aftermarket equipment was
installed (additional lights, upfitter electrical
accessories, audio systems, alarms) and review
specifications if any (load and Ignition Off Draw
currents).
Evaluate the latest driving cycles (distance,
driving time and parking time).
The vehicle should have service performed if
the message is still present during consecutive
trips and the evaluation of the vehicle and
driving pattern did not help to identify the cause.
PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES
The instrument cluster display can be used to view
or change the following settings. Push the up
or
down arrow button to scroll through the main
menus, then push the ri
ght arrow button to
scroll through the submenus of each menu item.
P u
sh the left arrow button to scroll back to a
previous menu or submenu.
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the
instrument panel together with a dedicated
message and/or acoustic signal when applicable.
These indications are indicative and precautionary
3

72 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
and as such must not be considered as exhaustive
and/or alternative to the information contained in
the Owner’s Manual, which you are advised to read
carefully in all cases. Always refer to the
information in this chapter in the event of a failure
indication. All active warning lights will display first
if applicable. The system check menu may appear
different based upon equipment options and
current vehicle status. Some warning lights are
optional and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a fault with the air bag, and will
t
u
rn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light will
illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the
air bag has been detected, it will stay on until the
fault is cleared. If the light is either not on during
startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have
the system inspected at an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
This warning light monitors various brake
functions, including brake fluid level and
p a
rking brake application. If the brake
light turns on it may indicate that the
parking brake is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the Anti-Lock
Brake System reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has
b
e

en disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full
mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates
a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or
that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) /
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this
case, the light will remain on until the condition has
been corrected. If the problem is related to the
brake booster, the ABS pump will run when
applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation
may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking
c a

pacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the
hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual
brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning
Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a
specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
c or
nering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
ne
cessary. Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(
A

BS) 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
c h

ecked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF
position to the ON/RUN position. The light should
illuminate for approximately 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
i s

applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is
a p
plied. It does not show the degree of brake appli -
cation.
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.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 73
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the
driver or passenger seat belt is
un
buckled. When the ignition is first
placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN
position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled,
a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When
driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt
remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light
will flash or remain on continuously and a chime
will sound
Ú page 151.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the
battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on

while the engine is running, there may
be a malfunction with the charging
system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
e l

ectrical system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door
is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single
c h
ime.
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning
Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the Electric Power
St
eering (EPS) system Ú page 92.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the ETC system.
I
f
a problem is detected while the vehicle
is running, the light will either stay on or
flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and
completely stopped and the transmission is placed
in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If
the light remains on with the vehicle running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an
authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake
p e
dals are pressed at the same time. If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
r
u

nning, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
e n
gine coolant temperature is too high,
this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the
upper limit, a continuous chime will sound for four
minutes or until the engine is able to cool,
whichever comes first.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
a n

d stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (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 and call for service
Ú page 190.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.3