CHRYSLER 300 2005 1.G Owners Manual

The traction control system (TCS) warning
light is located in the instrument cluster. The
TCS light will flash as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin. This
indicates that the TCS system is active. If the TCS
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the TCS warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS, press the
TCS switch (the TCS warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
The TCS OFF switch is located on the center of the
instrument panel. To turn the traction control system OFF
press the TCS OFF switch until the traction control
Indicator in the instrument cluster lights up.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the TCS system by pressing the TCS switch.To turn the system back ON, press the TCS OFF switch a
second time until the traction control Indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:
²
The traction control system comes on each time the
ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur even if
you used the switch to turn the system OFF.
²The Traction Control system will make buzzing or
clicking sounds when in operation.
TCS OFF switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
3

BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS)Ð IF EQUIPPED
BAS is standard on vehicles equipped with electronic
stability program (ESP). The BAS is designed to optimize
the vehicle's braking capability during emergency brak-
ing maneuvers. The system applies optimum pressure to
the brakes in emergency braking conditions than might
otherwise be afforded solely by the driver's braking style.
This can help reduce braking distances. The BAS comple-
ments the antilock brake system (ABS). Applying the
brakes very quickly results in maximum BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system, you must apply
continuous braking power during the stopping sequence.
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The yellow BAS malfunction indicator light
comes on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ªONº position. The light should
go out with the engine running. If the BAS
malfunction indicator light comes on continuously with
the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in
either the BAS or the ESP system. If this light stays
illuminated, have the BAS and ESP checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. The
yellow BAS malfunction indicator light and the
yellow ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster both come on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ªONº position. They should go out with the
engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
light comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the BAS or the
ESP system. If this light stays illuminated, have the BAS
and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)Ð IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions. The system operates when the vehicle speed is
greater than 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h).
The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3

The ESP warning light, located in the instru-
ment cluster, starts to flash as soon as the ESP
system sensor's information varies from the
driver's intended path. The ESP warning light
also flashes when traction control is activated. If the ESP
warning light begins to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible.
Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions. When the ESP warning light is illumi-
nated continuously, the ESP is switched off. To return to
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP, press the
ESP OFF switch (the ESP warning light in the instrument
cluster goes out). Avoid spinning one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive train and is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler warranty.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the ESP OFF
switch.With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. When the ESP system is disabled (if one
drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin) the brake is
applied by the ESP system to control wheel slip. This
wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
ESP OFF Switch
114 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch to
the OFF/LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear
wheel brakes.
Synchronizing ESP
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS on some models. If the
power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunc-
tion indicator light may be illuminated with the engine
running. Turn the steering wheel completely to the left
and then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor light should go out.
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or discharged), the BAS malfunc-
tion indicator light may be illuminated with
the engine running. Turn the steering wheelcompletely to the left and then to the right. The BAS
malfunction indicator light should go out.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The
speed control switch consists of a stalk mounted lever
located on the steering column.
Electronic Speed Control Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 115
3

To Activate:
Push and release the speed control lever (ªON/OFFº)
once and an LED on the lever will illuminate indicating
that the electronic speed control is ON. To turn the
system OFF, Push and release the lever (ªON/OFFº)
again and the system and indicator will turn off.
WARNING!
Leaving the Electronic Speed Control system on
when not in use is dangerous. You could accidently
set the system or cause it to go faster than you want.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
leave the system OFF when you aren't using it.
To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, pull the
lever toward you and release. Release the accelerator and
the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:Speed control will only function in third, fourth,
or fifth gear when in the Autostick Mode Ð if equipped.
NOTE:The speed control may not engage if a different
size tire is installed on one wheel, such as the compact
spare tire.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pushing the lever away
from you (ªCANCELº) or normal braking while slowing
the vehicle will deactivate the speed control without
erasing the memory. Pushing and releasing the lever
(ªON/OFFº) or turning off the ignition erases the speed
memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push the lever up and
release (ªACC/RESº). Resume can be used at any speed
above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Vary the Speed Setting:
When the speed control is set, speed can be increased by
pushing the lever up and holding (ªACC/RESº). When
the lever is released, a new set speed will be established.
Pushing the lever up and releasing (ªACC/RESº) once
will result in a 1 mph (1.6 km/h) speed increase. Each
time the lever is pushed up and released, speed increases
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

so that pushing the lever up and releasing three times
will increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is set, push the
lever down and hold (ªCOASTº). Release the lever when
the desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be
set.
Pushing down and releasing the lever (ªCOASTº) once
will result in a 1 mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time
the lever is pushed down and released, speed decreases.
To Accelerate For Passing:
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
Four speed automatic transmissions will experience a
downshift to 3rd gear while climbing uphill or descend-
ing downhill. This downshift to 3rd gear is necessary to
maintain vehicle set speed.On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
3

OVERHEAD CONSOLE Ð IF EQUIPPED
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLinkt),
storage for sunglasses, and optional power sunroof
switches.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
At the forward end of the console are two courtesy/
reading lights.
Press the lens to turn these lights on. Press a second time
to turn the lights off.
The lights also turn on when a front door or rear door is
opened. The lights will also turn on when the unlock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed.
Sunglasses Storage
At the rear of the console a compartment is provided for
the storage of a pair of sunglasses.
The storage compartment access is a9push/push9design.
Push the finger depression on the overhead console to
open. Push the finger depression to close.
Overhead Console
118 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

GARAGE DOOR OPENER Ð IF EQUIPPED
The HomeLinktUniversal Transceiver replaces up to
three remote controls (hand held transmitters) that oper-
ate devices such as garage door openers, motorized
gates, or home lighting. It triggers these devices at the
push of a button. The Universal Transceiver operates off
your vehicle's battery and charging system; no batteries
are needed.
NOTE:The HomeLinktUniversal Transceiver is dis-
abled when the Vehicle Theft Alarm is active.
For additional information on HomeLinkt, call 1±800±
355±3515, or on the internet at www.homelink.com.
WARNING!
A moving garage door can cause injury to people and
pets in the path of the door. People or pets could be
seriously or fatally injured. Only use this transceiver
with a garage door opener that has a ªstop and
reverseº feature as required by federal safety stan-
dards. This includes most garage door opener mod-
els manufactured after 1982. Do not use a garage
door opener without these safety features it could
cause injury or death. Call toll-free 1±800±355±3515
or, on the Internet at www.homelink.com for safety
information or assistance.
Programming HomeLink
NOTE:
When programming a garage door opener, it is
advised to park outside the garage. It is also recom-
mended that a new battery be placed in the hand-held
transmitter of the device being programmed to
HomeLink for quicker training and accurate transmis-
sion of the radio-frequency signal.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 119
3

The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display which includes
HomeLink system messages. The EVIC is located in the
upper part of the cluster between the speedometer and
tachometer.
1. Press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons, and
release only when the EVIC display shows ªChannels
Clearedº (after 20 seconds).Do nothold the buttons forlonger than 30 seconds anddo notrepeat step one to
program a second and/or third hand-held transmitter to
the remaining two HomeLink buttons.
WARNING!
Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a danger-
ous gas. Do not run the vehicle's exhaust while
training the transceiver. Exhaust gas can cause seri-
ous injury or death.
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
HomeLink Buttons
120 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE