check engine light CHRYSLER 300 LX 2007 User Guide

When ESP is switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. However, a fea-
ture of the system remains active. This feature controls
wheel spin across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip
differential. If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster
than the other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel and allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning. This wheel slip
control is active at vehicle speeds between approximately
24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
CAUTION!
When the ESP/TCS indicator light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Avoid spin-
ning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
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 light for the ESP is
combined with BAS indicator. If the power
supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or
discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indica-
tor 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 ESP/BAS malfunction
indicator light should go out. However, if the light
remains on, have the ESP and BAS checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
STARTING AND OPERATING 261
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
7 - Pin Connector
308 STARTING AND OPERATING
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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.” 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 dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indicator
Light” on could cause further damage to the emis-
sion control system. It could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before
any emissions tests can be performed.
If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“Check Gascap” message will display in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) — if equipped. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer reset button to turn off the message. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
the vehicle is started.
332 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
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, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD 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 system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. 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 key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you
shouldnotproceed to the I/M station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 333
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The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
The rubber edges of the wiper blades and the windshield
should be cleaned periodically with a sponge or soft cloth
and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accu-
mulations of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers — If
Equipped
The windshield washer and the headlight washer (if
equipped) share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid
reservoir is located in the front of the engine compart-
ment on the passenger side of the vehicle. Be sure to
check the fluid level in the reservoir at regular intervals.
Fill the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not
radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out the residual water.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 gallon (4 liters) of
washer fluid when the message “Low Washer Fluid”
appears in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) — if equipped.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
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Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
NOTE:
•
Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
•Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 355
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At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean, and tighten the termi-
nals as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir and brake
master cylinder, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
388 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Autostick........................... 249
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 357
Fluid Change........................ 357
Fluid Level Check..................... 356
Fluid Type.......................... 384
Gear Ranges......................... 241
Shifting..........................240,245
Special Additives..................... 357
Torque Converter..................... 243
Automatic Transmission Limp Home Mode . . . 244
Autostick..........................247,249
Ball Joints............................ 346
Battery............................... 343
Emergency Starting.................... 322
Jump Starting........................ 322
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................322,343
Bearings.............................. 358
Belts, Drive........................... 340
Belts, Seat............................. 33
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 346
B-Pillar Location....................... 267Brake Assist System..................... 258
Brake, Parking......................... 251
Brake System.......................253,354
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 253
Fluid Check......................355,384
Hoses.............................. 354
Master Cylinder...................... 355
Parking............................ 251
Warning Light....................165,253
Brakes............................... 253
Brake/Transmission Interlock.............. 240
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 58
Bulb Replacement...................... 372
Bulbs, Light........................... 371
Calibration, Compass.................... 178
Capacities, Fluid....................... 382
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 293
Oil (Engine)......................338,339
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 351
Car Washes........................... 359
Carbon Monoxide Warning.............59,292
INDEX 415
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Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 217
Catalytic Converter..................... 341
CD (Compact Disc) Player.............188,195
Cellular Phone.......................... 72
Chains, Tire........................... 279
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 314
Chart, Tire Sizing....................... 264
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............. 333
Child Restraint...................50,52,55,56
Child Restraint Tether Anchors...........54,55
Child Safety Locks....................... 25
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 290
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 360
Climate Control........................ 219
Clock.......................186,190,196,207
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance........... 218
Compact Spare Tire..................... 274
Compass............................. 178
Compass Calibration.................... 178
Compass Variance...................... 179
Computer, Trip/Travel................... 175Console.............................. 153
Console, Floor......................... 153
Console, Overhead...................... 140
Contract, Service....................... 408
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)........ 351
Cooling System........................ 349
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 351
Coolant Capacity..................... 382
Coolant Level.....................349,352
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 352
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 350
Inspection........................... 352
Points to Remember................... 352
Pressure Cap........................ 351
Radiator Cap........................ 351
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)....350,382,383
Cruise Control (Speed Control).......... 118,121
Cruise Light........................... 163
Cup Holder.....................151,362,363
Customer Assistance.................... 406
Data Recorder, Event..................... 49
Daytime Running Lights................. 106
416 INDEX
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Dealer Service......................... 334
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 229
Defroster, Windshield...............61,220,225
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers............... 110
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 332
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 107
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 352
Door Locks............................ 22
Door Locks, Automatic................... 24
Door Opener, Garage.................... 141
Drive Belts............................ 340
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 250
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System).... 210
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 70
Electrical Power Outlets.................. 149
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) . . 118,121
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 259
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light..... 168
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 171Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 324
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 312
Jacking............................. 314
Jump Starting........................ 322
Overheating......................... 312
Towing............................. 325
Emission Control System Maintenance....333,386
Engine.........................329,330,331
Air Cleaner.......................... 341
Block Heater......................... 237
Break-In Recommendations............... 58
Checking Oil Level.................335,336
Compartment..................329,330,331
Coolant (Antifreeze)................349,383
Cooling............................ 349
Exhaust Gas Caution................59,292
Fails to Start......................... 235
Flooded, Starting..................... 235
Fuel Requirements.................289,382
Oil ..........................335,382,383
Oil Change Interval................... 337
Oil Filler Cap.....................338,339
INDEX 417
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