light CHRYSLER 300 SRT 2005 1.G Owner's Guide
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Automatic Headlights
This system automatically turns your headlights ON or
OFF based on ambient light levels. To turn the system
ON, rotate the headlamp switch counter-clockwise to the
AUTO (A) position. When the system is ON, the Head-
light Time Delay feature is also ON. This means your
headlights will stay ON for up to 90 seconds after you
turn the ignition switch OFF. To turn the Automatic
System OFF, move the headlamp switch out of the AUTO
(A) position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will come ON in the Automatic mode.
Headlamps On With Wipers
The headlights will turn on approximately 10 seconds
after the wipers are turned on if the headlight switch is
placed in the AUTO position. The headlights will also
turn off when the wipers are turned off if they were
turned on by this feature. This feature can be turned on or
off using the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to ”Headlamps On With Wipers” in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center section of this
manual for details.
Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)
The high beam headlights will come on as Daytime
Running Lights whenever the ignition switch is on, the
headlights are off, and the parking brake is off. The
headlight switch must be used for normal night time
driving.
Lights-on Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound to alert the driver
when the driver’s door is opened.
Headlight Time Delay
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for 90 seconds (programmable) when leaving your ve-
hicle in an unlighted area.
To activate the delay feature, turn off the ignition switch
while the headlights are still on. Then turn off the
headlights within 45 seconds. The 90 second delay inter-
val begins when headlight switch is turned off. If the
headlights or park lights are turned back on or the
ignition switch is turned on, the delay will be cancelled.
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If the headlights are turned off before the ignition, they
will turn off in the normal manner.
NOTE:The lights must be turned off within 45 seconds
of turning the ignition off to activate this feature
The Headlamp delay time is programmable. Refer to
“Delay Turning Headlamps Off” in the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center section for details.
Fog Lights
The front fog light switch is on the headlamp
switch below the dimmer control. To activate the
front fog lights, turn on the parking lights or the
low beam headlights and press the fog lamp switch.
NOTE:The fog lights will operate with the low beam
headlights, or parking lights on. However, selecting the
high beam headlights will turn off the fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the Multi-Function Lever up or down and the
arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the leverpartially up or down without moving beyond the detent.
Releasing the lever at the detent will provide 3 flashes.
If either light has a very fast flash rate, check for a
defective outside light bulb. If an indicator fails to light
when the lever is moved, it would suggest that the fuse
or indicator bulb is defective or there may be a circuit
failure.
NOTE:The message “Turn Signal On” will appear in
the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC), and a
continuous chime will be heard when the vehicle has
been driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn
signal on.
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
Push the Multi-Function Lever away from you to switch
the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the Lever towards
you to switch the headlights back to LOW beam.
Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the Multi-Function Lever toward you.
This will cause the headlights to turn on at high beam
and remain on until the lever is released.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
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Headlamps On With Wipers
The headlights will turn on approximately 10 seconds
after the wipers are turned on if the headlight switch is
placed in the AUTO position. The headlights will also
turn off when the wipers are turned off if they were
turned on by this feature. This feature can be turned on or
off using the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to ”Headlamps On With Wipers” in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center section of this
manual for details.
Windshield Wiper Operation
Rotate the end of the lever to the second detent for Low
speed wiper operation, or to the third detent for High
speed operation.
Intermittent Wiper System
Use the intermittent wiper when weather conditions
make a single wiping cycle, with a variable pause be-
tween cycles, desirable. Rotate the end of the lever to the
first detent position, then turn the end of the lever to
select the desired delay interval. There are 6 possibledelay wiper positions. The delay can be regulated from a
maximum of approximately 23 seconds between cycles,
to a cycle every second.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side
and should be checked for fluid level 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.
Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
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The washer fluid reservoir will hold a full gallon of fluid
when “Low Washer Fluid” appears in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center.
Headlight Washers
This feature operates in combination with the windshield
washers. To use the headlight washers, turn the head-
lights ON and press in on the windshield washer control
knob while the engine is running.This will operate the windshield washers and direct a
timed high pressure spray onto the headlight lens.
NOTE:The headlamp washers will operate on the first
spray of the windshield washers, then every fourth spray
of the windshield washers after that.
Windshield Wiper/Washer Control
Headlamp Washer
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WARNING!
Moving the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
WARNING!
TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The TCS 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 a
TCS-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 traction control system is part of the elec-
tronic stability program (ESP). 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 illuminated continuously, the TCS is switched off. To
return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by TCS,
press the electronic stability program switch (the TCS
warning light in the instrument cluster goes out). Avoid
spinning one drive wheel. This may cause serious dam-
age to the drive train.
The electronic stability program switch is located on the
center of the instrument panel. To turn the traction
control system OFF press the electronic stability program
switch until the traction control Indicator in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
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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.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS. The yellow BAS mal-
function 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
“ON” position. They should go out with the enginerunning. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light
comes on continuously with the engine running, a mal-
function 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 pos-
sible.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
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.
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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.
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 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.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 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
Electronic Stability Program Switch
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wheel slip control is active at vehicle speeds between
approximately 24 mph (40 km/h) and 50 mph (80 km/h).
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 Brake Assist System (BAS).
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or discharged), the ESP/BAS
malfunction 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
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.
Speed Control Lever
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Pushing the lever up and releasing (“ACC/RES”) once
will result in a 1 mph (1.6 km/h) speed increase. Each
time the lever is pushed up and released, speed increases
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 (“COAST”). Release the lever when
the desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be
set.
Pushing down and releasing the lever (“COAST”) 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.
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OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console contains courtesy/reading lights,
an optional universal garage door opener (HomeLink),
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 apush/pushdesign.
Push the finger depression on the overhead console to
open. Push the finger depression to close.
Overhead Console
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