power steering CHRYSLER 300 2008 1.G User Guide

CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
MULTI DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM (MDS) — 5.7L
Engine Only
This feature offers improved fuel economy by shutting
off four of the engine’s eight cylinders during light load
and cruise conditions. The system is automatic with no
driver inputs or additional driving skills required.
NOTE:The MDS system may take some time to return
to full functionality after a battery disconnect.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) — IF
EQUIPPED
WARNING!
The Traction Control System (TCS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the ve-
hicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The
TCS cannot prevent accidents, including those result-
ing from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of a TCS-equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner, which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others.
The Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on ve-
hicles equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) —
IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, 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.This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
5

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 LOCK or ACC position). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and it 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.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator and ESP/TCS
Indicator Lights
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light and the
STARTING AND OPERATING 333
5

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............430
▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped............431
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............432
▫Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........432
▫Steering Linkage......................433
▫Body Lubrication.....................433
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................433
▫Windshield Washers/Headlight Washers —
If Equipped.........................434
▫Exhaust System......................434
▫Cooling System.......................435
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......440
▫Fuel System.........................441▫Brake System........................441
▫Automatic Transmission................444
▫All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped.....445
▫Front And Rear Wheel Bearings...........446
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................446
▫Cleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 450

Fuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........451
▫Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center).....451
▫Fuses (Rear Power Distribution Center)......453

Vehicle Storage........................458

Replacement Bulbs......................459

Bulb Replacement......................460
412 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Coolant Pressure Cap
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Coolant Bottle 9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Washer Fluid Bottle 414 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 — Coolant Bottle
2 — Air Cleaner Filter 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Coolant Pressure Cap 9 — Washer Fluid Bottle
5 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery PostMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 415
7

5.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Fuses (Front Power Distribution Center) 6 — Air Cleaner Filter
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 7 — Engine Oil Fill
3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir Access Cover 8 — Engine Oil Dipstick
4 — Coolant Bottle 9 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
5 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Washer Fluid Bottle 416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Install new filter with arrows pointing in the direction of
airflow, which is toward the rear of the vehicle (text and
arrows on the filter indicate this).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of
this manual for the recommended air conditioning
filter replacement intervals.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
The suspension ball joints should be inspected for exter-
nal leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When the vehicle is serviced for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive swelling
indicate deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
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 notnecessarily 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.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
29 — 5 Amp
OrangeAdaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) - if equipped/
Cluster/Electronic Sta-
bility Program (ESP) - if
equipped/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)/
Stop Light Switch
30 — 10 Amp
RedDoor Modules/Power
Mirrors/Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
31———
32———
33———
34———Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
35 — 5 Amp
OrangeAntenna Module - if
equipped/Power
Mirrors/Rain Sensor - if
equipped
36 — 20 Amp
YellowHands Free Phone - if
equipped/Video Moni-
tor - if equipped/Radio
37 — 15 Amp
BlueTransmission
38 — 10 Amp
RedAnalog Clock/Cargo
Light/Satellite Receiver
(SDARS) Video - if
equipped/Vehicle Infor-
mation Module - if
equipped
456 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE